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Seville looking forward to Grand Slam Track’s National Stadium debut
December 10, 2024
Jamaican 100m sprinter Oblique Seville says making his debut in the upcoming Grand Slam Track (GST) series at the National Stadium will be a special occasion.
Seville, along with Jamaica 400m national champion Nickisha Pryce, have been announced as Racers Club additions in the series pioneered by four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson, which is set to get out of the blocks next year.
Seville and Pryce's inclusion will see the count of Jamaica athletes signed to the project move up to five as they join Ackera Nugent, Roshawn Clarke and Rushell Clayton who have already committed to the competition.
The first stop in the four-meet series is slated to be hosted at the National Stadium from April 4-6.
"I'm very happy knowing that this is the first year starting it and I am part of it. Funny enough, I've never run at any Diamond League races before and to run at the Grand Slam is something special for me," he shared.
"Knowing that the Grand Slam is going to be held in Jamaica, it shows this is something special for me again because running in front of your home crowd is something different than when you are running outside of your country. It gives you this extra boost to win because there is no other option but to win."
Seville holds special memories of racing at the National Stadium, where he rose to prominence during his time competing at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girl's Athletics Championships, for Holmwood Technical first then Calabar High.
He recalled his race at the Racers Grand Prix earlier this year, where he won the men's 100m in 9.82 seconds, as a special moment on the track due to the home support.
"Earlier this year, I ran at the Racers Grand Prix and the support that I have gotten from the Jamaica fans is something special," he remarked.
The 23-year-old sprinter is confident the fans will turn out at the GST series, as he believes it will garner international attention for Jamaica.
He stated Jamaica's rich history in the sport has been deserving of recognition and is ready to play his part in delivering memorable performances for fans to enjoy.
"I think it will help the country internationally in that it will bring more attention towards track and field in Jamaica. I think fans will turn out to support us because we always give them good performances," the sprinter said.
"For track and field to get that recognition, knowing that the Grand Slam will be the first major event to be hosted at the National Stadium next year, it will be something good for the country and really beneficial," he stated.
The GST will pit 96 athletes to compete for its grand prize each slam, with 48 athletes designated as racers who will compete in all four slams while the remaining 48 athletes will compete as challengers.
