‘Pursue your dreams’
Sportswoman of the Year Tina Clayton urges Jamaicans to continue to dream big
Published:Monday | January 19, 2026 | 12:10 AMGregory Bryce/Staff Reporter
Within minutes of receiving her award as the 2025 RJRGLEANER Sportswoman of the Year, Tina Clayton gave a rousing speech, urging all Jamaicans to continue to dream big and pursue their goals in life.
Clayton walked away with the grand prize at Saturday’s award ceremony following a breakthrough 2025 season.
The sprinter cemented her place among the global elites as she claimed her first national women’s 100m title, toppling a stacked field of more experienced Jamaican sprinters.
Clayton continued her impressive season at the Tokyo World Championships, where she copped the silver medal in a personal best of 10.77 seconds.
She was also a member of Jamaica’s quartet that took the silver medal in the women’s 4x100m.
Clayton took the time to thank those who helped throughout her season and said it was an honour to be able to stand among some of the greats of Jamaica’s sporting history.
“This is a humbling experience knowing that I have entered a circle of all the greats who have made Jamaica proud,” she said.
“I thank Almighty God for what he has done for me throughout this season. A special thank you to my coach, Stephen Francis, for pushing me to my full potential. I have to thank the MVP Track Club also.”
Clayton said that to be honoured at the award ceremony was a dream come true, and to stand among the greats was a dream she had since she was young.
The former Edwin Allen High School standout excelled throughout her junior career, where she stood as a four-time world U20 champion and jointly holds the world U20 record for the 4x100m relay.
Clayton said her success on the track is proof of the importance of dreaming big and putting in the work to achieve dreams.
“I stand here tonight as an example of dreaming a dream that continues to unfold,” she said.
“A dream that has overcome many struggles and hardships. A dream that continues to focus and want to be better for myself and my family, my community, and my country,” Clayton continued.
“A dream that has never left me, even as I reflect on those moments that brought me to tears, but set me up for moments of glory like this one tonight.”
Clayton urged her fellow athletes and fellow Jamaicans to continue to dream, and said the ability to achieve one’s dream is the core of Jamaica’s greatness.
“To my fellow awardees and nominees, I urge you to continue to pursue your dreams,” she said. “Greatness is a part of Jamaica’s strength.”