分类： sports

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships concluded with spectacular hurdles performances at the National Stadium, highlighted by Wolmer’s Girls’ standout Tiana Marshall claiming gold in the Class 1 girls 100m hurdles. Marshall clocked 13.33 seconds against a -2.0m/s headwind, demonstrating exceptional athleticism just hours after shattering the meet record with an extraordinary 12.98-second semifinal performance on Friday.

The silver medal in Class 1 went to St Jago High’s Bryana Davidson (14.06 seconds), while Excelsior High’s Amoi Kentish secured bronze with 14.10 seconds.

Wolmer’s High celebrated another victory as Akeelah Bell dominated the Class 2 100m hurdles final in 13.32 seconds (-1.8m/s), outperforming Hydel High’s Annieka Carnegie (13.43 seconds) and St Jago’s Martina Parkes (13.64 seconds), replicating their semifinal rankings.

Edwin Allen High’s Tashana Godfrey delivered a stunning performance in the Class 3 80m hurdles, matching the meet record of 10.80 seconds (-3.4m/s) previously set by Alpha Academy’s Azaria Harris. Godfrey successfully defended her title after a wind-assisted 10.75-second semifinal run, with Harris taking silver (10.96 seconds) and teammate Danelia Clarke earning bronze (11.14 seconds).

The day’s opening victory came from Hydel High’s Keneisha Robinson, who captured the girls Class 4 70m hurdles title in 10.68 seconds (-0.6m/s). Vere Technical’s Jahmara Osbourne followed closely with 10.70 seconds for silver, while Convent of Mercy Alpha Academy’s Aleisha McDonald took bronze in 10.78 seconds.

The penultimate day of the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships has set the stage for a dramatic conclusion, with two powerhouse teams establishing seemingly insurmountable leads. Inside Kingston’s National Stadium, Edwin Allen High and Jamaica College have positioned themselves to reclaim and retain their respective titles, leaving their rivals with a monumental challenge on the final day.

On the girls’ side, Edwin Allen has mounted a formidable campaign to recapture the throne they lost to Hydel in 2025. Demonstrating exceptional team depth and performance across multiple events, they have amassed a commanding total of 151.5 points after 23 of the 46 scheduled finals. This places them a staggering 35.5 points ahead of the defending champions, Hydel, making an 11th overall title a near certainty barring any unforeseen circumstances in Saturday’s finale.

The narrative is equally compelling in the boys’ championship, where Jamaica College (JC) has delivered a masterclass in track and field dominance. Their athletes have performed at peak levels, accumulating a massive 189 points with just half of the finals completed (21 of 42). This has created a cavernous 67-point deficit for their historic rivals, Kingston College (KC). The gap is so significant that it would require an unprecedented reversal of fortune for KC to challenge for the title, signaling that JC’s charge toward glory is all but assured.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—Severe weather conditions forced an abrupt suspension of the culminating events at the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletic Championships on Saturday. Event organizers made the critical announcement at approximately 3:30 PM local time, implementing an immediate competition pause for a minimum of thirty minutes. The decision came as a necessary safety response to increasingly dangerous atmospheric conditions, with officials specifically noting the concerning frequency of lightning strikes detected in the immediate vicinity of the National Stadium. Meteorological observations confirmed the development of dense, dark cloud formations overhead accompanied by a steadily intensifying drizzle that showed no signs of abating. The annual championship, widely regarded as Jamaica’s most significant interscholastic sporting event, attracts the nation’s top emerging track and field talents who compete for national glory and the opportunity to showcase their athletic prowess on an international stage.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Championships witnessed an extraordinary display of athletic prowess on Saturday as Edwin Allen High’s Addison James redefined javelin throwing excellence. The young athlete delivered a monumental performance, achieving a record-shattering throw of 70.30 meters that now stands as the seventh-best distance globally in the Under-20 boys category.

James, who simultaneously extended his Dominican Under-20 national record, demonstrated remarkable consistency by breaking the championship meet record not once, but twice during the competition. His initial attempt of 69.59 meters in the first round already surpassed previous benchmarks, but it was his second-round throw that made history—the first-ever 70.00-meter-plus throw by a Jamaican schoolboy.

The silver medalist, who finished behind Calabar’s Tarique Daley (last year’s champion with 65.11m), further cemented his dominance with another impressive throw of 66.79 meters in the fourth round that would have also broken the previous record. Daley’s participation ended abruptly after a single throw of 41.81 meters before retiring from the final.

Kingston College’s Kimari Smith secured second position with a throw of 54.25 meters, while Jamaica College’s Camron Williams claimed third with a 50.66-meter effort. James’ historic performance not only rewrote the record books but also signaled the emergence of a world-class talent in track and field athletics.

A compelling narrative of familial inspiration and athletic rivalry is set to unfold at the National Stadium as 16-year-old Devaune Freemantle of Vere Technical prepares for the boys’ javelin open final at the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships. The young athlete draws immediate motivation from his sister, Ramona Freemantle, who secured a silver medal in the girls’ javelin event just yesterday.

The sibling athletes from Ocho Rios, St. Ann, maintain a healthy competitive dynamic while consistently supporting each other’s athletic endeavors. Devaune openly acknowledges following his sister’s path into track and field, recently achieving a personal breakthrough by surpassing the 40-meter mark. His aspiration to medal in today’s competition mirrors his sister’s accomplishment.

Ramona’s journey to javelin success demonstrates remarkable adaptability. Initially pursuing sprinting where she demonstrated considerable speed, she transitioned to throwing events following an injury setback upon recommendation from a former coach at Vere Technical. This strategic shift has yielded significant results—besides her javelin silver medal, she placed fourth in the Class 1 girls’ discus throw with a distance of 45.79 meters.

Thursday’s javelin final presented a dramatic contest where Ramona led for extended periods before being narrowly defeated by Immaculate Conception’s Zoelle Jamel on countback after both athletes recorded identical throws of 45.09 meters. This silver medal represents Ramona’s second Champs podium appearance, improving upon her bronze medal performance from the previous year.

As the athletic spotlight turns to her younger brother, Ramona will be among the spectators, wearing her newly won silver medal and cheering for Devaune to achieve podium success while contributing valuable points to Vere Technical’s overall championship tally.

In a breathtaking display of athletic prowess, Jamaican junior sprinter Shanoya Douglas has cemented her legacy in track and field history. Competing at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletic Championships in Kingston, the Holland High student delivered a monumental performance in the Class 1 200m final, clocking an astonishing 22.36 seconds against a -1.6m/s headwind.

The electrifying race witnessed Douglas demolish both the national Under-20 record and the championship meet record before a capacity crowd at the National Stadium. Her remarkable achievement surpassed the previous national benchmark of 22.50 seconds established by Briana Williams during the 2018 World Under-20 Championships in Finland, and bettered the meet record of 22.53 seconds set by Brianna Lyston in 2022.

This record-shattering performance represents Douglas’s second personal best improvement within a fortnight, having previously clocked 22.58 seconds at the Carifta Trials held at the same venue. The newly minted record also maintains her position as the world’s leading Under-20 sprinter this season.

Douglas’s championship campaign showcased her exceptional versatility, having previously secured the 100m title on Wednesday with a personal best of 10.98 seconds—ranking her tenth on Jamaica’s all-time junior list. Her historic 200m time now shares the tenth position on the same prestigious ranking.

The race outcome demonstrated Douglas’s overwhelming dominance as she left competitors trailing significantly. Edwin Allen High School’s Alexxe Henry captured silver with 23.63 seconds, while teammate Shanique Cassanova claimed bronze in 24.17 seconds.

Douglas, who earned bronze in the 200m at the 2024 World Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru, continues to emerge as Jamaica’s newest sprint sensation, generating tremendous excitement for her future in international athletics.

GRACE Foods has significantly elevated the participant experience at the 2026 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletic Championships through its innovative Athletes’ Village initiative. As the prestigious sporting event concludes at Jamaica’s National Stadium, the GraceKennedy subsidiary has reinforced its decades-long dedication to nurturing youth athletic talent and fostering national pride.

Operating under its ‘Good Move’ development agenda, the company established a comprehensive sanctuary for competitors from all participating schools. This dedicated facility provided essential services for physical recovery, nutritional support, and mental relaxation throughout the five-day championship period.

Brand Manager Ingrid Medwinter emphasized the company’s enduring commitment: “Grace has consistently supported athlete development in Jamaica, with our nearly twenty-year sponsorship of Champs reflecting this ongoing dedication. This championship has served as the foundation for many Jamaican athletic legends, and we take pride in strengthening that legacy.”

The village addressed a critical need for sustained athlete performance during the extended competition. With events spanning multiple days, the requirement for balanced recovery environments became essential for maintaining peak competitive condition. The facility enabled athletes to physically recuperate, mentally reset, and nutritionally refuel between events.

Promotions and Events Coordinator Shannon Grant reported overwhelming positive response: “We’ve witnessed firsthand how both athletes and coaches have benefited from this dedicated space. It has provided crucial comfort and support during an exceptionally demanding week, adding genuine value to their championship experience.”

The comprehensive facility featured multiple specialized zones including hydration stations, Grace Kitchen’s Café, a Mighty Malt nutrition booth, tea station, and gaming lounge areas. Athletes received protein-rich meals featuring Grace sardines, corned beef, and tuna to sustain energy levels and facilitate muscle recovery. Professional physiotherapists provided massage therapy and kinesiologic taping services throughout the event.

Adding inspirational elements, Grace athlete ambassadors Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Hansle Parchment engaged directly with student athletes, offering encouragement and sharing expertise. Olympic champion Parchment highlighted the village’s significance during his Wednesday visit: “At multi-day competitions like Champs, recovery becomes equally important as performance. Having proper facilities for refueling, resting, and mental resetting creates crucial competitive advantages. Grace’s Athletes’ Village establishes this essential balance, providing the support athletes need to maintain focus and perform optimally.”

The initiative represents Grace Foods’ holistic approach to athletic development, recognizing that championship success requires both on-track excellence and strategic between-event recovery support.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Hydel High School’s track and field sensation Zavien Bernard has cemented her legendary status at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships by capturing an unprecedented third gold medal in the girls’ Class 2 high jump event on Saturday’s championship finale.

Bernard’s spectacular performance at Jamaica’s National Stadium culminated in a winning clearance of 1.76 meters, completing a remarkable triple crown achievement that began with Thursday’s long jump victory (5.63m) and continued with Friday’s dramatic triple jump Open title secured in the final round.

The teenage athlete demonstrated exceptional technical mastery in the high jump competition, achieving first-attempt clearances through the first five height increments before successfully conquering the 1.76m barrier on her second attempt. This display of consistency and competitive composure under pressure highlighted her dominance in the field events.

Malia Housen from Mt Alvernia High School claimed the silver medal with a jump of 1.73 meters, while Sackoya Palmer of St Mary High secured bronze with a 1.70-meter clearance, both athletes putting forth valiant efforts against Bernard’s commanding performance.

Bernard’s extraordinary triple gold achievement marks one of the most outstanding individual performances in the recent history of Jamaican high school athletics, signaling the emergence of a potentially world-class talent in the making.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a spectacular display of athletic prowess and personal redemption, Clarendon College’s Marla-Kay Lampart delivered a championship-record performance in the girls’ Class 1 shot put event at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships. Overcoming last year’s disappointing fifth-place finish, the national junior record holder achieved a massive throw of 14.07 meters at the National Stadium, dominating the competition from her very first attempt.

The highly anticipated rematch saw Lampart, competing in her final high school season, demonstrate remarkable composure and power throughout the event. Her winning mark not only secured the championship title but also served as a powerful statement about her resilience and dedication to the sport.

Excelsior High’s Katie Gordon captured the silver medal with a strong throw of 12.75 meters, while Gabriel Merchant of Vere Technical High School earned bronze with a distance of 12.59 meters, rounding out the podium in what proved to be an intensely competitive final.

The victory represents a significant personal triumph for Lampart, who had been widely favored to win last year’s competition before her unexpected fifth-place finish. Her record-breaking performance this year underscores her development as an athlete and her ability to perform under pressure at Jamaica’s premier high school athletics championship.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletic Championships witnessed extraordinary displays of athletic prowess on Saturday, with Marquies Page of St Jago High delivering a spectacular performance in the boys Class 1 110m hurdles final. Despite challenging wind conditions measuring -1.3m/s, Page blazed across the finish line in 13.06 seconds to claim the championship title.

The victory came despite a post-race warning issued after officials recalled the start, adding drama to an already intense competition. Page’s triumph built upon his exceptional semifinal performance on Friday where he shattered the meet record with an astonishing 12.98-second run, establishing himself as the undeniable favorite heading into the final.

Kingston College’s Brandon Bennett secured second position with a time of 13.62 seconds, while Calabar High’s Divondrae Matthews captured bronze with 13.76 seconds, completing the podium in this highly competitive event.

In other hurdles action, Hydel High’s Robert Miller emerged victorious in his Class 1 event, clocking 13.41 seconds to narrowly defeat Calabar High’s Dijon Swaine who finished at 13.48 seconds. Kingston College’s Taj-Oneil Gordon rounded out the top three with a time of 13.59 seconds.

The Class 3 100m hurdles showcased emerging talent as William Knibb Memorial’s Jamali Laing claimed gold with 13.07 seconds, edging out Jamaica College’s Adrian Phillips who finished just 0.05 seconds behind at 13.12 seconds. Alex Lewis of Calabar secured third place with a respectable 13.46-second finish.

The championships continue to demonstrate Jamaica’s incredible depth in track and field athletics, particularly in hurdles events that have produced world-class competitors over decades.