In August, Jamaica heads to Chengdu, China, for the World Games 2025 โ and even though weโre sending just two athletes, this is one of those moments thatโs bigger than the numbers.
Unlike the Olympics, the World Games celebrates the lesser-known sports โ things like powerlifting, sambo, squash, lacrosse, even breakdancing. And guess what? Jamaica is in the building!
Whoโs Representing?
As of now, the specific names of Jamaica's athletes competing in powerlifting and sambo at the 2025 World Games in Chengdu have not been officially announced. While the Jamaica Olympic Association has confirmed that the country will be sending two athletesโone in powerlifting and one in samboโdetailed information about the individuals representing Jamaica in these sports is yet to be released .en.wikipedia.org
However, notable Jamaican athletes in these disciplines include:
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Sami DePass: A prominent powerlifter who recently secured a fourth-place finish in the women's 76kg class at the International Powerlifting Federation World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships. Her performance marked a significant improvement from her previous year's result and has been celebrated within the Jamaican powerlifting community .jamaica-gleaner.com
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Matthew Colquhoun: A three-time Pan American Games Combat Sambo gold medalist, Colquhoun has been instrumental in promoting sambo in Jamaica and has represented the country in various international competitions .jamaica-gleaner.com
While these athletes have made significant contributions to their respective sports, it is currently unclear if they will be the ones representing Jamaica at the 2025 World Games. Official announcements from the Jamaica Olympic Association are anticipated as the event approaches.
โจ Why This Is A Big Deal
Letโs keep it real: Weโre known worldwide for sprinting. Thatโs our crown. But this? This is about showing the world what else weโre made of.
These athletes arenโt coming from million-dollar training camps. Theyโre pushing through on passion, community support, and grit. This is real yard work โ sweat, sacrifice, and love for sport.
๐ฌ More Than Medals
This trip isnโt just about gold or glory. Itโs about:
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Showing up and representing the flag, even in places weโve never been seen before.
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Inspiring youth who might not fit into the usual track-and-field mold.
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And reminding the world that Jamaican talent runs deep โ not just fast.
๐ฅ Wait... Whatโs Sambo?
Youโre not the only one asking.
Sambo is a martial art from Russia โ part judo, part wrestling โ all fire. Itโs fast-paced, strategic, and rough. And now, a Jamaican athlete is stepping into that arena. That alone deserves respect.
๐ฃ Why Weโre Hyped
This isnโt just about sports. Itโs about identity. Expansion. Pride.
When we show up in new spaces, weโre telling a wider story:
That Jamaica isnโt a one-lane country.
That weโve got powerlifters and poets, martial artists and entrepreneurs.
That our culture has layers โ and theyโre all worth celebrating.
๐ Save the Date
๐ World Games 2025
๐ August 7โ17
๐ Chengdu, China
So when those two athletes hit the global stage, remember:
Theyโre not just lifting weights or throwing down on the mat.
Theyโre lifting the dream of every Jamaican whoโs ever wanted to compete, create, or carve their own lane.
Letโs cheer them on โ loud and proud.
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