KINGSTON, Jamaica — Demonstrating remarkable consistency amid change, Santino Distin secured his second consecutive Class 1 high jump title at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships. The event concluded Saturday at the National Stadium with Distin matching his previous year’s winning height of 2.05 meters.
The defending champion’s victory carried added significance as he transitioned between academic institutions. Having previously competed for Herbert Morrison Technical, Distin now represents St. Elizabeth Technical High School this season. This change in affiliation did nothing to diminish his competitive edge, as the reigning 2025 national junior champion maintained his dominance in the event.
Distin’s path to victory encountered a minor challenge at 1.95 meters, where he recorded one failure. However, the athlete demonstrated composure by successfully clearing both 2.00 meters and his winning height of 2.05 meters on initial attempts. His final effort to conquer 2.08 meters proved unsuccessful but did not affect the final outcome.
The competition saw Kingston College athletes claiming the remaining podium positions. Tejahni Haynes captured the silver medal while Michael Neil secured bronze, both athletes matching the champion’s height of 2.05 meters but finishing behind Distin based on countback rules governing previous attempts.