Young DA athletes set new CARIFTA qualifying standards and break national record

A new generation of track and field talent is emerging from Dominica as three young athletes post record-breaking performances, securing their places at the prestigious CARIFTA Games. The Dominica Athletic Association Inc. has officially recognized these exceptional achievements that signal a promising future for the nation’s athletics program.

Keyoni Esprit of Pioneers Athletics Club delivered a blistering performance in the Under-17 Boys 200-meter event, clocking an impressive 22.6 seconds. This time not only represents significant personal improvement for the young sprinter but also comfortably meets the strict qualification standard for the upcoming regional championship.

In the shorter sprint distance, Delanie George from Aspirers Athletics Club demonstrated explosive power and technical precision by achieving the CARIFTA qualifying mark in the Under-17 Boys 100-meter dash with a time of 11.0 seconds flat, showcasing consistency and competitive readiness.

Perhaps most notably, high jumper Khaarim John-Baptiste, also representing Aspirers Athletics Club, made history by setting a new national record in the Under-18 High Jump category. His clearance of 1.87 meters surpassed his previous record established just weeks earlier, demonstrating remarkable rapid progression and technical development.

The Dominica Athletic Association Inc. has extended formal congratulations to these athletes and their coaching teams, emphasizing that these accomplishments reflect both individual dedication and the growing strength of local athletic development programs.

“These exceptional performances underscore the continuous evolution of track and field in Dominica and spotlight the extraordinary talent cultivated within our community clubs,” stated association representatives. “We anticipate providing further updates as our athletes intensify their preparations for forthcoming regional competitions.”