Another Legal Drama in Track and Field as National Record Holder in Jamaica Left Out of Paris Olympics 2024

The athletic world is still reeling from the Swedish Olympic Committee’s fiasco that has barred several eligible candidates from the Paris Olympics 2024. Now, the needle has shifted to Jamaica with almost a similar complaint: red ink on the name at the last minute despite having everything in place. In the Swedish athletes’ case, the authorities implemented a different rule that is holding back Yolanda Ngarambe and a few others who have the necessary qualifications for the Games. This debacle has now reached the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). In Jamaica, the complaint centers on the Jamaican Athletics Federation’s failure to send the athlete’s name to World Athletics despite the athlete qualifying. The situation is heading towards a legal battle.

In her petition filed with the Court of Arbitration, Jamaican athlete Nayoka Clunis’ legal team explained that she qualified through the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association’s (JAAA) benchmark set in the hammer throw division. Despite this, she will not be featured in the Paris Olympics 2024, as her name is missing from the final roster. Seeking justice, she has turned to CAS. Her plea has seen some progress so far.

As per the update, CAS has already formed a three-member panel, led by the Honourable Dr. Annabelle Bennett, QC, SC. The panel has invited the parties to a hearing on July 20, with a verdict expected on July 21. All eyes are on this crucial result. Notably, Nayoka Clunis qualified for the Olympics through her performance at the Jamaican Championships last month.

With a 66.63-meter throw, Clunis secured the second position in that contest, earning her an automatic berth in the Paris Olympics. Not just that, 2024 has been a remarkable year for the 28-year-old. In May, Nayoka Clunis set a national record with a throw of 71.83 meters at the University of Arizona, although she did not finish on the podium. Nevertheless, her performance distinguished her, making her the only Jamaican on the list of the top 32 hammer throwers in the world this year. Due to administrative negligence, Clunis is still awaiting justice, placing her alongside Yolanda Ngarambe and five other Swedish athletes in a similar plight.

The Swedish athletes’ legal battle before the Paris Olympics 2024 

Yolanda Ngarambe has a different fate. Although she qualified for the Tokyo Olympics, she couldn’t compete, and now, she is on the verge of losing her qualification for the Paris Olympics. According to Olympic qualification policy, the 32-year-old should have her berth secured for the Paris Olympics, as her global ranking (32) qualifies her for the 1500m event. However, the Swedish Olympic Committee’s (SOC) ruling disqualifies her from the Games. What exactly is the SOC’s policy?

As per the Swedish authority, an athlete must achieve a top-12 finish in major competitions to qualify for the Olympics. Alternatively, the athlete can present multiple performances close to the Olympic qualification times. Despite meeting some criteria, Ngarambe’s timing in the 1500m event does not meet the Olympic qualification standard. Consequently, she, along with eight other athletes, is on the reject list. Since SOC’s policy contradicts World Athletics’ ranking rules, Ngarambe and five other athletes have sought legal assistance from CAS.

The case is still pending. Meanwhile, Ngarambe, along with others, has appealed on GoFundMe for financial support to continue their legal battle against the SOC. Their Olympic future hangs by a thread.