KINGSTON, Jamaica — The opening session of the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships at the National Stadium on Tuesday witnessed a compelling mix of dominant performances and unexpected upsets in the Girls’ 1500m qualifying heats.
Defending champion Kevongaye Fowler of Edwin Allen High signaled her strong intent to retain the Class 2 crown, securing a comfortable second-place finish in her heat with a time of 5:07.92. She trailed only Keyah Anderson of The Queens School, who topped the qualification round with a leading time of 5:07.00.
The qualifying rounds showcased impressive depth in the event. Sydney Pagon STEM Academy’s Alexia Palmer, last year’s Class 3 silver medalist, clocked 5:08.06, followed closely by Immaculate Conception’s Netanya Robinson (5:08.63) and Alphansus Davis’ Tambbrel Williams (5:09.76).
In the other qualifying heat, Holmwood Technical’s Ashley Shepherd emerged victorious with a time of 5:15.30, finishing ahead of St Elizabeth Technical’s Shameika Dennis (5:17.16) and Hydel High’s Dallia Fairweather (5:18.76).
The championships delivered a significant early blow to Edwin Allen High as defending Class 3 champion Aneka Lowe suffered a surprising elimination. Despite posting a respectable time of 5:12.11, Lowe finished 13th overall, failing to advance to the finals after placing outside the top six qualifying positions.
Danoya Scott of Convent of Mercy Alpha Academy dominated the second Class 3 heat with an impressive 4:55.55 qualifying time, followed by St Jago High’s Shannaya Palmer (4:56.73) and Clarendon College’s Alexjordan Hall (4:59.17).
Holmwood Technical’s Felicia Compass claimed victory in the first Class 3 heat with a time of 5:00.55, finishing ahead of Manchester High’s Shawntaesha Gooden (5:08.86) and Alphansus Davis’ Kayanna Douglas (5:03.54).