Earlier this month in Cali, Colombia—the self-proclaimed sports city of the world—over 1,500 athletes hailing from and 145 countries descended upon the Estadio Olimpico Pascual Guerrero (Pascual Guerrero Olympic Stadium) in pursuit of athletic supremacy and glory over the course of the six day schedule of competition that took place August 1-6.  So too, Jamaica’s top young track and field stars made the trek to compete on the big stage with the world watching.  As it happened, there were top sprinting performances by not only the Jamaican contigent, but also courtesy of Botswanan speedster and 100 meter world record holder, Letsile Tebogo.  And then in the men’s 200 meter dash Final there was an epic photo finish that will be talked about for years to come, as Tebogo was clipped at the line by Israel’s top sprinter—Blessing Afrifah.

Cali, Colombia

Estadio Olimpico Pascual Guerrero (Pascual Guerrero Olympic Stadium) — Cali, Colombia

Jamaica’s Tina Clayton and Serena Cole Cruised to Victory in 100 Meter Dash Semi-Final to Advance to Final

Jamaica’s Tina Clayton Ran a Blistering 10.95 to Clinch Gold and World Title in 100 Meter Final, With Serena Close Behind to Seize Silver

Jamaica’s Brianna Lyston Coasted to Victory in 200 Meter Dash Semi-Final to Advance to Final

Jamaica’s Brianna Lyston Secured World Title in Decisive Fashion in 200 Meter Final Alongside Alana Reid

Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo Ran a Stunning 9.91 in the 100 Meter Final to Take the Crown as Top World U-20 Sprinter

Israel’s Blessings Afrifah Clipped Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo in Epic Photo Finish in 200 Meter Final

Team Jamaica’s Serena Cole, Tia Clayton, Kerrica Hill, and Tina Clayton Laid Down the Gauntlet in 4×100 Meter Dash Relay Final and Shattered World Record in Doing So

All photos by Nick Ford, who lives and works in South Florida