Nayoka Clunis carved herself into history earlier this year when she became the first person, woman or man, from Jamaica to compete in the Hammer Throw competition in World Athletics Championships. And today, she ranks 27th overall in the world in the discipline of Women’s Hammer Throw.
Nayoka Clunis of made history for Jamaica 🇯🇲 as the first woman or man to compete in the World Athletics Championships the Hammer Throw competition. 💪🏿🔥🔥🔥🖤💚💛
Powered by @jnbanklimited#GuhHaadAndDone #WorldAthleticsChamps pic.twitter.com/0mm4rnVvVp
— Team Jamaica (@TeamJA876) August 24, 2023
Prior to her participation on the international stage, Clunis also bagged several accolades in her country. At the JAAA National Senior and Junior Championships, Clunis was able to clinch four national titles, her most recent being an outstanding distance of 70.17 meters.
During that time, Clunis was still vying for a World Championship berth, saying that it had been her aim despite all the injuries and financial, emotional, and mental challenges she’d been through.
She also added that, “With a little help, I hope to get things moving a little bit smoother, especially next season.”
However, as she crossed over to the bigger stage, it seemed that the little help she’d been pleading for is still missing.
In her post, entitled ‘the pain of being a Jamaican T&F athlete’, Clunis detailed her hardships and how the government denied her help when she needed it.
“Nobody wants to talk about the lack of funding or sponsorship that track and field athletes get,” Clunis began.
Jamaican Athlete Nayoka shares the hardship she is facing as an athlete and the countless amount of help she has been asking for but gets none because she's not top 5. pic.twitter.com/PU9pg87OWW
— Track Spice 🌶️ (@trackspice) December 5, 2023
She added that she is currently ranked 27th and that, although many nations would be eager to support her in advancing her career, her government won’t. According to Clunis, their government won’t take an athlete seriously if they don’t place in the top 5.
She explained that the Jamaican government only covered expenses for her flights and accommodations during national representative meetings; however, anything beyond that was all up to her. Clunis has also taken this up with the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), and even the minister, but to no avail.
She then ended her statement with several hashtags, including “broke athletes,” “need funding,” and “send help.”
Reactions to her post
After her statement got reposted on Only1Empo’s Facebook page and Track Spice’s X account, people were outraged by what they read and felt sympathetic towards the struggling Jamaican athlete.
That's not right she should get support and assistance she represents jamaica
— Ainsworth Myrie (@AinsworthMyrie9) December 6, 2023
This is so sad, sighs
— A Broken Crayon 🇯🇲 (@G_Handwriting) December 6, 2023
Ok can @Babsy_grange @MCGESJamaica point @jam876_nay to where and how to sign up for assistance ??@CaroleBeckford maybe can help her navigate what’s possible?
— Sound Chat Radio (@IrishandChin) December 6, 2023
Clunis’ personal best is currently 71.13 meters, a record she achieved at the Iron Wood Throws Classic in Idaho, USA.
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