KINGSTON, Jamaica — Defending Class 2 long jump champion Jaeda Robinson of Immaculate Conception High has successfully advanced to the medal round in her debut appearance in the Class 1 category at the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships. The rising track and field star secured her position in Thursday’s qualifying round at the National Stadium with a jump of 5.53 meters into a slight headwind of -0.1m/s.
Robinson faces formidable competition in the finals, particularly from Edwin Allen High’s Akaylea Brown who dominated the qualifying round with an impressive leap of 5.80 meters (-0.2m/s wind). Close behind was Holmwood Technical’s Mikayla Longmore, who recorded 5.57 meters with a favorable tailwind of 1.3m/s.
The competition intensifies with the qualification of Hydel High’s dynamic duo—Sabrina Atkinson with 5.52 meters (-1.3m/s wind) and Jenice Dunkley whose wind-aided 5.45 meters (2.2m/s) secured her spot despite the strong tailwind assistance. Completing the field of finalists are Vere Technical’s Brianna Sawyers-Cross with 5.33 meters (-0.6m/s) and Edwin Allen High’s Renecia Edwards who recorded 5.31 meters into a headwind of -1.1m/s.
The stage is set for an exhilarating final showdown as these elite junior athletes compete for championship glory in one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious high school athletic events.