Five stalwarts of local track and field were honoured by the organisers at the 2023 edition of the JAAA/Puma/Jamalco Development Meet at Halse Hall, Clarendon on Saturday.

Those getting plaques were; immediate past president of the JAAA, Dr Warren Blake, former national 400m champion Michael McDonald, former national 800m record holder, the late Neville Myton and former national 800m record holders Seymour Newman and Inez Turner.

JAAA President Garth Gayle & Inez Turner – JAAA PUMA Jamalco Development Meet 2023

It was a fun day filled with memories for Turner, the first Jamaican woman to break the two-minute barrier.

“This means a whole lot,” beamed Turner, who won the silver medal in the 800m at the 1994 Commonwealth games. “This track meet brings back memories. I remember this blessed spot when I used to come here to run on it. It was not even as nice as it is today. This is a great opportunity to let these youngsters know that I was in their shoes before,” said she told @Athletics_JA

“ I really want to thank the organisers for honouring us today and I feel blessed to be here,” she continued. “ I am in the middle of my season but I had to make the effort to come because places like these remind me of where I am coming from.”

Turner, who is the head track & field coach at Fayetteville State University in North Carolina, USA, is incredibly proud of the progress of Jamaica’s Track & Field programme.

“I think we have one of the best (in the world) and we are doing extremely well. Every year we see new talents developing and new talents surfacing,” she commented.

Vilma Charlton & Inez Turner – JAAA PUMA Jamalco Development Meet 2023

The former Vere Technical standout, who has Personal Bests of 1:59.49 (800m) and 51.38 (400m), has one wish. “I was a middle-distance runner. I would love to see more athletes in the longer distances.”