Jamaican Track and Field Faces Backlash After Bryan Levell Left Out of Relay Team

In a surprising turn of events, Jamaican sprinter Bryan Levell has become the talk of the track world. On August 12, 2025, the 21-year-old athlete stunned fans and competitors alike by clocking an impressive 19.69 seconds in the 200 meters at the Gyulai Istvan Memorial in Budapest, Hungary. This remarkable feat places him third on the all-time Jamaican list, trailing only the legendary Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake. However, despite his stellar performance, Levell was notably absent from the Jamaican 4x100m relay team announced for the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo, sparking outrage among fans and experts.

Bryan Levell’s Meteoric Rise

Levell’s journey this year has been nothing short of extraordinary. He first broke the 20-second barrier at the Jamaican National Championships in June 2024, finishing the 200 meters in 19.97 seconds. His speed didn’t stop there; just weeks later, he clocked a blistering 9.82 seconds in the 100 meters in Eisenstadt, Austria, making him the second-fastest in the world for 2025, just behind Kishane Thompson’s 9.75 seconds. His recent 200m victory in Budapest not only showcased his talent but also established a new meeting record, defeating some of the world’s best sprinters.

Despite these accomplishments, the Jamaican Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) announced a 4x100m relay squad that did not include Levell. Instead, Ackeem Blake, Ryiem Forde, Kadrian Goldson, Oblique Seville, Kishane Thompson, and Rohan Watson were selected. The decision has left many fans scratching their heads. One supporter tweeted, “No Bryan on relay is a mistake smh,” while another exclaimed, “Why tf is Levell not listed in the 4×1????”

The Debate Over Relay Choices

Levell’s absence from the relay team raises questions about the JAAA’s decision-making process. While the selected athletes have their own impressive credentials, many believe that Levell’s recent performances make him a strong contender for a spot. His 200m time of 19.69 seconds is not just a personal best; it ranks him among the fastest in Jamaican history, just behind the iconic Bolt and Blake.

Kishane Thompson, who leads the 100m team, is undoubtedly a strong athlete, but the question remains: could Levell have added more speed and depth to the relay? Fans and commentators alike are concerned that the team may regret leaving him off the roster. “You can’t overlook someone who’s been running like this,” said local sports analyst, Jamal Edwards. “Levell has shown he can compete at the highest level.”

A Bright Future Ahead

Even without a relay spot, Bryan Levell remains a key player in Jamaican athletics. His 200m performance has solidified his status as one of the country’s top competitors. With names like Shericka Jackson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce also on the roster, Jamaica’s track team still looks formidable. However, the lingering question is whether the absence of Levell will haunt the team during the World Championships.

As the world watches, fans are left to wonder: did the JAAA make a grave mistake by leaving Bryan Levell off the relay team? Only time will tell if this decision will impact Jamaica’s chances for gold in Tokyo.