IN the world of sports, track and field in particular, athletes often dedicate their entire lives to reaching the top of their careers. But for some, getting to the top might be an impossible climb while for others, getting there can be short-lived.

Every now and then, all an athlete experiences at the highest level is a couple of seconds on the track or one shot at destiny in the field. That brief moment in the spotlight is a story all on its own.

However, for young Jamaican sprinter Alana Reid the sky is the limit, and she is determined to reach the top and become an inspiration to others.

At only 20 years old Reid has already etched her name in the annals of Jamaican athletics history. The young sprinter’s remarkable journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication, unshakeable resilience, and unrelenting passion for the sport.

Her personal best of 10.92 seconds is the national Women’s Under 20 record over 100 metres.

Reid’s ascent to global prominence got a significant lift in April of 2024 when she was selected to represent Jamaica at the World Athletics Relays in Nassau, The Bahamas. Later that summer she made the Olympic team for the very first time and competed in the 4×100-metre relay at the Paris Games, helping her team to a fifth-place finish.

“It was a great feeling,” Reid said, describing her Olympic experience.

“I mean, it was a team of young athletes — me, Tia Clayton, Sashalee Forbes, and Kemba Nelson. We went out there and gave our best. We are young, and we used that as a learning experience. I mean, placing fifth out of so many countries that went out there to compete, it showed how talented and determined we are — and we were pleased with our performances,” Reid told the Jamaica Observer.

A highlight of Reid’s career so far came in August 2024 when she dominated the women’s 100-metre dash at the World Athletics Under 20 Championships in Lima, Peru, claiming the gold medal. She then doubled down on her success, contributing to the Jamaica team winning gold in the 4x100m relay.

With these victories, Reid cemented her status as one of the most exciting young talents in athletics.

“It was a really great feeling as it was my last year being a junior; I just told myself that I wanted to leave with something that I can look back on. I think I went down there and did pretty well. I mean, I went home with two goals, as that was the aim,” Reid noted.

Reid’s performances during the 2024 track and field season didn’t go unnoticed as she received the VMBS Youth Award during the RJRGLEANER Sports Foundation National Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year award ceremony at Jamaica Pegasus hotel on January 17, 2025.

However, Reid’s success was not without its challenges. The passing of her uncle, who had been a constant source of motivation and support, left an indelible mark on the young athlete. Reid’s world was rocked by the loss, but she refused to let grief derail her dreams.

“It [2024] was a season of ups and downs,” Reid said, opening up about the emotional turmoil she faced.

“I mean, I had lost my uncle. He died in my house — and it is something that I really cannot get over — but, nonetheless, I know his dream was for me to make an Olympic team. I did just that. And I mean, just to go there and the opportunity to run at 19 years old is something that I am really grateful.

“It is something that I hold close to my heart, and I hope younger athletes or younger people watching me use it as a source of motivation to tell them anything they believe, they can achieve,” Reid explained.

Reid’s experiences have taught her the importance of perseverance and faith. Despite facing adversity she remains steadfast in her commitment to her craft.

“The death of my uncle kind of shook me up a bit,” Reid noted. “It made me kind of fall off. I mean, his goal was for me to make the Olympic team. He didn’t live to see that, but it was for me to go out there and give of my best.”

Reid’s faith has been a constant source of strength throughout her journey.

“I put God in everything I do,” Reid said.

“My uncle always told me to pray — pray when things are going good and bad — and never to leave God. I mean, I put God in the sense of everything and I told myself that my uncle’s dream was for me to be here [Olympics], it was just for me to put out what I have been doing in training,” Reid said.

With her sights set firmly on the World Championships later this year Reid is poised to take the athletics world by storm.

“I know that I have to believe in me; and for me, if I am here, I can do it,” Reid said, exuding confidence.

“This year, I have a lot in store,” Reid said, looking ahead to the future.

“Coming this year I will give of my best, and I have quite a few goals I want to achieve this year — especially to make the World Championship team. It is something that I am really working towards and it is just for me to go back to the drawing board and come stronger,” Reid ended.