Taking the track indoors!

New world-class sporting complex for Jamaica

Jamaica’s dominance in the world of sprinting is nothing short of legendary. The island’s athletic prowess, famously embodied by names like Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and Elaine Thompson-Herah, among others, has made it the undisputed sprint capital of the world. Yet, despite producing some of the most iconic athletes in history, Jamaica has always been missing one crucial piece in its sporting infrastructure: a world-class indoor track and field facility.

This gap is about to be closed.

WEI Sports and Rematch TV are embarking on a visionary project that will forever change the landscape of Jamaican athletics. The duo is spearheading the development of Jamaica’s very first indoor track and field complex, and it promises to be a game-changer for the nation’s athletes. With construction slated to begin in 2026 and a projected opening date of 2027, this facility will not only serve as a year-round training ground for athletes, but also as a hub for scouting, competition, and commercial growth in the sporting world.

Karl Wilkins, the driving force behind WEI Sports, is clear on one thing: Jamaica has the raw talent. What it needs is the infrastructure to help that talent flourish. “Jamaica is a global powerhouse in track and field, but there is so much untapped potential,” Wilkins says, passionately outlining his vision for the facility. “We need to give our athletes the best chance to succeed in all conditions, not just in the heat of summer. A state-of-the-art indoor complex will level the playing field, enabling us to compete year-round, irrespective of the weather.”

Currently, athletes in Jamaica face extreme challenges training in a hot, humid environment, with temperatures often reaching 40°C (104°F). These conditions not only hinder training, but also pose serious health risks to athletes. An indoor facility, Wilkins argues, will provide a controlled environment, offering optimal conditions for peak performance. More importantly, it will allow Jamaica to better prepare athletes for international competitions, including the Winter Olympics, where indoor track and field events are crucial.

With a projected cost of US $12 million, half of which has already been secured, the facility will be located in the heart of Jamaica in St. Ann. It will be strategically positioned to become a central hub for athletics training. Wilkins envisions it as more than just a training facility, but rather a beacon for international athletes and coaches, whilst serving as a training ground for the next generation of Jamaican sprinting legends, as well as a venue for elite athletic camps and regional competitions.

“This facility will transform how we nurture and develop young athletes,” Wilkins explains. “We’re going to create an environment similar to the YMCA model in the U.S., where young people can come, train, and be mentored. This will be a talent pipeline, a place where young Jamaican athletes can grow and eventually represent us on the world stage.”

As Jamaica’s track and field legacy continues to thrive, this indoor facility will ensure that the island remains at the forefront of global athletics. “The facility will not only be about developing champions but about continuing the rich history of Jamaican athletics,” Wilkins concludes. “We’re looking at more than just athletes; we’re shaping the future of sports tourism, international competition, and economic growth for Jamaica.”

This project not only supports Jamaica’s national goals for sports development and youth empowerment but also paves the way for a new era of athletic excellence. With strong backing from both the government and key sports organisations like the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), the facility promises to transform the future of track and field in the region. As we look ahead, it’s clear that Jamaica’s next generation of world champions will rise from these very tracks, setting the stage for a new chapter in global athletics.