Kingston, 30 August 2024 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has congratulated Jamaica’s Ackera Nugent on setting a new national record in the 100 metres hurdles.

Nugent sped to victory at the Diamond League meet in Rome today (Friday) in a time of 12.24 seconds, which is also the meet record, her personal best and the world leading time.

Minister Grange said she was “overjoyed by Ackera’s extraordinary performance” and sent her congratulations on behalf of the country.

Nugent won ahead of the American Masai Russell who clocked 12.31 seconds.

Minister Grange also commended other Jamaican athletes in competition in Rome today including the Olympic champion, Rojé Stona, who finished second in the discus throw with 67.85 metres, behind the Slovenian Kristjan Ceh with 68.61.

Romaine Beckford posted a personal best of 2.30 metres to finish second in the high jump.

Shiann Salmon finished second in the 400 metres hurdles with 53.20.

Omar McLeod (13.28) and Orlando Bennett (13.33) finished third and fifth respectively in the 110 metres hurdles.

Ackeem Blake finished fourth in the 100 metres while Rajindra Campbell finished fifth in the shot put.

Minister Grange said the country must continue to support our athletes as they compete on the world stage.

The Minister drew particular attention to long jumper in the T-20 category, Theodor Thomas, who is Jamaica’s only competitor at the Paralympic Games currently underway in Paris.

“He’s the only one carrying the Jamaica flag in the Paralympics. He needs our fullest support. Let us cheer him on to victory,” said the Minister.

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