Fans approve new track despite certification concerns
Published:Wednesday | March 26, 2025 | 12:11 AMGregory Bryce/Staff Reporter
DESPITE SEVERAL concerns surrounding the certification of the resurfaced running track at the National Stadium, fans at this year’s ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs) have signalled their approval.
As day one action of Champs got underway yesterday, fans got their first view of the newly resurfaced track in action with the preliminary stages in both track and field events.
Khorey Spalding, a St George’s College (STGC) alumnus, said he has been impressed with the new track and believes it is fitting to christen the surface at Champs, home to Jamaica’s top young talent.
“It is a new track and it’s really pretty in my eyes. I believe the upgrade is remarkable and I’m looking forward to fast times since this is a very new track,” he told The Gleaner.
“These are young athletes who are really promising and they have shown their talents over and over again, so I’m looking forward to a good competition, fast times, and great performances.”
While nostalgic about the loss of the National Stadium’s trademark blue surface, he believes the use of the national colours will prove a massive hit for Jamaicans.
He described the colours as a bold statement to the world that Jamaica will continue to produce top athletes for years to come.
“The blue track did its time just like the red track before it did its time as well. I believe with this Jamaican-flag inspired track, it’s going to showcase, for the world, that Jamaica is on display from start to finish,” he explained.
“Here we have our youngsters, our start, and soon they will make it to the Olympic stage, our finish. So I believe it is fitting for the colours as the track represents our upbringing, our strength, our speed, and our perseverance.”
Another fan who voiced their approval of the change is fervent Calabar supporter Michael McPherson.
McPherson approves the changes and carries no concerns regarding the track’s certification as he believes it will not impede the athletes’ performances.
“I’m just coming to Champs for my first year but from what I’ve seen on my TV, I like the look and I like the Jamaica colours. It looks good in Calabar green,” he joked.
“If it is a better track, then I am all in for it. I don’t think the certification matters right now because the running will be the same. The quickest on the day will always win no matter where they’re running, so I don’t think it matters for Champs.”
While the resurfacing project was finished in time for the start of Champs, Independence Park Limited (IPL) lost their race against time to have the surface certified by World Athletics.
The National Stadium, which previously enjoyed a Class One certification, has seen that status in jeopardy due to the project’s resurfacing methods.
Don Lockerbie, Grand Slam Track venue director and the man behind the project, however assured the track remains world class.
Major Desmon Brown, general manager of IPL, also sought to assuage public concerns as he stated any records broken at Champs, and the Grand Slam Track meet, can be ratified after the fact.
“I don’t think it will be done before the Grand Slam event. They have to come and check the measurements, the quality of the track itself and a number of things they have to check,” Brown said in an interview with Television Jamaica.
“But even if is a record or anything broken, it can be ratified once they come and it meets the requirement. There is nothing to worry about and with the things that are happening, there is no way it can be done before Grand Slam.”
Champs, which started yesterday, will run until Saturday, March 30, before the start of Grand Slam Track set for April 4-6.