Jamaica Celebrates Sporting Excellence at the 2025 National Sports Awards
Jamaica’s vibrant sporting culture shone brightly on Saturday night as the 65th RJRGLEANER Sports Foundation National Awards celebrated the island’s finest athletes. World 100-meter champion Oblique Seville and World Championships silver medallist Tina Clayton were crowned National Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year, respectively, marking a night of triumph and inspiration.
Seville’s Golden Journey: From Setbacks to Glory
At just 24, Oblique Seville stood tall as he accepted his first National Sportsman of the Year title. His remarkable journey culminated in a gold medal performance at the Tokyo World Championships, where he clocked a personal best of 9.77 seconds in the 100 meters. This victory was particularly sweet, as it marked Jamaica’s return to the top of men’s sprinting since Usain Bolt’s legendary Olympic double in 2016.
Reflecting on his path, Seville shared, “When I look back at the experience in the last year, it was a special experience for me.” After facing disappointments—finishing fourth in the 2022 and 2023 World Championships and battling injuries at the 2024 Olympics—standing on that podium felt like a dream realized.
He emphasized the importance of faith and perseverance, stating, “Talent may open doors, but it is consistency and character that keeps them open.” Seville also encouraged young Jamaicans to rise above their circumstances, saying, “Never let where you are from limit where you are going.”
Clayton’s Rise: A Dream Realized
Tina Clayton’s crowning as National Sportswoman of the Year was a testament to her hard work and determination. At 21, she claimed her first national senior women’s 100-meter title and secured silver at the World Championships with a personal best of 10.76 seconds. Her contribution to Jamaica’s silver-medal finish in the women’s 4×100-meter relay further solidified her status among the elite.
In her acceptance speech, Clayton expressed gratitude and humility. “This is a humbling experience knowing that I have entered a circle of all the greats who have made Jamaica proud,” she said. A former standout at Edwin Allen High School, Clayton is seen as a successor to sprint legends like Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Elaine Thompson-Herah.
She urged her fellow athletes to chase their dreams, stating, “Greatness is a part of Jamaica’s strength.”
Celebrating Diverse Achievements
The awards ceremony was not just about sprinting. Seville edged out Anthony Johnson, who made history by winning Jamaica’s first gold medal at the IPSC Handgun World Championship. Sara Misir also made waves in emerging sports, earning runner-up for Sportswoman of the Year after her bronze in powerboating at the 2025 E1 Series Championship.
The night also honored legends of the past. The late Alvin Campbell received the Chairman’s Award, while cricket icon Chris Gayle was celebrated with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his extraordinary career.
A Night of Inspiration
From the thrill of sprinting to the pioneering spirit in lesser-known sports, the 2025 National Sports Awards highlighted more than just medals. They celebrated resilience, belief, and the indomitable Jamaican spirit. As Seville and Clayton’s journeys remind us, dreams, when paired with discipline, can indeed change destinies.
What will the next chapter in Jamaica’s sporting saga look like? With such talent emerging, the future is undoubtedly bright!