Emerging Jamaican track and field star Javontae Smith is charting an ambitious course for his debut season in the Under-20 division, despite a rare setback in the discus event at the recent STETHS/Ollivierre/Smith Invitational. The Munro College athlete, already a decorated thrower, secured second place in the Class 1 discus throw during the 41st edition of the meet held at the STETHS Sports Complex in Santa Cruz this past Saturday.
Demonstrating remarkable versatility, Smith swiftly rebounded to claim victory in the shot put with a formidable throw of 17.70 meters. This performance builds upon his already impressive credentials, having established a Class One shot put lead of 18.78 meters just one week earlier at the McKenley/Wint Invitational. The 2024 Carifta Games double gold medalist, who also captured shot put gold and discus silver at the 2025 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships, maintains additional records in Classes Two and Three of the COCAA Western Champs.
In post-event reflections, Smith expressed enthusiasm about competing against more experienced athletes this season. “It’s just been good knowing that I’m competing with persons who are in their second year or final year of Class One,” he told the Jamaica Observer. “My progression has been good, and I’m looking forward to great things further in the season.”
Smith provided specific metrics highlighting his development: “I opened with 17.37m and my current personal best is 18.78m. In the discus, I’m currently at 53.10, so I’m looking at better distances further down in the season.” While acknowledging technical areas for improvement in both events, Smith maintained optimism about his overall performance trajectory.
The young athlete has established clear competitive objectives for the coming months, including strong showings at the COCAA Western Champs, Carifta Trials, and the Boys’ Champs. His ultimate ambition is securing a position on Jamaica’s national team for the World Athletics Under-20 Championships scheduled for August at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.
The invitational meet also showcased exceptional performances from other rising stars. Sydney Pagon High’s Annataseca Blackwood triumphed in the Girls’ Class 1 1500m, while Munro College’s Rajeem Streete claimed victory in the Class One boys’ discus throw. Additional notable achievements included Manchester High’s Troydian Flemmings winning the Class 1 boys’ 400m and Cornwall College’s Zhi-Hew Whitter setting a personal best of 6.70m in the Class 2 long jump.