SOME OF the most respected figures in Jamaican athletics have lent their weight of support to the ‘Global Conversation for the Future of Athletics, reports www.worldathletics.org.

The island nation is small in size but giant in its contribution to the sport through the achievements of Usain Bolt, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Don Quarrie and many more. Now they are determined that their voice resonates just as widely through the international consultation to help shape the sport in the future. 

“We have been a track and field powerhouse for a long time and we plan to continue being a powerhouse in the sport,” Ian Forbes, Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association first vice president, told the Jamaica Gleaner newspaper.

“So we need to be at the table and we need to be engaging the relevant authorities with respect to the sport and its development. I am pretty confident that we will have a strong voice in that process. In participating, we as an association would be reaching out to our athletes, coaches, and other stakeholders within the group to get their feedback as well.” 

Coach and husband to world triple jump silver medallist Shanieka Ricketts and national jumps coach Kerrylee Ricketts has also lent his support.

“So, I think this is good, the fact that they want to get us involved and hear what we have to say,” he said. “And I think this should have been the conversation before they made some of the changes that they implemented. This is definitely putting a better foot forward, so to speak.”

To have your say on the future of athletics, please complete the survey by the end of April.