Despite challenging weather conditions characterized by relentless rain and powerful gusts, Saint Lucia’s premier young athletes demonstrated exceptional resilience during the National Junior Championships and CARIFTA Trials hosted by the Saint Lucia Athletics Association last weekend. The event, serving as the critical qualifying platform for the upcoming regional track and field championships in Grenada during Easter weekend, witnessed numerous athletes achieving remarkable performances.
Syesha Rogers of Morne Stars Athletics Club emerged as a standout performer in the Under-20 girls’ long jump category. Battling against swirling winds that disrupted many attempts, Rogers fouled what appeared to be a massive jump before registering two exceptional legal jumps of 5.75m and 5.70m. These distances not only represented personal career milestones but also secured her qualification for the CARIFTA Games alongside teammate Destinee Cenac, both meeting the rigorous standards set by the Saint Lucia Athletics Association.
In the Under-17 boys’ division, Jermario Actille demonstrated his sprinting prowess in the 100m events. The Beanefield Comprehensive student, competing unattached, posted impressive times throughout the competition rounds. He clocked 10.96 seconds in Heat 4 with a 2.7 m/s tailwind, followed by 11.02 seconds in the semifinals with a 1.4 m/s tailwind, and culminated his performance with a blistering 10.69 seconds in the final, though significantly aided by a substantial 5.7 m/s tailwind.
Additional notable qualifications included Barbara-Marie Maximin of Abilene, who once again met the CARIFTA standard in the Under-17 girls’ long jump with a winning leap of 5.39m, surpassing her closest competitor by nearly a full meter.
The championships showcased depth across multiple age categories and disciplines. Joshua Matthews of Sprint Tech dominated the Under-17 boys’ track with victories in both the 200m (22.98s) and 400m (53.1s). Distance events saw Chaz Alexander of Soufriere claim top honors in the 800m (2:09.96) and 1500m (4:32.80), while Jemal Cadette maintained Sulphur City’s presence in the 3000m (11:13.68). Field events witnessed Aj Joseph (Sprint Tech) leading the long jump (5.74m) and Carrick Edward (Morne Stars) excelling in triple jump (11.30m).
Under-20 competition featured Ryan Simeon of Nightriders achieving fast times in the 200m (21.47s) and 100m (10.66s), though both performances were wind-assisted. Joaqwan Alexander (Soufriere) impressed in the 400m with 48.79s, while Darvin Forde (Sprint Tech) demonstrated versatility with wins in both long jump (6.69m) and triple jump (13.97m).
The women’s categories produced equally impressive results. Destinee Cenac (Morne Stars) secured the Under-17 girls’ 100m title in 12.27s, while Shaimaelle Durand (Pacesetters) took second before claiming victory in the 200m (25.90s). Sierratina Hilaire (Morne Stars) won the Under-20 girls’ 100m in 12.21s, and Nyella Cox (Survivors) dominated the 200m with 25.3s.
Juvenile athletes also showcased their emerging talents, with Danielle Alphonse (Pacesetters) winning the Under-14 girls’ 50m in 20.54s and Hadassah Jules (Soufriere) claiming the 300m in 46.22s. The mixed relay events concluded the competition, with Sprint Tech winning the 4x100m (55.27s) and Morne Stars capturing the 4x300m (3:14.88s).