Rumors recently swirled around Jamaican sprint sensation Brianna Lyston, suggesting she may choose to represent the US instead of her native Jamaica. Her training base in Florida, sponsorship with Adidas, and her time competing as a Tiger with LSU, even surpassing Aleia Hobbs in the 60m, all fueled the speculation. But in a recent conversation with Kareem Weathers, Lyston addressed the rumors herself, leaving no room for doubt.

Lyston appeared for an interview with Weathers on his talk show, Bwoyatingz With Kareem. For nearly an hour, Lyston discussed her career, her time at college, and her many achievements before Weathers brought up the “nasty comments” Lyston received about missing out on the National Championships, which triggered the allegiance speculation.

Did her nonappearance mean she was going to forego the iconic gold jerseys for the stars and stripes? The short answer is no. Jamaica’s second-fastest U-20 sprinter quashed all rumors by confirming that she is a Jamaican athlete; neither was she going to switch allegiances, nor had she ever considered it.  “I’m confused. Like, why would y’all think I would leave my country?” asked Lyston with a shake of her head.

“Jamaican through and through,” laughed Weathers before Brianna Lyston added, “Yes. Like, I’ve been known as Jamaica’s darling since 12. Like, why would I—I’m saying, why would I switch?”

More than anything Lyston had been left confused by all the baseless speculation, when she herself had given zero indication of anything changing. “Like what would be my motive to switch?” she asked again. I feel like that was just something so unprovoked. Like, what would give, like… what tipped you off?”

Amid the swirling rumors, one thing remains undeniable. Brianna Lyston is a Jamaican athlete whose speed and determination speak louder than the rumors. Her track record tells the real story. Let’s take a look at that, shall we?

Brianna Lyston has been making waves, even beating Aleia Hobbs

From the moment Brianna Lyston burst onto the track, she was destined for comparisons to Jamaica’s sprinting greats. At just 12 years old, she ran an astonishing 23.72 seconds in the 200 m at the 2017 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Championships. It was an achievement that labeled her as the “Next Usain Bolt.” Since then, Lyston has lived up to the hype, growing into one of Jamaica’s most exciting prospects on the global stage. And her collegiate career in the USA strengthened that reputation.

While competing for Louisiana State University, Lyston smashed the school’s 60m indoor record previously held by Aleia Hobbs since 2018, clocking 7.07 seconds at the 2024 SEC Championships. That performance made her one of the fastest NCAA sprinters of her generation and placed her firmly in elite territory. Though, even as she trained and raced in the U.S., Lyston’s Jamaican pride remained evident.

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With personal bests of 10.89 seconds in the 100 m and 22.46 seconds in the 200m, Brianna Lyston continues to build a resume that backs up the comparisons to legends. Despite the noise surrounding her supposed allegiance switch, Lyston has made one thing clear – her journey, her records, and her ambitions all remain rooted in Jamaica’s green, gold, and black.