NAYOKA Clunis, Jamaica’s hammer thrower, faces a devastating blow to her Paris Olympic Games hope due to what she said was an administrative blunder which left her off the list of qualifiers. But the 28-year-old athlete is holding onto her dimming dreams just the same, as she’s been assured that alternative solutions are being explored to rectify the situation.

With her sights set on making history as Jamaica’s second Olympic hammer thrower — Daina Levy was the first at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games — Clunis’s fate hangs precariously in the balance.

Clunis expressed her emotions on social media.

“Following the Jamaican Olympic trials I was elated to receive notification of my official selection to Team Jamaica,” Clunis shared in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

She continued: “Unfortunately, I have since found myself in a difficult position. Due to an omission made by the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association, my name was not officially submitted to World Athletics. As such, I do not have a position in the Olympic Games.”

Clunis remains hopeful for a resolution, thanking those fighting for her rightful inclusion. This situation highlights the importance of strong administrative leadership in sports.

“I have been assured that all possible remedies are being explored and that there is hope that this issue may soon be resolved.

“I thank those who are fighting on my behalf for my rightful inclusion. I am a proud Jamaican. To wear our nation’s colours at the Olympic Games will be the pinnacle of my athletic career,” Clunis stated in her post.

Prior to this setback Clunis made history by becoming the first Jamaican to compete in the hammer throw competition at the World Athletics Championships last year. She also bagged four national titles at the JAAA National Senior and Junior Championships.

Despite her achievements and a current world ranking of 27th in the women’s hammer throw, Clunis has faced financial and emotional challenges throughout her career, including limited support from her Government.

“I pray for a swift and positive resolution, and until such time as one comes, will not have any further comment,” Clunis’s post ended.

CLUNIS… I pray for a swift and positive resolution (Photo: AFP)