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Tia Clayton, born on August 17, 2004, in Jamaica, is a rising star in the world of sprinting. Competing in the 100m and 200m events, she has quickly made a name for herself with impressive performances on the track.
Career
She ran the anchor legs for the Jamaican 4 × 100 metres relay teams that broke the world under-20 records at both the 2021 (42.94 s) and 2022 World U20 Championships (42.59 s).
Tia has a twin sister, Tina Clayton, who ran the second leg of those world record relays.
Tia finished second in the 100m at the 2024 Jamaican Athletics Championships in a time of 10.90 seconds (-0.3 m/s wind), behind Shericka Jackson (10.84 s) and ahead of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (10.94 s), to qualify for the Jamaican team for the 2024 Summer Olympics. She ran a new Personal Best (PB) of 10.86 s (+1.0 m/s wind) in winning her semi-final a couple of hours beforehand (beating the PB of 11.02 s (+0.7 m/s wind) she had set the day before in the heats).
Athletic Achievements
Personal Bests:
- 100m: 10.86 seconds (Kingston, 2024)
- 200m: 23.41 seconds (Kingston, 2022)
- 60m (Indoor): 7.02 seconds (February 2025)
Notable Performances:
Secured a spot on the Jamaican team for the 2024 Summer Olympics by finishing second in the 100m at the Jamaican Athletics Championships with a time of 10.90 seconds, narrowly behind Shericka Jackson.
Part of the Jamaican 4x100m relay teams that set world U20 records at the 2021 and 2022 World U20 Championships.
Family Background
Tia comes from a family with a strong athletic background. Her mother, Tishawna Pinnock, competed at the national level during her primary and high school years. Tia's twin sister, Tina Clayton, is also a talented sprinter, and the two have often competed together, including in relay events where they have set world records. Their close bond and shared passion for athletics have been a significant influence on Tia's career.
Professional Career
In July 2022, Tia and Tina signed professional contracts with Nike and joined the MVP Track Club, where they are coached by Stephen Francis, renowned for coaching elite sprinters like Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Elaine Thompson Herah. They also enrolled at the University of Technology in Jamaica.
Personal Life and Privacy
Tia maintains a private personal life, and there is limited public information about her relationships or marital status. She focuses on her athletic career and community engagement, serving as an ambassador for the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA)/Sagicor National Primary Schools Athletic Championships, aiming to inspire the next generation of athletes.
Looking Ahead
As of 2025, Tia continues to compete at a high level, with recent performances indicating her potential for future success. Her dedication to her sport and her family's support play crucial roles in her journey.
Tia Clayton's story is one of talent, determination, and familial support. As she continues to develop as an athlete, she remains a promising figure in the world of sprinting.
