Former nat'l junior representative switches allegiance to Great Britain

Former national junior representative Malique Smith-Band, who won the Under-20 200 metre gold for Jamaica at the Carifta Track and Field Championships in 2023, has completed his switch of allegiance to the country of his birth, Great Britain.

According to his athlete profile on the World Athletics website, effective June 18 this year, Smith-Band a former Jamaica College student athlete, changed his competitive nation to Great Britain. Both Smith-Band and JAAA sources also confirmed the move with Radio Jamaica Sports on Friday.

The 21-year-old Smith-Band, who was born in London before moving to Jamaica, will be eligible to represent Great Britain in international competitions from April 10, 2026 when his waiting period of three years ends according to the World Athletics rule 4.4.2.