Jamaica’s National Stadium is poised to receive new level certification ahead of hosting the inaugural Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track.
The newly relayed track at Jamaica’s National Stadium is expected to receive level two certification from World Athletics, marking a downgrade from its previous level one status.
This development comes ahead of the anticipated hosting of Grand Slam Track’s first meet in Kingston.
Track manufacturer Rekortan has been working against the clock to meet the March 24 deadline for completing the new surface.
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CAF president Patrice Motsepe has set high expectations for his fellow South African Benni McCarthy who was recently appointed Harambee Stars coach.
However, in an exclusive interview with TVJ Sports, Grand Slam Tracks Venue Director Don Lockerbie clarified that achieving level one certification would require significant additional modifications, including removing the bike track and adding more long jump runways.
“So that’s a really tricky question because I didn’t say it would be certified for five years; I said it would be warrantied for five years,” Lockerby stated.
“In other words, the surfacing should be able to maintain its strength, its speed, its color, and provide all the racers with a tremendous bounce.”
Despite the track moving to level two certification, Lockerbie reassured that records set on it would still be valid, as all measurements and lane markings have been certified to meet World Athletics standards.
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Kenya has been dealt a blow in its ambitious multi-billion Talanta stadium project earmarked for AFCON 2027 with audit revealing millions lost.
Before relaying the track, Grand Slam Track conducted an independent assessment with a certified lab from Georgia, USA, which concluded that the four-year-old track installed in 2021 failed to meet World Athletics surfacing standards.
“We came down with a certified lab from Georgia in the States, who helped us understand what the situation was, and the situation wasn’t very good,” Lockerby revealed.
“In fact, it didn’t pass any current IAAF or World Athletics surfacing standards.”
Lockerbie disclosed that Grand Slam Track contributed significantly more toward the project, emphasizing their commitment to Jamaican athletics.
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Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has recalled one forgotten deender who has been out of the team since 2021.
“I can confirm that we are responsible for the majority of the bill, and we’re glad to do it,” he stated.
“It’s part of our long-term relationship with Jamaica, the sport of track and field, and athletics in Jamaica.”
Despite earlier speculation that Velocity Fest (March 22) would be the first event on the new track, Lockerbie confirmed that the Boys and Girls Championships will officially inaugurate the surface.