Since moving to Arkansas, Jamaican sprinter Alana Reid feels comfortable, motivated, and ready to improve performances, aiming for the 2025 World Championships.
Fast-rising Jamaican sprint star Alana Reid has spoken for the first time since making the decision to switch training camps.
The 19-year-old sprinter, who captured gold in the 100m and 4x100m at the 2024 World Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru, has now joined the University of Arkansas-based Hurdle Mechanics group coached by the highly accomplished Lawrence “Boogie” Johnson.
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Reflecting on her experience training with the likes of Sha’Carri Richardson under Dennis Mitchell at Star Athletics in Florida, Reid admitted that being the lone Jamaican in the camp made her transition to professional athletics more challenging.
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“Being in Florida, I was the only Jamaican in my camp, so it was really hard. I had times where I broke down because I’m from a different culture and certain things, I’m not used to,” Reid shared while speaking to Sportsmax.tv.
“I had instances where I really missed home. My family is here (in Jamaica), but, nevertheless, I told myself I think I’ll train and I’ll perform better where I’m comfortable. I was comfortable there.”
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The Olympic champion has expressed his disappointment at the lukewarm reception Team USA athletes received back home despite their successful outing in Paris.
Reid, who holds the Jamaican national junior record in the 100m, made the bold move to Arkansas, where she now trains alongside several fellow Jamaicans, including Olympic champion Roje Stona and national record holders Ackera Nugent and Nickisha Pryce.
“Being in Arkansas with my age-group and Jamaicans like Ackera (Nugent), Roje (Stona), (Jaydon) Hibbert, and everyone, it really makes me feel like I’m home away from home,” she stated.
“Sometimes, training is really hard, and just to see that the Jamaicans are there for each other, no matter the event that you do, they really try to make you feel loved. Even on holidays, we’re all together. It just makes me feel that I am a part of a family there,” she continued.
The former Hydel High standout believes that her improved comfort level will translate into better performances on the track.
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With the World Championships on the horizon, she is focused on making her mark in the senior ranks and improving on her personal best of 11.09, set in April 2024 at the Miramar Invitational in Gainesville.
“I don’t put limits on myself, but seeing that I’m comfortable where I am, I’m going to use that as a source of motivation,” Reid said.
“Back then, I had times when I said before I was really uncomfortable and I really missed home, but now I am feeling like I am home, loved, and cherished where I am, so I know that my times and performances will improve.”
Reid’s coach, Johnson, brings a wealth of experience to the table, having earned multiple Coach of the Year accolades, including the 2024 USTFCCCA Indoor and Outdoor National Assistant Coach of the Year.
