Chef Karl Thomas, like he did at the Rio Olympics last year, is the man whipping up Jamaican favourites in the kitchen for Jamaican athletes during their training camp ahead of the start to the 16th IAAF World Championships in London August 4-13.

“GK Foods is pleased to again provide such critical support to the nutrition and well-being of our athletes ahead of the games. Chef Karl Thomas will be in camp ensuring that the athletes and team officials enjoy quality Jamaican food and we strongly believe that this will assist them in performing at their best.

“We have always been proud and excited about the very positive feedback and appreciation from the athletes,” said Andrea Coy, CEO of GraceKennedy Foods-Domestic.

Thomas, who represented GK Foods at the last two Olympics, expressed delight at being selected once again to serve in this capacity.

“This is yet another stint as official chef for the Jamaican team at a major championship. I am very honoured and grateful to once again, not only represent Grace Foods, but to ensure that our athletes have nutritious, satisfying meals.

“This is an extremely important part of their preparation and I look forward to keeping them happy with that authentic Jamaican flavour,” he said.

GraceKennedy Foods (GK Foods) is the official food and nutrition sponsor of the Jamaican athletics team to the World Championships.

GK Foods will provide meals and nutritional support for the Jamaican athletes and officials while they are at the training camp in Birmingham, which runs from July 21 to August 1.

In making the announcement via a statement, Dr Warren Blake, president of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), said he was pleased to renew the partnership with GK Foods as food and nutrition sponsor.

“Partnering with Grace has been a mainstay in our approach to keeping our athletes happy and nutritionally sound in the lead-up period to major events on their schedule. This allows our athletes to perform at their optimum. This has, in no small part, contributed to our excellent all-round showing at the last two editions of the Olympic Games. We are hopeful that the partnership will continue to have a positive impact on our performance at this World Championships,” said Dr Blake.

“The positive and relaxed atmosphere created by having well cooked, homestyle meals has no doubt assisted our athletes in performing well and has assisted in promoting brand Jamaica to the world. We are hoping that this partnership will continue long into the future,” Blake further stated.