This weekend, after a four-year hiatus, 31-year-old Nickel Ashmeade returned to Jamaica’s National Athletic Championships competing in the 100m. His return, though, was short-lived as he bowed out during the preliminaries with a time of 10.41.

However, just getting back to the national championships after competing in a handful of races this season, could be considered a major victory for the Jamaican Olympian, perhaps his biggest victory yet.

GLITTERING CAREER

Ashmeade has had a glittering career representing Jamaica. With personal bests of 9.90 in the 100m and 19.85 over 200m, Ashmeade is easily one of the country’s fastest and most decorated sprinters. Ever since his days as a star athlete at St Jago High School in St Catherine, when he and Yohan Blake ranked among the best of Jamaica’s schoolboy athletes, Ashmeade has always represented his country with great pride.

At the Junior Central American and Caribbean Games in 2006, he won 100m gold, 200m silver as well as 4x100m gold. The following year, he was second in the 100m, third in the 200m at the World U18 championships. He would also win a bronze medal as a member of Jamaica’s sprint relay team

He would add a 200m and 4x100m silver medals to his collection at the 2008 World U20 Championships.

His transition to the senior ranks came with a 200m gold medal at the 2009 CAC Games, which provided a springboard for a successful career wearing national colours.

He would eventually go on to win five medals as a member of Jamaica’s teams to the World Relays, two World Championships sprint relay gold medals in 2013 and 2015 in Moscow and Beijing. He was also among the country’s quartet that won Olympic 4x100m gold in Rio in 2016.

BATTLES OFF THE TRACK

However, since 2017, his battles were being fought mainly off the track. After his first race in Jamaica for several years this weekend, he explained his protracted absence from the sport.

“First championship in four years after two surgeries, six incisions and near-death experiences due to internal bleeding,” he said on Instagram.

“What can I say but be thankful for life. First season back and building little by little, taking each stride with gratitude and appreciation for small victories.”

He congratulated those athletes who have so far qualified for the Olympic Games and delivered a cryptic message along with words of encouragement for his fellow athletes.

“Big congrats to everyone who made the team to Tokyo. Go represent well and always try to appreciate the small things in life. Be humble and never lose faith,” he said.

“This is not the end for me but the start of something spectacular to come. Until we meet again. See you all soon.”

His relay teammate Kemar Bailey-Cole, who withdrew from the championships on Thursday, could relate to the struggles.

“Only you know your struggles,” he replied.

Marlon Whyte, a fan, said it was good just to see him back in competition.

“Dude, you were missed and it’s soo good just to hear your name called. Amazing what you’ve overcome and endured. Medals aren’t the only validation of hard work. Best of luck and upward and onward.”