The black, green, and gold of Jamaica has become a standout feature at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan. With flags waving, national-coloured outfits, and cheers echoing across the arena, Jamaican fans have not only supported their athletes but have also become the stars of the stands.

At the heart of this spirited presence is the Jamaica Sports Vibes Group, organised by Jamaica Sports 876, founded by Olive McNaughton. The group represents the largest gathering of Jamaicans in Tokyo — more than 200 fans from home and across the Diaspora, united by a shared passion for track and field and country.

“Once a Jamaican touches the field or track, the cheers erupt. You can’t miss us,” said McNaughton. “We have our flags, our gear, and our voices. This is about making sure our athletes feel the love and pride of an entire nation, even thousands of miles away from home.”

The group’s vibrancy is impossible to overlook. Fans are decked out in themed shirts, hats, socks, and shoes, some even brandishing posters of sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce which they proudly raise every time she steps onto the track. Their energy has not gone unnoticed by the athletes themselves.

Defending 100-metre hurdles champion Danielle Williams described the experience as deeply motivating.

“When I hear the Jamaicans in the stands cheering, it hits different,” she said. “It reminds you that you’re not out there alone, that your whole nation is running, jumping, and fighting with you. It’s always a great feeling to see the flag in the stands. And when you win a medal, having your own little section to celebrate with is extra special.”

For McNaughton, this moment in Tokyo is part of a much larger journey. For nearly 20 years she has been organising sports tours through Jamaica Sports 876, taking fans to now six World Championships and three Olympic Games. What began as simple tours has grown into an extraordinary tradition that blends sports, culture, and national pride.

“We’re not just spectators,” McNaughton explained. “We’re family, friends, fans, sponsors, and ambassadors. We’re the heartbeat behind our athletes’ success stories.”

Among the fans in Tokyo is Lorna Kirlew who proudly described herself as a “die-hearted” supporter of Jamaica’s athletes.

“We are a small, powerful country,” said Kirlew. “As I arrived in Tokyo and as I came into the stands, everyone wanted to take a picture with a Jamaican. That shows you the impact we have worldwide and on the sport.”

The Tokyo sports tour package includes airfare, accommodation, ground transportation, event tickets, and cultural experiences at Japan’s iconic landmarks. But for the participants, it is much more than a vacation.

“This is more than a trip,” said McNaughton. “It’s a moment of national unity. It’s where patriotism meets passion and vibes.”

For the Jamaican fans in Tokyo, the mission is clear: Show up every day, clad in national colours, with flag in hand and voices raised, so that wherever the athletes compete, they feel a piece of home in the stands.

Decked out in the national colours and with flags, the Jamaican fans cannot be missed in Tokyo as they take in the championships and cheer on the island’s athletes.

Jason Pryce, husband of legendary Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, hoists a face cutout of her in the stands at the 2025 Tokyo World Athletics Championships.

Jamaica Sports Vibes Group supporters building the vibes before entering Tokyo National Stadium for the World Athletics Championships.