Tacarigua witnessed a celebration of track and field prowess on January 3 as the National Association of Athletics Administration (NAAATT) honored Trinidad and Tobago’s top performers at its annual awards ceremony. The event, held at the National Racquet Centre, crowned javelin specialist Keshorn Walcott and sprint sensation Leah Bertrand as Senior Male and Female Athletes of the Year respectively.
This recognition comes merely days after both athletes secured the highest honors at the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee’s 31st awards ceremony on December 29, completing a remarkable double achievement. Walcott’s golden moment arrived at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Japan, where he launched his javelin to a championship-winning 88.16 meters. Bertrand simultaneously achieved personal milestones, setting new benchmarks of 10.92 seconds in the 100 meters and 22.54 seconds in the 200 meters.
The awards ceremony comprehensively recognized excellence across disciplines and age groups. Jereem Richards, the world championship silver medalist in the 400 meters, received the Most Outstanding Male Track Athlete award, while Tyra Gittens-Spotsville claimed the female field equivalent.
Youth athletics received prominent recognition with Christopher Sammy earning Youth Male Athlete of the Year for his double-gold performance in the 1,500m and 3,000m at the Carifta Games. Oshea Cummings mirrored this achievement by securing the female youth honor following her gold and bronze medals in middle-distance events.
The junior categories saw defending champion Janae De Gannes retain her Junior Female Athlete of the Year title, with Jaden Marchan taking the male equivalent. Both athletes medaled at the Junior Pan American Games in Paraguay.
Specialized discipline awards went to Tafari Waldron and Alexia John (Cross Country Athletes of the Year), Nicholas Romany and Aniqah Bailey (Road Running Athletes of the Year), and the multi-talented Vincent twins—Tenique and Tyrique—who dominated the combined events categories.
Club accolades were claimed by RSS Phoenix (Juvenile and Junior Club of the Year) and Abilene Wildcats (Senior Club of the Year), while Daeshaun Cole received the prestigious President’s Rising Star award.
The ceremony also paid tribute to long-serving contributors, including posthumous recognition for coaches Eldwin Noel and Verna Edwards, highlighting the community’s enduring commitment to athletic development.