Forbes: Jamaicans acclimatising to Asia environment

IAN FORBES, manager of Jamaica’s team to this year’s World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, says most of the country’s athletes have arrived at their training camp in Tottori and are now working on getting acclimatised to the conditions in Asia.

The training camp, which began on Monday, will continue through to September 10, ahead of the championships scheduled for September 13–21.

“So far, things have been going smoothly. Athletes are settling in and finding their footing, and they are acclimatising,” Forbes said.

“In terms of athletes and support staff, we have around 50 persons here already, but others are still coming in.

“I am feeling good and I am quite upbeat and optimistic. We have a very decent team, a very strong team, and we are expecting a lot from them. I think that, as long as they remain focused, they should acquit themselves very well,” he said.

Among those who have already arrived in camp are 100m sprinters Oblique Seville and Ackeem Blake, discus thrower Fedrick Dacres, long jumper Carey McLeod, and triple jumper Jordan Scott. Forbes noted that the MVP Track Club athletes, led by reigning 200-metre world champion Shericka Jackson and 100m gold medal favourite Kishane Thompson, are scheduled to join the camp in the coming days.

‘Superb’ facilities

He also praised the facilities and hospitality in Tottori, a familiar location for the team’s preparations.

“The facilities here are superb. We are using this beautiful sports complex that has two tracks, a designated throwing area, a gymnasium, and a 100m indoor track. The facilities are excellent, the accommodation is good, and, all in all, it is a wonderful set-up. The hospitality is second to none, and so we are very happy,” Forbes said.

“And, of course, we are no strangers to Tottori because this is our third time here. We were here for the 2007 World Championships, also for the 2015 Beijing World Championships, and now we are here again for Tokyo 2025.”