'We Made the Right Call'-Leah Anderson Gets Real About Skipping China Relays

Leah Anderson skipped the China Relays to focus on Jamaica’s trials, prioritizing health and performance after a tough indoor season.

Jamaican sprinter Leah Anderson may not yet be a household name in local track circles, but her performances this season are forcing fans and analysts to take notice.

The 400m specialist has been turning heads with her form, including a personal best of 51.15 set in Arkansas on May 9.

Despite her rise, Anderson was noticeably absent from Jamaica’s 4x400m squad at the recent World Athletics Relays in China.

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Many athletics fans questioned her, especially given her early-season promise.

But as it turns out, the decision to skip the event was not due to injury or administrative oversight—it was a calculated move between Anderson and her coach, Olympic gold medallist Derrick Adkins.

“We thought about World Relays. The Jamaican federation sent out the usual forms to athletes who’ve previously committed to the country, but we decided together not to send her,” Adkins told Sportsmax.TV.

"The trip to China for World Indoors took a big toll on her—and not just physically.”

Tough Lessons from Nanjing

Earlier this year, Anderson competed at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, where she entered the competition ranked fifth globally with a time of 51.27. Expectations were high.

But instead of advancing through the rounds, Anderson exited early—an outcome Adkins attributes to more than just race-day nerves.

“It wasn’t an injury issue,” Adkins clarified.

“It was more dietary. Leah naturally weighs around 110 pounds, but we try to keep her at 115 for optimal performance. She made a dietary change about a month before World Indoors that just didn’t work, and the long trip to China caused her to lose more weight. She just didn’t have the energy.”

The logistical challenges of international travel didn’t help matters. “It’s one of the longest trips you can make, especially coming from the East Coast of the U.S.,” Adkins said.

“Multiple connecting flights, several time zones. She was tired when she got there, and even more tired when she got back.”

Food availability overseas also played a part, contributing to further energy depletion just before her opening round.

“She just didn’t feel like herself,” Adkins admitted.

“And to top it off, she made some strategic errors in her race. She was a little too excited—it was her first World Championships appearance as an individual, not on a relay, and I think she was still learning how to handle the moment.”

Focusing on the Long Game

Anderson and Adkins ultimately chose to skip the World Relays in favor of preparing for the Jamaican national trials in June. That decision is already showing signs of success.

“She loves Jamaica and would have loved to represent the country at World Relays,” Adkins emphasized.

“But we made this decision to strengthen her chances at the Jamaican trials and ultimately qualify for the World Championships in Tokyo. The competition at nationals is going to be fierce—those girls are going to be running 49s.”

“She needs to know how to run that open 400 a lot better if she’s going to be competitive in Kingston.

“This was about the long game—not just showing up for the team, but putting herself in a real position to make the team.”

Anderson’s personal best performance this month is a clear signal that her patient approach is working.