Jamaican track and field coaches are being urged by prominent sports science expert Professor Kamilah Hylton to embrace research and technology as part of their professional obligation to improve athletics in Jamaica.

Professor Hylton, strategic lead for sports development and integration at the University of Technology (UTech), offered this advice during her keynote address at the Jamaica Track and Field Coaches Association’s long-service awards ceremony on November 22 at the Alhambra Inn and Restaurant.

Hosted in partnership with the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) and the Sports Development Foundation (SDF), the event spotlighted 15 track and field coaches by celebrating their dedication and positive impact on sports in Jamaica. Certificates were also presented to coaches who recently completed the World Athletics Level Two training for throwing events, sprints and hurdles.

Hylton encouraged coaches not to become complacent when their athletes are performing great, but to seek to improve their own knowledge in order to elevate their athletes’ performance to an exceptional level. “You are in a very serious profession: you are a coach,” Hylton emphasised adding, “Just like your athlete, your growth must be continuous because when the coach stops learning, the athlete stops growing.” Demystifying the aged belief that learning can only occur in a confined space, Prof. Hylton told the coaches, “You don’t need to be in a classroom. You simply need to be curious.”

Further outlining the need for development among trainers in athletic disciplines, Professor Hylton spoke about the significant advancements in research and technology within the sector, emphasising the importance of coaches staying informed.

 “Track and field 20 years ago is not the track and field of today.  We’ve seen dramatic improvement in performance due to enhanced foam and engine return materials in carbon-plated spikes. We have seen an expansion of technology in officiating and tracking the athletes, including the use of laser measurement systems in jumps and throws and improved precision of false start detection,” Prof Hylton stated.

 With these notable advancements in track and field, the UTech sports expert advised coaches to adopt more efficient training strategies that balance fast reaction times with legal reaction times.

She also emphasised the importance of incorporating video analysis of the set position during drills to eliminate unnecessary motion by runners in the starting blocks.

“Staying current with technology, data and athlete behaviour is not a choice. It’s an absolute necessity,” Hylton stressed.

Concluding her address, Professor Hylton encouraged coaches to identify areas of their profession that could benefit from improvement through increased awareness.  She urged them to commit to engaging with data, research and literature on relevant topics each week. She noted that this approach facilitates continuous learning, which is ultimately one of the strongest drivers of athletes’ safety, performance and long-term development.