Olympic discus gold medallist Roje Stona and triple jump silver medallist Shanieka Ricketts lead a list of nominees for the RJR/Gleaner Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards, respectively.

The announcement was made Wednesday during a media launch at the Television Jamaica studio on Lyndhurst Road, which marks the 64^th anniversary of the awards. The gala will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025.

Stona, the overwhelming favourite to be named Sportsman of the Year for the first time, is one of eight men nominated. He will be competing against Akeem Blake, Rasheed Broadbell, Rajindra Campbell, Rusheen McDonald, Kishane Thompson, Wayne Pinnock, and Carey McLeod.

With the deadline for nomination being December 31, only five women have been named so far for the Sportswoman of the Year award. They are Ricketts, Ackera Nugent, Rushell Clayton, Nickisha Pryce, and Lori Sharpe. 

Of the 13 nominees, only cyclist Sharpe is not from athletics, which is expected in an Olympic year.

There were five nominees for the People’s Choice Performance of the Year:

1. Rasheed Broadbell’s sprint hurdles bronze medal at the Paris Olympics
2. Ackera Nugent’s world-leading b100m hurdles Diamond League run of 12.24
3. Khadija Shaw’s brilliant goal for Manchester City against Liverpool
4. Roje Stona’s historic Olympic gold in the discus in an Olympic Record
5. Kishane Thompson’s nail-biting photo finish silver medal in the Olympic 100m
6. Chavany Willis’ stunning goal for Arnett Gardens against Portmore United

Each year the event lauds athletes who compete across various sporting disciplines and highlight their significant achievements locally and abroad.