Trinidad and Tobago’s athletic excellence will be celebrated on January 3rd as the National Association of Athletics Administration (NAAA) prepares to host its prestigious annual awards ceremony at the National Racquet Centre in Tacarigua. The event promises to recognize outstanding achievements across multiple track and field disciplines following a remarkable competitive season.
Heading the list of anticipated honorees are two-time Olympic medalist Keshorn Walcott and rising sprint sensation Leah Bertrand, both fresh from receiving top accolades from the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC). Walcott, coming off a spectacular 2025 season that saw him claim gold in the men’s javelin at the World Athletics Championships, was recently named TTOC’s Sportsman of the Year. His championship-winning throw of 88.16 meters marked a triumphant return to the pinnacle of his sport.
Bertrand, who dramatically lowered her personal bests to 10.92 seconds in the 100-meter and 22.54 seconds in the 200-meter events, captured the TTOC Sportswoman of the Year title. The 23-year-old sprinter, who also won the same honor in 2024, appears poised to complete a remarkable double by securing the NAAA’s top prize for the second consecutive year after previously claiming both the Senior Female Athlete of the Year and Women’s Track Athlete of the Year awards.
The ceremony will also spotlight emerging talent, including 22-year-old sprinter Shaniqua Bascombe who enjoyed a successful comeback season culminating in gold medal performance in the women’s 100-meter final at the Junior Pan American Games in Asunción, Paraguay. Bascombe clocked an impressive 11.19 seconds before contributing to Team TTO’s silver medal finish in the women’s 4×100-meter relay.
On the junior circuit, 19-year-old jumper Janae De Gannes is expected to receive recognition following her bronze medal in the long jump at the Junior Pan Am Games and her role in the silver-winning relay team. De Gannes previously secured silver in the girls’ Under-20 long jump at the CARIFTA Games, where compatriot Gianna Paul completed a dominant one-two finish for Trinidad and Tobago with gold.
The comprehensive awards program will distribute 62 prizes spanning categories from Under-9 to open divisions, acknowledging not only athletes but also coaches and other key contributors to the development of track and field in Trinidad and Tobago.