ATLANTA — Georgia State sprinter Marissa Palmer capped an already standout year with an impressive fifth-place finish at the Pan American Junior Games, representing Jamaica in the 200-meter dash and contributing to the country's 4x100-meter relay team.

Palmer, a rising sophomore, was selected to compete for Jamaica at the Junior Pan American Games (U23) in Asunción, Paraguay, marking her first appearance on an international stage.

"It means a lot to be in a position where I can represent both my country and my university at this level," Palmer said. "This is my first time running for my country, and it's something I've been working towards for a long time. Being chosen for this opportunity is such an honor, and I don't take it lightly. I'm looking forward to everything that comes with this experience, from the high-level competition to connecting with other athletes. I want to make my country, my school, and everyone who supports me proud."

Palmer's international selection followed a breakout freshman campaign in which she emerged as one of the most dynamic athletes in the Georgia State women's track and field program. She broke school records in both the 100-meter and 200-meter events and was the only Panther to qualify for the NCAA Championship preliminaries.

During her debut season, Palmer competed in 11 meets and 33 total events. She delivered two personal-best performances at the Sunday Night Qualifier at App State on May 18, winning the 100-meter dash in 11.40 and placing second in the 200-meter in 23.09 to secure her NCAA East Prelims berth. She also helped guide the Panthers' 4x100 relay squad to a third-place finish in 45.29.

Her success continued at the Sun Belt Outdoor Track and Field Championships, where she earned three top-10 finishes: sixth in the 200-meter (25.53), eighth in the 100-meter (11.49), and fifth in the 4x400 relay (3:43.08). Earlier in the outdoor season, she helped the 4x100 relay team place fifth at the Michael Johnson Invitational (44.96) and finished fifth individually in the 100-meter at the UCF Black & Gold Challenge (11.60).

Palmer also excelled during indoor competition, recording a personal-best 7.46 in the 60-meter dash at the Stan Scott Invite & Multis and earning runner-up honors in the event at the UAB Vulcan Invitational (7.55). She opened her collegiate career at the Clemson Opener with a personal-best 40.33 in the 300-meter and later swept the 200-meter (24.16) and 4x400 relay (3:51.36) at the 2025 KMS Invitational.

Palmer competed in the PANAM Games–U23 in Asunción, Paraguay, held Aug. 9–23.

About the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA)
The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association is the national governing body for athletics in Jamaica. Headquartered in Kingston and led by President Garth Gayle JP, the JAAA is responsible for the promotion, development, and regulation of athletics across the island. The organization oversees competitions and supports athletes at all levels, playing a pivotal role in the growth and global success of Jamaican track and field.