The eyes of the world will be on Jamaica’s National Championships as the quest for spots to the World Championship takes the spotlight starting on Thursday morning (June 26) inside the National Stadium.

The National Championships will be used to select teams for the 2025 World Athletics Championships (September 13-21), NACAC U18/U23 Championships (July 18-20) and 2025 Junior Pan American Games (August 9-23).

This year’s championships boast a significant increase in participation from 647 in 2024 to 720. There will be 47 non-Jamaican athletes set to compete as they used the opportunity to continue their preparations for the global events. Some of these countries don’t have a National Championship.

With the recent news of four of the island’s field events stars wanting to switch allegiance to Turkey, citing better financial gains, this year’s championships have taken on a very interesting flavour.

With one glaring, mysterious absentee in double Olympic sprint champion Elaine Thompson Herah, the main focus will be on the women’s 100m as to whether or not there will be a changing of the guard.

The much-loved Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, at age 39, will be at her last National Championship. Arguably the greatest female sprinter of all time, Fraser-Pryce will be hard pressed to secure an individual spot on Jamaica’s team.

Shericka Jackson and the fastest female twins ever — Tia and Tina Clayton, look set to snatch the top three spots.

Quietly-touted Krystal Sloley, along with Natasha Morrison, Alana Reid, Jonelle Smith, Ashanti Moore, Briana Williams, Kemba Nelson, Serena Cole, Neisha Burger and Jodean Williams, will make the event of the championship.

The men’s 100m should also be intriguing with Olympic silver medallist Kishane Thompson starting as heavy favourite and rightly so although Oblique Seville and Ackeem Blake will have a lot to say about that.

The improving Bryan Levell looks ready to explode this year after running a wind-aided 19.79 recently and could snatch a spot.

Eyes will be on the likes of the returning Chris Taylor, who has made the switch from 400m to the 100m and 200m sprints, while veteran Yohan Blake will have his last hurrah.

The Usain Bolt look-alike Sandrey Davison could surprise as the nation holds its breath for the new generation to emerge in the likes of Bouwahjgie Nkrumie, Deandre Daley and Gary Card.

With Olympic discus gold medallist Roje Stona and shot put bronze medallist Rajindra Campbell switching allegiance, the hunt for their replacement has piqued interest.

Ralford Mullings and veteran Fedrick Dacres look set to hold the fort while triple jumper Jordon Scott has been easing the pain and heighten expectations with the absence of Jaydon Hibbert.

Olympic long jump silver medallist Wayne Pinnock also looks set to move to Turkey, but the sport is in good hands with Carey McLeod and 2019 world champion Tajay Gayle.

Online tickets are available for purchase, with prices ranging from J$1,000 to J$8,000 for different grandstand options. Action starts at 9:30 am.