At just 21 years old, Brianna Lyston has already established herself as one of the brightest young talents in world athletics. The Jamaican sprint sensation, who stunned the collegiate circuit by shattering Aleia Hobbs’ LSU 60m record with a breathtaking 6.98 seconds at the 2025 SEC Indoor Championships, is now making headlines for more than her speed. Amid swirling rumors about a possible allegiance switch to the United States, Lyston has responded with fire, pride, and an unshakable sense of national identity.
The whispers began shortly after her record-breaking indoor season and subsequent dominance in the outdoor campaign, where she captured the NCAA 100m title in 10.79 seconds—a performance that placed her among the fastest women in collegiate history. Some American media outlets speculated that, given her education at Louisiana State University (LSU) and her growing fame in U.S. athletics circles, she might consider switching allegiance after graduation. But Lyston quickly put those rumors to rest in emphatic style.
“I bleed green, black, and gold—Jamaica forever,” Lyston told TrackAlert in a passionate statement. “LSU just sharpened the blade. My roots, my pride, and my purpose all come from Jamaica. That will never change.” Her comments struck a chord across the Caribbean, with fans celebrating her unwavering loyalty to the nation that first witnessed her talent blossom as a teenage prodigy at the ISSA Boys and Girls Championships.
Lyston’s coach, Stephen Francis, echoed her sentiments, dismissing the speculation as “complete nonsense.” Francis, known for developing world-class athletes like Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Elaine Thompson-Herah, emphasized that Lyston’s allegiance has never been in question. “She’s represented Jamaica with distinction since her junior days,” he said, referencing her World U20 Championship gold medals. “People forget—records can fall, but loyalty stands.”
Indeed, Lyston’s rise has been defined by both brilliance and resilience. After years of battling injuries and the pressure of comparisons to Jamaica’s sprint icons, she has emerged as a mature and mentally tough competitor. Her 2025 season showcased not only her raw speed but also her consistency—clocking multiple sub-11 performances that solidified her as Jamaica’s next global sprinting hope.
For many Jamaicans, Lyston’s fierce declaration serves as a reminder of the country’s rich sprinting tradition. In an era where athletes are often lured by the promise of greater financial and infrastructural support abroad, her decision to stand firm with Jamaica resonates deeply. Social media erupted with messages of support, with fans flooding her posts with national flag emojis and words like “Queen of loyalty” and “True Jamaican spirit.”
As Paris 2028 looms on the horizon, Brianna Lyston’s goals are crystal clear—to bring glory to Jamaica on the world stage and etch her name alongside the legends who inspired her. “Records can be broken, but pride is eternal,” she said. “I want to wear my flag and make my people proud.”
With her combination of raw speed, fierce patriotism, and a champion’s mentality, Brianna Lyston is more than just a record-breaker—she’s a symbol of what it means to run for something greater than oneself. And if her words and performances are any indication, Jamaica’s sprinting legacy is in powerful, loyal hands.
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