The 2025 Jamaican National Trials were a rollercoaster of emotions, a stage where dreams collided with reality. Tina Clayton, one half of Jamaica’s dynamic sprinting twins, blazed to the 100m national title with a stunning 10.81 seconds, outpacing legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who hit the tracks on national soil for the last time in her career. Meanwhile, her sister Tia was sidelined by a heart-wrenching injury, unable to finish her race. As a fan, you feel the sting of that moment but also the thrill of Tina’s triumph. How did these sisters capture the track world’s heart?
Enter Justin Gatlin, the former Olympic and World Champion sprinter, whose YouTube channel has become a go-to for track insights. Gatlin, with his seasoned eye, sees something special in the Clayton twins. Reflecting on their journey, he said, “We witnessed last year Tia at the Olympics, being the only female Jamaican that was able to represent for Jamaica, young girl out there against the world. And she handled it with so much grace, so much discipline, and she ran.” Tia’s Olympic moment last year was a beacon of Jamaican pride. But what about this year’s twist?
This time, it was Tina’s turn to shine. Gatlin noted, “Fast forward to this year, now it’s Tina’s turn. Tina stepped up to the plate. She’s gone out there, become national champion.” Tina’s victory wasn’t just a personal win; it was a testament to the sisters’ bond. Unlike cutthroat rivalries, the Claytons share a rare unity. Gatlin put it perfectly: “There’s no real animosity or like ‘I’m better than you’ or, selfishness. It’s the fact of ‘I’m cheering for my sister because I know how we train. I know what it takes for us to be great.” Can you imagine the strength it takes to root for your sibling while chasing your own glory?
Yet, Tia’s injury casts a shadow. Gatlin remains hopeful, saying, “We hope that Tia recovers very fast and we get to see double trouble back out there because that’s what they are.” The nickname “double trouble” feels so right, two sisters, injury-free, could dominate. Gatlin believes, “They’re going to be double trouble once they get it together and they get on the track together with no injuries, no setbacks. I think we’re going to see some real competitiveness from them.” What could the future hold for these sprinting sisters?
As we await Tia’s recovery, the track world buzzes with anticipation. Will the Clayton twins become the unstoppable force Gatlin predicts, redefining women’s sprinting with their speed and sisterhood?
Tia and Tina Clayton turn heads in 2025 sprint season
It’s been a season of twin takeovers on the track. Tia and Tina Clayton, Jamaica’s sprinting sensations, have made serious statements in 2025, both individually and as a package deal. The Doha Diamond League in May saw Tia light up the track with a world-leading 10.92s in the 100 m, edging out her sister Tina, who clocked an impressive 11.02s. Just like that, the world took notice: the Clayton twins are not just promising, they’re here for the podiums.
Sport Bilder des Tages 210823 — NAIROBI, Aug. 23, 2021 — Tia Clayton L and Tina Clayton of team Jamaica pose after the women s 4x100m relay final at the 2021 World Athletics U20 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya, Aug. 22, 2021. SPKENYA-NAIROBI-WORLD ATHLETICS U20 CHAMPIONSHIPS-WOMEN S 4X100M RELAY FINAL DongxJianghui PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxCHN
Fast-forward to the Jamaican National Trials, and the sibling rivalry remained razor-thin. Tia once again came out on top in the heats with 11.21s, just ahead of Tina’s 11.27s. But Tina had already made her mark earlier in the season, posting a personal best of 10.81s in Kingston, a time that ranks her firmly among the top women sprinters globally.
With both sisters regularly dipping into the low 11s and pushing each other in every outing, their progression feels unstoppable. Their performances are not just highlights, they’re shaping the Jamaican sprint narrative.
So what’s next for the dynamic duo? Well, with major meets and relay selections on the horizon, could the Claytons anchor Jamaica’s sprint future like Shelly-Ann once did?
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