Tragedy at Jamaican Olympic Track and Field Trials as 19-Year-Old Carried Out on Stretcher Over Last-Minute Injury

The National Stadium in Kingston is all set to witness the fiery battle between the Jamaican athletes to confirm their Paris Olympics berth as the trials are underway. However, the same venue is holding the Jamaican qualification round for the upcoming World U20 Championships, scheduled in August. So, while the national icons are looking forward to confirming their Olympic qualification on the historical ground, the junior prospects are chasing their luck to shine through the global U20 championships qualification option. But things did not remain that well-settled on the very first day as a piece of heartbreaking news came. The news said that Javorne Dunkley, a 100m prospect, had to be carried out from the field on a stretcher because of his injury before the 100m event.

However, as of now, no further updates are available. But the 19-year-old athlete has a huge chance of missing the trial event. That would be a significant loss for the Jamaican lineup for the upcoming world championship. 

This year, he has proved his mettle in several regional meets. In a stunning show of talent, he didn’t have to face any position except out of the top three on the podiums in all those events. Furthermore, in the JAAA Puma National Junior and Senior Championships, he entered as one of the top favorites. 

Among the 61 participants in the boys’ category, Javorne Dunkley has a stunning personal best timing (10.17 seconds). Another part that worked on his side was his topping in the recently concluded JAAA Olympic French Foray 1. The timing (10.29 seconds) he set at that event was among the top in the regional junior section. Moreover, in 2023 as well, the track and field community felt every bit of awe witnessing the teenager leaving dust behind. 

Last year, Javorne restricted his personal best to 10.08 seconds, just behind Bouwahjgie Nkrume, the national junior record holder. In the Jamaican U20 Championships as well, he had top podiums on three occasions, and all his clockings remained in the sub-10 category. However, his tryst injury suffered him that year as well. 

Is the injury dismantling the track and field phenom? 

Before coming to this season, Javorne Dunkley had to undergo an injury. However, after gaining his full health, the prospect participated in many 100m events – a number well above his last year’s count. Additionally, he tried a lot of diverse events, including the 60m keeping his preparation in mind. 

However, success never remained out of his reach as in his two 60-meter events, he made the podium finish. Alongside that, his timing in both those events remained in the sub-6 second category. Meanwhile, his comment after clinching the Carifta trials this year in March spoke volumes about his effort to make it big. 

In his elaboration, Javorne Dunkley added, “I have been working very hard for this and so I am very happy that I came out on top.” Yet, the injury and the overpressure on his ability may have drawn a line for as of now. But he will surely stand up soon to head for another track and field battle.