An independent inspector from World Athletics is expected to assess the newly resurfaced track at Jamaica’s National Stadium in short order, as the process of recertification moves into a critical phase. The outcome will determine the facility’s eligibility to host international competitions and whether upcoming performances can be officially recognized.
The announcement came from Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, during her keynote address at the official handover of the upgraded track to Independence Park Limited on Sunday, March 23.
The timing of the inspection is particularly significant, as the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Championships are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, March 25. With World Athletics yet to complete the certification process, any performances recorded during Champs might not be ratified by the global governing body until the track is officially certified.
In a statement to Radio Jamaica Sports, World Athletics made it clear that the facility cannot retain its existing certification because the previous certificate was tied to the old Regupol track surface. The governing body emphasized that the newly resurfaced track—now using Rekortan material—requires a new certification process, including full measurement and performance testing.
The resurfacing project, completed just weeks ago, aimed to prepare the stadium for Champs and the Grand Slam Track Series in April. However, Sportsmax.TV’s reporting suggests that the new surface is unlikely to regain its previous Class 1 certification, and may instead be awarded Class 2 status.
A sports construction industry expert, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained that while the Rekortan surface meets international standards, resurfacing techniques—such as patching over existing material—can create inconsistencies in surface properties. These inconsistencies make it difficult for the track to pass the rigorous tests required for Class 1 certification.
World Athletics’ Class 1 certification is based not just on the track surface, but on comprehensive stadium infrastructure, including anti-doping facilities and evolving compliance standards. The required on-site tests assess: Shock absorption, Surface hardness, Evenness, Friction levels and Energy restitution.
“When you have a track where you cut out certain areas and patch others, the values become inconsistent,” the expert told Sportsmax.TV. “If they were to apply for Class 1, they’d likely get flagged due to these variations and ultimately be advised to go for Class 2 instead.”
A Class 2 designation still allows the facility to host international meets and high-level regional events but would disqualify it from staging World Athletics-sanctioned global competitions such as the World Championships or Olympic qualifiers.
For now, the track remains uncertified, meaning any standout performances at Champs—including potential records or World Championship qualifying marks—might not be recognized by World Athletics unless the certification is completed before the meet begins.
With the stadium’s international status and athletes’ ambitions hanging in the balance, the upcoming inspection is expected to take place imminently. Until then, Jamaica’s most prestigious schoolboy athletics competition will proceed on a world-class surface—albeit without the assurance of world-certified recognition.
