KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) has issued a public apology to newly crowned national 100m hurdles champion Demisha Roswell after she was omitted from the 44-member team selected for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

The games are scheduled to run from July 23 to August 2.

In a statement released on Sunday, June 28, one week after the conclusion of the National Championships at the National Stadium, the JAAA explained that Roswell was left off the team because her name had not been included on an initial list that had been submitted in March.

Roswell produced a breakthrough performance at the championships, clocking a personal best 12.40 seconds to capture her first senior national title.

“The long list is a mandatory step in the entry process, and was submitted to the Commonwealth Games Committee in March 2026,” the release said. “Every individual who could likely be selected, whether as athletes or team officials, MUST be on that list to qualify for the final list.”

“At the time of the long list compilation, Demisha’s performance metrics did not meet the automatic inclusion on the long list. However, her exceptional performance and victory at the National Senior Championships earned her a position on the final team,” the release said, adding, “The JAAA acknowledges the oversight. We made a request for an exception but it was denied.”

Meanwhile, world number two ranked women’s 400m runner Dejanae Oakley was included in the team despite not competing at the National Championships, while newly crowned national 100m champion Shericka Jackson was selected only for the women’s 4x100m relay pool.

Six first time champions were included in the team: Alana Reid, Stacey Ann Williams, Sanique Walker, Lloydricia Cameron, Demario Prince and Assinie Wilson.

Women’s team:

Jonielle Smith, Jodean Williams, Alana Reid, Lavanya Williams, Ashanti Moore, Stacey Ann Williams, Dejanae Oakley, Leah Anderson, Kelly Ann Beckford, Adelle Tracey, Samantha Hall, Megan Simmonds, Kerrica Hill, Sanique Walker, Shiann Salmon, Ackelia Smith, Nia Robinson, Lamara Distin, Nayoka Clunis, Lloydricia Cameron, Shantae Foreman and Shericka Jackson.

Men’s team:

Rohan Watson, Ackeem Blake, Nishion Ebanks, Christopher Taylor, Jevaughn Powell, Roshawn Clarke, Antonio Watson, Delano Kennedy, Zandrion Barnes, Navasky Anderson, Ralford Mullings, Fedrick Dacres, Demario Prince, Jerome Campbell, Assinie Wilson, Tajay Gayle, Jordan Turner, Romaine Beckford, Raymond Richards, Elvis Graham and Jordan Scott.

Team management: Trevor Campbell, team leader; Julette Parkes, assistant team leader; Antonio Bell, assistant team leader; Maurice Wilson, technical director; coaches Paul Francis, Julian Robinson, Michael Frater, Marlon Gayle, Kingsley Rose; Jowayne Johnson, massage therapist; and Dr Kevin Jones.

— Paul A Reid