KINGSTON, Jamaica — The opening day of the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships at the National Stadium witnessed a compelling display of athletic prowess in the Class 2 girls long jump qualifiers. Zavien Bernard of Hydel High, the event’s reigning silver medallist, immediately stamped her authority on the competition. Despite an initial setback with a fouled first attempt, Bernard responded with a commanding leap of 5.64 meters, achieved with a wind assistance of 1.3 meters per second. This mark not only secured her top position in the qualifying round but also comfortably exceeded the automatic qualifying standard of 5.55 meters.
Hot on her heels was Campion College’s Stefvanco Henry, who posted a strong jump of 5.59m with identical wind conditions, positioning herself as a formidable contender for the finals. The competition further intensified with impressive performances from Karee Tape of Edwin Allen High, who recorded a jump of 5.51m, and Rajana Price from Convent of Mercy Alpha Academy, who reached 5.47m.
Adding depth to the field of qualifiers, Malia Housen of Mt Alvernia High, celebrated for her triple gold triumph at the COCAA Western Champs, advanced with a solid jump of 5.28m. She will be joined in the next round by Ashley Barrett of Immaculate Conception and the Vere Technical duo of Xiah Tobias and Jenoya Mesquito, setting the stage for a highly competitive final.