Why Kishane Thompson and Oblique Seville Did Not Participate at the World Relays Championship Games

by: Denise N. Fyffe

Jamaica appeared set to field a star-studded team at the 2026 World Relays, with Kishane Thompson and Oblique Seville raising hopes of another gold medal. The last time they ran together in a relay at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Jamaica did not finish. This time, however, both athletes withdrew just as expectations were building, amid reports of a financial dispute with the JAAA. The federation has now rejected that version of events.

Recent reports claimed Seville pulled out after the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) refused to cover the full cost of his ticket. The JAAA has denied that claim and issued a statement explaining what it says actually happened. In its statement, the JAAA said media reports claiming Seville withdrew because of a disagreement over airfare costs were incorrect.

According to the JAAA, the facts were different. The organization said there was no standoff between Seville’s representatives and the JAAA over ticket payments. Instead, the issue was whether he could return to Miami early enough to meet a contractual commitment. The JAAA added that Seville’s agent was told the earliest available flight that would get him back to Miami would arrive after midday on May 5, 2026, so an earlier return could not be guaranteed. As a result, Seville withdrew from the event, dealing a significant blow to Jamaica’s hopes. Thompson has also withdrawn because of injury.

Seville’s absence is especially damaging because the 25-year-old is the reigning 100m world champion after winning gold at the 2025 World Championships. He has also been a central part of Jamaica’s 4x100m relay team with Thompson. The pair also helped win the 2025 London Athletics Meet before running into trouble at the World Championships.

At those championships, Thompson and Seville were part of the Jamaican team that missed out on a medal after dropping the baton in the heats. They were on course to qualify for the next round before a failed exchange from Ryiem Forde to Thompson ended their race.

This year, the JAAA had selected a strong squad in hopes of securing automatic qualification for the 2027 World Athletics Championships. The federation has not yet named replacements, though athletes such as Ackeem Blake, Rohan Watson, and other 100m specialists remain in the relay pool.

As attention turns to possible replacements, Seville’s camp has continued to clarify the reasons behind his withdrawal.

Norman Peart rejected claims of a fallout with the JAAA. Seville’s withdrawal raised questions about whether the JAAA might sideline him. However, the federation’s statement said it made every effort to help him compete. Reports have also indicated that Tajh-Marques White and Roshawn Clarke have since withdrawn from the team, suggesting the issue is not isolated.

That creates another challenge for the JAAA as it pursues a medal at the World Relays. Still, athletes such as Kadarian Goldson and Odaine McPherson now have an opportunity to step up.

What seems clear is that the JAAA made a strong effort to get Seville to Botswana. His agent, Norman Peart, supported that view and praised the organization’s efforts. Peart said they worked hard to make the trip happen, but the travel logistics from Botswana ultimately made it impossible. He added that although the JAAA tried to resolve the issue, the timing and travel demands made it impossible for Seville to return to the United States in time for an obligation he could not miss.

With the JAAA and Seville’s camp now aligned on the facts, the idea of a financial dispute appears to be settled. Instead, the issue seems to have been a logistical problem that sidelined two of Jamaica’s biggest stars and forced the federation to regroup for the World Relays.

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Jamaica Pen Publishers, Maryland, United States.

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About the writer: Denise N. Fyffe is a published author of over 100 books, for more than fifteen years, and enjoys gardening, and volunteering. She is a trainer, publisher, author, and writing mentor, helping others to achieve their dreams.