KINGSTON, Jamaica — A new era in Jamaican junior hurdling dawned at the National Stadium on Friday as Marquies Page spectacularly broke a longstanding record at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships. The emerging talent clocked an astonishing 12.98 seconds in the Boys’ Class 2 110m hurdles semi-finals, demolishing the previous record of 13.26 seconds set by Vashaun Vascianna back in 2019. Page’s performance sliced a remarkable 0.28 seconds off the seven-year benchmark. The record-breaking semi-final also saw Calabar High’s Divondrae Matthews secure his finals position with a time of 13.34 seconds, alongside Mark-Daniel Allen of Wolmers (13.39) and Jhabarie Whyte of Vere (13.65). In the Class 1 qualifiers, Calabar High’s Dijon Swaine emerged as the frontrunner with 13.35 seconds, followed closely by Kingston College’s Taj-Oneil Gordon (13.39), Hydel High’s Robert Miller (13.45), and Buff Bay High’s Davion Myers (13.47). The Class 3 100m hurdles competition witnessed equally impressive performances, with Jamaica College’s Adrian Phillips leading the pack at 12.96 seconds. William Knibb’s Jamali Laing followed with 13.19 seconds, while Kingston College’s Drequan Jones recorded 13.28 seconds. Calabar High’s Alex Lewis and Manchester High’s Dylan Bent both clocked identical times of 13.35 seconds, setting the stage for an intensely competitive finals session on Saturday.
分类： sports
-
#Champs2026: Edwin Allen’s Carr runs PB to win girls’ Class 1 400m
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletic Championships witnessed extraordinary displays of speed and athleticism during Thursday’s 400m events, with several athletes delivering career-best performances at the National Stadium.
In a spectacular upgrade from her previous achievement, Edwin Allen’s Kelly-Ann Carr captured the Class 1 gold medal with a remarkable personal best of 52.20 seconds, shaving more than a second off her previous record of 53.38 seconds set just one month earlier at the Central Championships. This blistering performance now ranks as the second-fastest time globally among under-20 female athletes.
The podium featured Hydel High’s Nastassia Fletcher, last year’s Class 2 champion, who secured silver with 52.48 seconds, while Holmwood Technical’s Abrina Wright claimed bronze with 52.81 seconds.
Foga Road High’s Shameika McLean achieved consecutive championship golds, adding the Class 2 title to her previous Class 3 victory from last year. McLean’s dominant performance clocked in at a lifetime best of 52.22 seconds, marking a historic moment as she delivered her school’s first-ever gold medal in the championships. She outperformed Hydel High’s Sashana Johnson (53.43 seconds), who collected silver for the second consecutive year, while Holmwood Technical’s Annastacia Hall completed the top three with 54.22 seconds.
An elated McLean expressed both satisfaction and ambition following her victory: ‘I did not know that I could run another 52 seconds race. I wanted to run a 51 seconds,’ she remarked, indicating her aspirations for even faster times.
The Class 3 event saw Hydel High’s Tyecia McDonald triumph with a time of 55.00 seconds, narrowly defeating Alpha Academy’s Sha-Jay Davis (55.34 seconds) and Holmwood’s Malya McClennon (55.36 seconds) in a closely contested finish.
-
#Champs2026: KC’s Pitter stuns with Class 2 400m record
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletic Championships reached a spectacular climax on its third day at the National Stadium, highlighted by a breathtaking record-breaking performance in the 400 meters. Kingston College’s Jason Pitter delivered an extraordinary run in the boys’ Class 2 final, obliterating the longstanding record with a phenomenal time of 45.76 seconds. This monumental achievement eclipsed the previous benchmark of 46.33 seconds, established by Christopher Taylor back in 2016. Pitter, who entered the race with a personal best of 46.35 seconds, dominated a highly competitive field from start to finish, securing a commanding victory. The silver medal was claimed by Jaeden Campbell of Excelsior High, who crossed the line in 46.74 seconds, while Calabar High’s Diwayne Sharpe captured bronze with a time of 46.82 seconds. The excitement continued in the Class 1 final, where Foga Road High’s Paul Henry staged a dramatic comeback in the final 60 meters, surging past three competitors to seize the gold in a new personal best of 46.21 seconds. Junior Gallimore from Hydel High secured second place with 46.33 seconds, and Makaelan Woods of Jamaica College, who had led for most of the race, finished third in 46.39 seconds. Jamaica College further demonstrated its sprinting prowess by claiming a one-two finish in the Class 3 final. Jayden White led the charge with a winning time of 50.10 seconds, followed closely by teammate Tariq Creary at 50.69 seconds. Darrian Francis of Lacovia High, a gold medalist at the Western Champs, rounded out the podium by taking bronze in 50.73 seconds.
-
#Champs2026: Edwin Allen’s Johnson finally wins 200m steeplechase
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a stunning display of athletic prowess and personal redemption, Sushana Johnson of Edwin Allen High clinched the gold medal in the Girls’ 200m steeplechase with a commanding time of 7:00.04. The victory marked a significant turnaround for Johnson, who had been defeated by Hydel High’s record-setting Taiefa Gowe in the previous year’s competition.
The race culminated in an exceptional one-two finish for Edwin Allen High, with teammate Briana Morris capturing the silver medal in 7:52.58. This dual achievement significantly bolstered the school’s position in the ongoing championship standings.
Completing the podium was Chevelle White from Alphansus Davis, who secured the bronze medal with a time of 7:54.7. Morris’s performance represented a remarkable improvement from her fifth-place finish in the previous year’s event, highlighting the intense training and development among these young athletes.
Johnson’s triumphant return to form demonstrated both mental resilience and physical preparation, showcasing the competitive spirit that defines Jamaican track and field athletics at the interscholastic level.
-
Edward’s explosive 93 powers Babonneau into PM T20 final
In a spectacular display of power hitting, Babonneau secured their place in the Prime Minister’s T20 Cup final with an emphatic eight-wicket victory over defending champions Central Castries during Wednesday’s semifinal clash at Mindoo Philip Park.
The highly anticipated rematch of last year’s championship decider began with Central Castries winning the toss and opting to bat first. However, their innings never gained momentum as Babonneau’s bowling unit delivered a disciplined performance. Spin twins Johnnel Eugene (3-16) and Larry Edward (2-23) orchestrated a stranglehold on the scoring rate, supported effectively by pace duo Sanjay Hayle and Sacchin Cepal. Central Castries struggled throughout their allocation, managing only 137-7 with Stephen Naitram’s 39-run contribution standing as the lone resistance.
What followed was an extraordinary exhibition of aggressive batting that transformed what many anticipated as a tight contest into a one-sided demolition. Opening batsman Dane Edward unleashed a breathtaking assault on the Central Castries bowling attack, registering a half-century in under 20 deliveries during the powerplay overs. His blistering knock of 93 runs from just 32 deliveries included a barrage of boundaries and massive sixes, single-handedly accounting for 65% of his team’s required total.
The match concluded in spectacular fashion when Babonneau sealed victory in just nine overs, the winning runs coming via a thunderous six that symbolized their dominance throughout the contest. The comprehensive nature of this victory stood in stark contrast to last year’s final between these same teams, which had been decided in the final over.
With parliamentary representative John Paul Estephane among the spectators, Babonneau now advances to face Choiseul in Saturday’s championship final at the same venue, seeking to claim the prestigious T20 title.
-
Column: Aftellen
Football enthusiasts worldwide are marking their calendars for the planet’s most anticipated sporting spectacle—the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With precisely 76 days remaining until the tournament’s June 11th kickoff, anticipation builds for what promises to be the most inclusive and commercially significant edition in football history.
This edition breaks records with 16 additional teams compared to previous tournaments, dramatically expanding regional representation and creating unprecedented opportunities for smaller footballing nations. While most participants are confirmed, several countries continue battling through intercontinental playoffs for the final coveted spots. Host nations from the Caribbean region received automatic qualification, further diversifying the participant pool.
Suriname narrowly missed direct qualification and now faces a decisive playoff against Bolivia, with Iraq awaiting the winner for a chance at historic participation. The expanded format has intensified global engagement, particularly among nations celebrating their inaugural World Cup appearance, such as Curaçao.
The commercial landscape anticipates unprecedented returns, with FIFA securing lucrative sponsorship deals from global corporations eager to capitalize on worldwide viewership. Local entrepreneurs likewise prepare for economic benefits through artisanal souvenir production and hospitality sector growth.
Beyond commercial implications, the tournament serves as a global showcase for emerging talents seeking professional advancement through international exposure. Players recognize the World Cup’s unique platform for demonstrating their value to elite clubs worldwide.
The convergence of sporting excellence, commercial opportunity, and cultural celebration establishes the 2026 World Cup as a multifaceted global phenomenon with far-reaching impacts across sports, business, and international relations.
-
Natio op scherp voor play-off om WK-kwalificatie tegen Bolivia
Suriname’s national football team, under the guidance of head coach Henk ten Cate, is preparing for their crucial World Cup qualifying match against Bolivia with unwavering determination. Since his appointment in December, Ten Cate has instilled a singular focus throughout the entire squad and technical staff: securing Natio’s place in June’s final tournament.
The coach has made World Cup qualification his personal mantra, emphasizing to players: “The boys need to go to bed with it and wake up with it. It won’t be easy, but we’re going to make it happen. We have the players for it.”
Players arrived in Monterrey, Mexico, on Sunday and Monday in staggered groups following an exhausting journey from the Netherlands. Lengthy layovers in Houston and Atlanta, combined with the challenging seven-hour time difference, tested the team’s resilience, though the internationals have grown accustomed to such demanding travel conditions.
Despite Ten Cate’s preference for keeping media at a distance to minimize distractions, journalists including an NOS camera team—set to broadcast the Bolivia match live—were granted a brief press opportunity on Tuesday afternoon.
Newcomer Joel Piroe, Leeds United striker joining alongside goalkeeper Janilho Wiegel and midfielder Melayro Bogarde for their first national team selection, expressed eagerness about his impending debut: “It’s true I hesitated for a while. The possibility of being called up for the Netherlands played a role, but I’m already thrilled to be here. This is a unique opportunity we intend to capitalize on.”
Winger Gyrano Kerk, returning to the squad after battling a persistent muscle injury late last year, praised the extensive Zoom preparation sessions with Ten Cate and assistant coaches Winston Bogarde and Jimmy Hasselbaink: “These are legends I look up to. Those conversations have been crucial for group cohesion and atmosphere.”
Central defender Myenty Abena reflected on the team’s journey: “We’ve worked years for this. Look how far we’ve come—we’ve grown tremendously as a team, and the organization keeps becoming more professional. We’ve long moved past the loss to Guatemala. We’re grateful for this second chance and determined to achieve our goal this time.”
Abena described the emotional pre-match rituals: “When we’re in the locker room praying together, I always get goosebumps. Recently, I’ve been the one giving the powertalk. That’s when I remember we’re doing this for our country and everyone supporting us—the country where I was born and raised. How incredible to have this opportunity to represent Suriname.”
The team is accommodated in a comfortable hotel in San Pedro, Monterrey’s most upscale district, with training facilities just fifteen minutes away. At manager Brian Tevreden’s explicit request, a brand-new artificial turf pitch was installed after his inspection last month revealed unsatisfactory conditions: “It was a sandy field full of holes, but FIFA left nothing to chance—they fixed it rapidly for us.”
Natio faces Bolivia at 7:00 PM Surinamese time tonight. A victory would set up a Tuesday confrontation with Iraq, while Jamaica and New Caledonia meet in the other semifinal. The winners will ultimately compete against Congo for a place in the final tournament.
-
McIntyre siblings shine on opening day of BSSAC finals
Harrison College’s athletic dynasty shone brightly at the Usain Bolt Complex as siblings Luke and Laila McIntyre delivered a masterclass in distance running during the Dasani BSSAC Finals opening day. The CARIFTA Games-bound athletes not only defended their titles but shattered expectations with record-breaking performances.
Laila McIntyre, fresh from breaking the BSSAC 1500m record just last week, obliterated her own previous mark in the Open girls’ 3000m with a stunning time of 10:14.07. Her performance demolished last year’s record of 10:34.32 by more than twenty seconds, leaving competitors Alexis Lashley of The St Michael School and Taryn Sutherland of Combermere to claim second and third places respectively.
“I’m overwhelmed with my performance today,” Laila told Barbados TODAY. “Given my inconsistent results in 3000m events this season, achieving this time fills me with tremendous gratitude, especially with the CARIFTA Games in Grenada approaching next week.”
The younger McIntyre sibling revealed her strategic shift from swimming to track focus this year: “Last season I prioritized swimming preparation for CARIFTA, but this year I recognized the need to intensify my training regimen and maintain consistency for the track championships.”
Not to be outdone, brother Luke McIntyre dominated the Open boys’ 5000m, securing victory in 16:03.07 ahead of Harrison College teammate Zindzele Renwick-Williams and St George Secondary’s Tamarion Lynch.
The day’s field events saw Combermere’s Davion Thorne reclaim podium position for the two-time defending champions with a gold medal leap of 14.00m in the Under-20 boys’ triple jump. Jaquan Williams of Coleridge and Parry secured silver (13.87m) while Lynch added a second bronze to his collection (13.81m).
Preliminary 400m heats across all divisions set the stage for thrilling finals, with several athletes emerging as strong contenders. Standout performances included St Leonard’s Boys’ Jalino Hamlet (U15 boys, 50.72s) who appears poised to challenge his own record of 49.28s, and St George Secondary’s Shamari Greenidge-Lewis who led U20 boys qualifying in 47.34s.
The abbreviated opening day of track finals established clear favorites while demonstrating the remarkable depth of young athletic talent progressing through Barbados’ competitive sports system.
-
Shooting team returns to Saint Lucia with 12 medals
The Saint Lucia Shooting Association has achieved remarkable success at the Black Beard Trophy IPSC Tournament in Guadeloupe, with an 18-member delegation returning home with an impressive collection of 12 medals. The Level III International Practical Shooting Confederation competition, held from March 18-22, witnessed exceptional performances from the Caribbean nation’s marksmen across multiple divisions.
Dilan Biscette delivered a spectacular performance in the Production Optics Division, amassing 1,504 points to claim the top position while also earning the prestigious IPSC President’s Medal. Similarly, SLSA President Curtis Altifois dominated the Open Division with 1,471 points, securing both first place and the President’s Medal. The IPSC President’s Medal represents one of the sport’s highest honors, recognizing outstanding achievement and significant impact on practical shooting.
The team’s success extended beyond these standout performances. Horace Darrell demonstrated exceptional skill in the Open Division, capturing third place overall and first in the senior category with 1,309 points. Lawrence Yung followed closely, taking second among seniors with 1,114 points. The team’s depth was further evidenced by strong showings from Johann Cools (fourth), Ajid Jankie (fifth), Jonathan Auguste (fourth among seniors), and Quintin Franklin (tenth).
Christopher Thakur contributed to the medal tally with a third-place finish among seniors in the Standard Division, scoring 955 points. Parbatie Seebarran, the team’s sole female competitor, claimed victory in the women’s class of the Optics Division with 441 points.
Demonstrating remarkable versatility, both Biscette and Thakur also competed in the Pistol Calibre Carbine division, which utilizes rifle platforms chambered for pistol-calibre ammunition. Thakur placed fifth among seniors while Biscette finished 17th overall.
The tournament concluded with an exciting Shoot-Off event featuring the top eight competitors from each division. Saint Lucia achieved a clean sweep in the Open Division podium, with Cools taking first, Altifois second, and Darrell third.
The competition brought together 104 handgun and 21 PCC athletes from seven regions competing across seven divisions: Production Optics, Production, Open, Standard, Optics, Classic, and PCC.
-
L’Abayee crowned Chaz champions after crushing Monchy
L’Abayee emerged as triumphant champions of the Cepal Holdings Chaz Knockout tournament after delivering a crushing 132-run defeat against Monchy in the championship final. This annual tapeball cricket competition serves as a memorial tribute to Dhanraj ‘Chaz’ Cepal, who tragically lost his life in a 2019 automobile accident.
Demonstrating exceptional batting prowess, L’Abayee posted an impressive total of 271 runs for 6 wickets during their 20-over innings after winning the crucial toss. The team’s formidable score was built upon substantial contributions from Kyle Adonis (60 runs), Avallinus Callender (50 runs), Orey Changoo (46 runs), and Zaire Antoine (29 runs). Monchy’s bowling efforts were led by Kirneal Nelson who claimed 2 wickets, with Imbert Lorde and Isaiah Jones each taking one wicket.
Monchy’s response proved inadequate as their batting lineup collapsed under relentless bowling pressure, ultimately dismissed for just 139 runs in 16 overs. Ashton Alexander provided the sole resistance with a commendable 65-run performance, but could not prevent the comprehensive defeat. L’Abayee’s bowling attack proved devastatingly effective with Avallinus Callender and Atanus Alberson each capturing 3 wickets, while Mavin Hiliare and Omari Fields claimed one wicket apiece.
The victorious L’Abayee squad received EC$1,000 prize money and championship trophy courtesy of tournament sponsors Cepal Holdings, while runners-up Monchy were awarded $700. Individual honors went to Avallinus Callender who earned Most Valuable Player recognition for the final match, with Imbert Lorde receiving the tournament MVP award.
Danny Cepal, owner of Cepal Holdings, emphasized the event’s broader significance in a post-match interview with St. Lucia Times: “This tournament represents our commitment to community and national development. Having established a successful business in Saint Lucia with tremendous public support, it is both appropriate and rewarding to contribute meaningfully to talent development, particularly among our youth athletes.”