Are you concerned about Jamaica’s relays reputation given its recent struggles not only qualifying for major competitions, but also its recent issues getting the baton around the track?

Daniel Blake, sports writer: The only relay teams I’m concerned about are the men’s 4x400m and the mixed 4x400m because of the quality that we have or put out on the day. [The year] 2025 has been somewhat of an anomaly for the men’s 4x100m but I believe if a more conservative approach was followed at this championships we’d have been guaranteed a medal, given the quality we possess. Outside of the USA, our women’s 4x100m and 4x400m are the best in the world so we just need to be more meticulous in the other areas going forward.

Rachid Parchment, sports writer: Am I concerned about the state of Jamaica’s relays in recent times? Of course! Is it because of the mishap in the men’s 4×100? Not really. We still lack the depth to put out a truly power[ful] men’s 4×400 team that can not only qualify consistently for major global competitions, but also [the] finals of them, then also medal. We have work to do regarding our quarter mile programme. As for the shorter relay, we definitely have the depth in that area as it regards speed but, as I’m sure you’ve heard a few times this week now, it’s not only about speed but also about team chemistry. We have the speed and a cohort of young men and women 100m sprinters who will all mature at roughly the same age. To me, that means they will enter several World [Athletics] Champ[ionship]s and Olympic Games together and that chemistry to get the baton around the track will build over time. So, am I worried? Not really. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Rachid Parchment