Alana Reid and Odaine McPherson’s 100 m victories in Portugal, placing their performances in context and highlighting what these wins mean:
Sprint Showdown in Portugal: Reid & McPherson Take Centre Stage
On Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the Meeting Maia Cidade do Desporto held at Estádio José Vieira de Carvalho in Maia, Portugal, Jamaica’s young star Alana Reid seized the women’s 100 m crown in a time of 11.29 seconds (wind: –1.1 m/s), while compatriot Odaine McPherson claimed the men’s title in 10.18 seconds (wind: –0.5 m/s) (Jamaica Observer).
Alana Reid – Rising Sprint Dynamism
At just 20 years old, Reid is already one of Jamaica’s most exciting sprint prospects.
Born January 20, 2005, she has set junior records in the 100 m, including a breathtaking 10.92s in March 2023—a Jamaican junior record and a performance that positioned her among the fastest junior women in history (Wikipedia).
Final: She improved to 11.29s (with a slight headwind), winning comfortably. Fellow Jamaican Krystal Sloley placed third in 11.55s (Jamaica Observer).
This progression demonstrates Reid’s improving consistency and competitiveness.
Though slightly off her PB, her ability to deliver under race conditions is telling—especially given the headwind.
Context & Career Arc
Reid has amassed accolades on the international junior stage:
2022 World U20 Championships: 200 m bronze
2024 World U20 Championships: 100 m gold
Fresh from competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics as part of Jamaica’s 4×100 m relay squad (Wikipedia)
Her victory in Maia not only solidifies her foothold in the senior ranks but also hints at readiness for Diamond League and World Championship-level competition.
With a Jamaican junior record of 10.92s, Alana remains young and primed for further rapid development.
The win in Portugal cements her as a potential fixture in Jamaica’s senior sprint relay pool.
Odaine McPherson – Breaking Through
On the men’s side, Odaine McPherson made a statement with a commanding 10.18s run into a modest headwind:
Round one: He delivered 10.25s (wind: +1.3 m/s), qualifying smoothly (Jamaica Observer).
Final: His 10.18s performance held off Cuba’s Reynier Mena and Nigeria’s Udodi Chudi Onwuzurike, both clocking 10.27s (Jamaica Observer).
McPherson’s sub‑10.20s run is a significant indicator of potential breakout status for this season.
While not yet matching the low‑10 or sub‑10 benchmarks set by global elite, this display proves his readiness to compete with top-tier talent.
Jamaica’s Emerging Sprint Depth
Additional Jamaican runners featured:
Dominic Williams – 7th in 10.38s
Michael Campbell – 8th in 10.55s (Facebook, Jamaica Observer)
These results underscore the widening field of Jamaican sprinters keen to challenge for international relay rosters and individual event spots, particularly in light of injuries or selections ahead of world events.
Maia Meet: A Springboard Performance
Held in the scenic town of Maia in northern Portugal, the Meeting Maia Cidade do Desporto serves as a key summer stop for athletes tuning for major championships.
Conditions were moderately windy, but both winners proceeded with clinical ease.
The meet also showcased other Caribbean talent:
Giano Roberts (Jamaica) finished third in the 110 m hurdles (13.71s), following Brazil’s Eduardo Rodrigues and Cuba’s Roger Iribarne (Jamaica Observer).
Shawn-D. Thompson (Jamaica) was fourth in long jump (7.52 m) (Jamaica Observer).
Why These Wins Matter
• For Alana Reid
A crucial confidence boost entering the latter half of the season.
Exhibiting resilience with a winning sub‑11.30 performance in sub‑optimal wind.
A litmus test ahead of Diamond League invites and World Championship contention.
• For Odaine McPherson
A breakthrough into elite men’s sprint territory (10.18s).
Reinforces Jamaica’s next generation behind the likes of Ackeem Blake and Rohan Watson.
Strong case for selection in relay camps or global meets.
• For Jamaican Sprint Depth
These results affirm Jamaica’s broader sprinting strength beyond established stars like Shericka Jackson, Elaine Thompson-Herah, and Rasheed Broadbell.
Whether on home soil or international circuit, new names are increasingly emerging as medal threats and relay-caliber recruits.
Looking Ahead
Alana Reid: Eyeing Diamond League starts; should lower time into the high 11s or sub-11.20 shallow rounds. A sub-11.15 is a realistic target soon.
Odaine McPherson: Next aim: consistently clock sub-10.15, inch towards national relay trials and senior championships.
If both continue their trajectory, they offer immense promise for Jamaica’s relay squads and global sprint prominence.
Final Thoughts
In a thrilling sprint double in Portugal, Alana Reid and Odaine McPherson harnessed opportunity to showcase speed, composure, and talent in European conditions.
For Reid, it adds to a resume already studded with junior global medals and national junior records.
For McPherson, it’s the emergence of a serious contender in men’s 100 m.
Their respective victories signal that Jamaica’s sprint legacy is being carefully sustained—not just by the established elite, but increasingly by spirited, fearless young athletes ready to seize the global spotlight.
Would you like a detailed breakdown of their season progression, comparisons with senior benchmarks, or forecasted paths toward international championship rosters? Happy to dive deeper!
