JAAA Establishes Watch List for U20 Athletes

[Kingston, Jamaica – October 20th, 2025] - The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) has established a watch list of eligible Under-20 athletes going into the 2026 athletics season. The watch list is part of the preparation for the World Athletics U20 Championships to be hosted in Oregon, USA, August 5-9, 2026. The watch list includes athletes who either have already attained the qualifying standards for their event or show the potential to reach those standards within the qualifying period. Athletes on the watch list have access to sports science resources and professionals to guide their athletic development throughout the upcoming season under the JAAA/Redbull partnership. The partnership extends the current Puma Development program and aims to make an injury-free season a reality for the athletes, with their preparation continuing beyond June 2026. The personal coaches are also involved and will interact with an expanded JAAA Technical and Medical Staff to help achieve the performance goals. The JAAA leadership has held meetings with the athletes, their parents, and the personal coaches to sensitize them to the plans and the benefits. So far, 70 percent of the athletes on the list have participated in Assessment Sessions hosted under the partnership. JAAA President Garth Gayle has described the initiative as “important to the long-term success of Jamaica’s track and field.” He urged all the coaches to provide the support and encourage the athletes to work towards earning a spot on what should be a very competitive team. The JAAA National Junior and Senior Championships is set for June 25-28, 2026 and will serve as the selection competition for the Jamaican team to the World U20 Championships in Oregon.