Tyquendo Tracey has dealt with several setbacks over the years including seeing Olympic Games dreams dashed through injury. However, the two-time former national champion is ready to be a contender again, both on the track and the ice.

Despite not booking a spot to the Tokyo World Athletics Championships in September, the 32-year-old sprinter had a decent showing at the National Senior Championships at the National Stadium. He made the final of the 200m, finishing fifth in 20.60 seconds, his fastest time in two years. He also made the semi-finals of his main event, the 100m in 10.16 seconds.

Tracey has run 9.96 at his best, back in 2018, but his recent performances may not fully reflect his previous accomplishments, which include reaching the semi-finals at the 2019 World Athletics Championships, winning gold at the 2018 NACAC Championships, and being the national champion in both 2018 and 2021.

However, Tracey told the Jamaica Observer that’s he’s elated with his progress this year and is still holding out hope that he can make the team to Japan.

“It was unexpected because, if anybody was following me throughout the season, they’d know I was really off to a slow start for most of the outdoor season. I think certain things came around a bit late but there’s still a chance on getting on the national team with competitions in Europe and getting the time down [for] the 200m because we have one or maybe two persons who are qualified for the 200m so there [are] still spots open. So I’m working on that,” he said.

“It’s not a total loss but regardless of that, I’m happy because I’m injury free and there’s a lot to work on to basically bring into next season along with the bobsleigh Olympics and track season after.”

From left: Race winner Bryan Levell (left), Sandrey Davison and Tyquendo Tracey all qualify from their men’s 100m heat on June 26, 2025 for the semi-finals, during the national senior championships at the National Stadium. (Photo: Collin Reid)

Tracey hasn’t competed at a major championship in six years, in large part due to injuries. A hamstring injury forced him out of competing at his debut Olympics in Tokyo in 2021.

It’s been a difficult journey but the light at the end of the tunnel is becoming more evident to him.

“Tough is even an understatement to be honest. In terms of what you need to get to the point of where you need to be is a lot and I haven’t had much help outside of my girlfriend and family members,” he said.

“But we’re working, doing the best what we could and I’m back to a place where, especially that now I’m injury free and the injuries I’ve been struggling with since the 2021 Olympics, those are now gone and I’m looking forward to good things going forward.”

His dreams are no longer limited to the track as he’s now part of Jamaica’s bobsleigh after impressing at the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation World Championship in March.

Tracey, as the brakeman, along with pilot Shane Pitter, produced one of the country’s best-ever finishes when they placed 21st. His debut as a brakeman also saw him ranked seventh out of over 30 other brakemen at the championship.

Tracey is still in awe with what he achieved with just a week of bobsleigh training.

“I was surprised in more ways than one,” he said.

“Everybody has a different level of experience and how they react to things based on how it’s presented to them. A bit of fear was being talked into me about how the sled is going to feel and stuff like that so I was a bit sceptical at first but once I got the first try of getting into the sled, they were like ‘you’re good’ and I’m like when are we going to do this again? And they said ‘you’re sure? And I said yeah.”

Jamaica is not only looking to qualify for next year’s Winter Olympics in Italy but finish on the podium for the very first time.

Tracey has won global medals in athletics but he’s dreaming of doing it on ice.

“I’ve been looking at it for quite some time now and it’s going to be quite an achievement – something not a lot of people can say they have done and I’m looking forward to putting that badge on my shoulder,” he said.

However, he has no intentions of putting his sprinting career on ice despite the emergence of several young stars in the 100m.

“To be honest, I’ve never been one to say I’m afraid of anybody or any competition. I may be nervous as to how I may personally perform but outside of that, once I’m fit and ready, everybody has to fear me.”

TRACEY… there’s a lot to work on to basically bring into next season along with the bobsleigh Olympics and track season after (Photo: Observer file)