Four Caribbean Athletes Carry Regional Pride Into NCAA Outdoor Championships

The Caribbean’s sprinting tradition continues to thrive on the NCAA stage as four exceptional athletes from Jamaica and the British Virgin Islands have officially booked their tickets to the 2026 NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon. These athletes have consistently delivered world-class performances throughout the collegiate season, reinforcing the Caribbean’s reputation as a powerhouse in track and field.

Leading the charge is Jamaican sprint star Shenese Walker of Florida State University. Walker has enjoyed a breakthrough season, winning her regional qualifying race in 10.88 seconds while carrying a season-best mark of 10.80 seconds. The reigning ACC Outdoor champion also completed the sprint double after capturing the 200-meter title in a personal-best 22.65 seconds. Beyond her individual success, Walker serves as the anchor of Florida State’s highly competitive 4×100-meter relay team, helping secure one of the fastest qualifying times heading into the national championships.

Representing the British Virgin Islands, Adaejah Hodge of the University of Georgia has emerged as one of the most exciting sprinters in collegiate track and field. Hodge dominated her regional qualifier, winning in a facility record 10.86 seconds despite easing up before the finish line. Her stunning 21.92-second performance earlier this season ranks among the fastest times ever recorded in NCAA history and makes her a legitimate contender for national titles in both the 100 and 200 meters. She also plays a vital role on Georgia’s powerful 4×100-meter relay team.

Jamaica’s Gabrielle Matthews of the University of Florida may be less recognized internationally than some of her Caribbean counterparts, but her performances have demanded attention. Matthews claimed the SEC Outdoor Championship in a personal-best 10.97 seconds before advancing comfortably through the NCAA regional rounds. She also demonstrated impressive versatility by qualifying in the 200 meters, where she owns a season-best 22.41 seconds. Her rapid development this season has positioned her as a potential surprise contender at the NCAA Finals.

Another Jamaican star, Dejanea Oakley of the University of Georgia, continues to build an extraordinary collegiate résumé. Oakley punched her ticket to Eugene with a brilliant 50.60-second run in the 400 meters and enters the championships as one of the favorites after producing a world-leading 48.92-second performance earlier this season. The Jamaican record holder indoors for the 400 meters is also a valuable contributor in the 200 meters and both Georgia relay squads, making her one of the busiest and most impactful athletes heading into the national championships.

As the NCAA Outdoor Championships approach, these four Caribbean athletes will carry the hopes of their nations and the wider region onto one of collegiate athletics’ biggest stages. Whether representing Jamaica or the British Virgin Islands, their success serves as another reminder that Caribbean sprinting continues to produce elite talent capable of competing with the very best in the world.