Jamaican sprinter Bovel McPherson delivered a record-breaking performance at the NJCAA Indoor Championships in Lubbock, Texas, blazing to a personal best 45.58 seconds in the 400m. Competing for New Mexico Junior College, McPherson not only clinched the gold but also erased a long-standing championship record, previously set by Sean Bailey in 2017 (45.59s) and the NJCAA all-time best of 45.84s from 2011.
McPherson’s historic run was the highlight of a dominant Jamaican showing at the two-day championship, with several athletes delivering podium finishes across multiple events.
Jamaican Stars Shine Across Events
- Shamar Reid of South Plains College claimed victory in the men’s shot put, launching a massive 17.82m throw to take the title.
- Celine Riddle (Barton County College) produced an outstanding 6.21m jump to win the women’s long jump and secured second place in the triple jump with 12.60m—both personal bests.
- Asharria Ulett (Barton County) blazed to gold in the 60m hurdles, running a personal best 8.29 seconds after topping the prelims.
- Jody Ann Mitchell (New Mexico JC) clocked 1:32.55 minutes to take silver in the women’s 600m, with teammate Ysanne Peart (1:35.63 PB) finishing sixth. The duo later helped New Mexico JC clinch gold in the distance medley relay (11:47.42).
Rising Talents Make Their Mark
Several Jamaican athletes also notched personal bests and strong finishes in various disciplines:
- Ricardo Hayles (Barton County) threw 17.29m for fifth in shot put.
- Yekini Bowen (Iowa Western) placed sixth with 17.14m.
- Nichalas Power (Indian Hills) finished second in the men’s 800m (1:50.66), while Ainsley Campbell (Butler) clocked a PB 1:51.67 for sixth.
- Kaydeen Johnson (Odessa) ran 2:56.55 for silver in the 1,000m.
- Cedricka Williams (Barton County) set a PB of 17.68m to claim bronze in the women’s weight throw.
McPherson also showcased his range in the 200m, leading the qualifiers with a personal best 20.70s, setting himself up as a rising force in collegiate sprinting.
Jamaican Legacy Continues
With McPherson’s record-setting run and a slew of podium finishes, Jamaica’s rich legacy of track and field excellence remains undeniable. The dominance displayed at the NJCAA Indoor Championships reinforces the country’s ability to produce world-class talent, proving once again that Jamaican athletes are a force to be reckoned with on any stage.
