Antonio Watson, a standout member of the Racers Track Club, is gearing up for a major comeback at the Racers Grand Prix 2025, as he sets his sights on defending his 400m world title later this year.

Watson made his debut in the world of athletics two years ago at the 2023 Racers Grand Prix. That night, he powered down the home stretch to clock his first sub-45-second race, winning the “B” final in a time of 44.75s, a performance that ignited a breakout season. He went on to place second during the Jamaican national championships and, shortly after, made history at the World Championships in Budapest, becoming only the second Jamaican man after Bert Cameron to claim the 400m world crown, with a lifetime best of 44.22s.

However, 2024 brought new challenges. A season plagued by injury forced Watson to miss the Paris Olympics, halting his momentum on the world stage. Now fully recovered, the 23-year-old is eager to reset and relaunch his campaign at the meet that first put him on the map.

“Physically, I am in good stead, mentally also, way better than I was last year as it relates to my health and also my preparation,” Watson said. “I am very focused and very keen on the Grand Prix…it is the event that brought me to the eyes of the world, so I am just trying to stay focused and stay ready so I can show my performance at that meet.”

Now one of the leading faces of the Racers Track Club, Watson will be among the marquee attractions when the meet returns to the National Stadium in Kingston on June 7. For him, the Racers Grand Prix is not just a homecoming, it’s a mission.

“I have my eyes locked on the target. I may be the main target for them [his competitors], but they are not the main target for me, so I am just focusing on getting myself ready for whatever comes.

“At the end of the day, I am the one with the bullseye on my back, so I have to stay focused and stay ready,” he concluded. 

With Watson back in the spotlight, the men’s 400m is expected to be one of the headline events at the Racers Grand Prix 2025, as fans eagerly anticipate his return to top form.