The National Stadium in Kingston witnessed an electrifying display of middle-distance prowess during Tuesday’s qualifying rounds for the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships. The spotlight shone brightest on the Class 1 1500m event, where a thrilling preview of upcoming rivalries unfolded.
In a display of remarkable synchronization, Kingston College’s Nahashon Ruto and Edwin Allen High’s Joel Morgan blasted across the finish line in near unison during their semi-final heat. Recording times of 4:07.97 and 4:07.98 respectively, the two athletes—who are anticipated to face off again in the 800m—detached themselves decisively from the competition.
The first semi-final saw Calabar High’s Justin Webb seize victory with a strong time of 4:09.22, while Bellefield High’s Roquelme Johnson (4:10.16) and Alphansus Davis’s Raheem Palmer (4:10.82) secured their advancement. Jamaica College also demonstrated team strength with both Shemar Green (4:14.80) and Carlos Brison-Caines (4:11.03) progressing to the next round.
In Class 2 qualifying, Jamaica College’s Cavel Nooks emerged as the frontrunner, posting a leading time of 4:16.42. He was closely trailed by Sydney Pagon STEM Academy’s Luke Plummer (4:16.51), with Bellefield High’s Jevaughn Tomlin (4:16.67) and St Jago High’s Phillip Palmer (4:16.72) also earning final berths. Denbigh High’s Markland Williams and Excelsior High’s Keniel Daniels rounded out the qualifiers.
The Class 3 division saw defending champion Julius Itubo of Kingston College reinforce his favorite status. Itubo dominated his qualifying heat with a commanding time of 4:15.25, leaving Jamaica College’s Rikardo Lee (4:19.73) and Ajovi Williams (4:31.60) in his wake. Holmwood Technical’s Joshua Pryce and Calabar High’s Bryan Stewart completed the finalist field.