分类： sports

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The opening day of the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships at the National Stadium witnessed a stunning display of youthful sprinting talent, with Lacovia High School athletes seizing the spotlight. Nicholas Jones and Darren Francis emerged as the standout performers in their respective divisions, setting the stage for an intensely competitive week of track and field.

Nicholas Jones blazed through the Class 2 400m qualifying round with a commanding time of 48.83 seconds, establishing himself as the athlete to beat in Wednesday’s semi-finals. He outpaced a formidable field that included Calabar High’s Rajeve Allison (49.21 seconds) and Diwayne Sharpe (49.49 seconds). Additional qualifiers advancing to the next round included Rusea’s High’s Tiene Barrett (49.56 seconds), Excelsior High’s Jaeden Campbell (49.66 seconds), and Kingston College duo Jason Pitter (49.86 seconds) and Rishane Howard (49.99 seconds).

In the Class 3 category, Darren Francis demonstrated exceptional poise and speed, clocking 51.12 seconds to lead all qualifiers. He will be joined in subsequent rounds by Kingston College’s Taariq Gordon (51.34 seconds) and Jamaica College’s Tariq Creary (51.81 seconds). The qualifying group expanded to include Titchfield High’s Rhomarni Bennett (52.41 seconds), Tarrant High’s Janhard Taylor (52.42 seconds), and STETHS’s Olando Headley (52.57 seconds).

The Class 1 boys event promises to deliver spectacular drama as Titchfield High’s Nishawn Walker posted a personal best to lead qualifying. Jamaica College’s Makaelan Woods followed with 47.60 seconds, while William Knibb Memorial’s Jabari Matheson—who infamously missed last year’s final despite leading the semi-finals—recorded 47.68 seconds. Event favorite Junior Gallimore advanced comfortably with 47.77 seconds, alongside Kingston College’s Jabulani McLeod and Jordan Rehedul, plus last year’s finalist Paul Henry of Foga Road, setting up a thrilling conclusion to the week’s premier sprint event.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The opening day of the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships witnessed a spectacular display of emerging talent in the 400-meter events. Athletes from Holmwood Technical High School established an early dominance, securing top positions in the preliminary heats held at the National Stadium on Tuesday.

In the Class 2 division, Annastacia Hall of Holmwood Technical delivered a commanding performance, clinching her heat with an impressive time of 54.56 seconds. She will be joined in Wednesday’s semi-finals by teammate Maddison Campbell, who secured her advancement with a time of 54.88 seconds.

The qualifying rounds revealed intense competition across schools. Shameika McLean of Foga Road High demonstrated remarkable speed with 54.78 seconds, while Kimberly Wright from Immaculate Conception followed closely at 55.36 seconds. The field of semi-finalists expanded to include Daniellia Dixon of William Knibb Memorial (55.47 seconds), Khaklila Lewis-Satchwell from Edwin Allen (55.54 seconds), and Hydel High’s Sashana Johnson (55.93 seconds).

The Class 3 category similarly showcased exceptional young talent, with Holmwood Technical’s Malya McLennon leading the qualifiers with a swift 56.02 seconds. Teammate Tianna Blair secured her semi-final position with 57.36 seconds. Additional qualifiers included Sha-Jay Davis from Convent of Mercy Alpha Academy (56.64 seconds), followed by Hydel High’s Shaneil Henry (56.70 seconds) and Tyecia McDonald (56.93 seconds). Tawauna Marston of Knox College also advanced with a competitive 56.88 seconds.

The championships continue to serve as a premier platform for Jamaica’s next generation of track stars, setting the stage for thrilling semi-final competitions.

STETHS Sports Complex, Santa Cruz – Defending champions St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) established a formidable advantage on the opening day of the ISSA/Grace Headley Cup cricket semi-final against Holmwood Technical this Monday. After posting a total of 198 all out while batting first, STETHS’s formidable pace attack decimated Holmwood’s top order, leaving them reeling at a precarious 39 for 5 when play was halted due to bad light.

The day’s narrative was one of two distinct halves. Initially, STETHS found themselves in significant trouble after being put into bat under overcast conditions. Holmwood’s penetrative pace attack, led by Wildel Bailey (3-30) and Bryan McInnis (3-34), struck early blows, reducing the champions to 99 for 7 by the 28th over. However, a resilient and polished counter-attack ensued. Captain Tyriek Bryan provided stability with a fluent 53, but it was all-rounder Adrian Silvera who delivered the innings-defining performance. Better known for his left-arm pace, Silvera showcased his batting prowess with an unbeaten 66, skillfully marshaling the tailenders to guide his team to a competitive total.

The final session belonged unequivocally to the STETHS bowlers. Exploiting the gathering gloom and favorable bowling conditions, the pace trio of Eckoney Robinson (3-8), Delante Scott (1-11), and the aforementioned Silvera (1-12) unleashed a devastating spell of swing and pace. They ripped through Holmwood’s top-order batting lineup, which had no answer to the relentless attack. With Bryan McInnis (10*) and Romareo Salmon (8*) set to resume at the crease on Tuesday’s final day, Holmwood faces a monumental task to overcome the deficit and avert a defeat, while STETHS requires just five wickets to secure a place in the final.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Stadium witnessed spectacular athletic performances during Tuesday’s qualifying rounds for the Class 2 boys long jump event at the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships. Three standout jumpers secured their places in Wednesday’s final with impressive first-attempt clearances that demonstrated both technical prowess and competitive efficiency.

Talshawn Edwards of Calabar High emerged as the top qualifier, launching himself to a wind-assisted 6.90 meters (with a tailwind of 2.1m/s) that immediately established him as the athlete to beat in the upcoming final. Close behind, Cornwall College’s Zhi-Hew Whitter, who previously claimed gold at the COCAA Western Championships, recorded a solid jump of 6.68 meters (0.5m/s wind) to automatically advance.

The qualification round saw intense competition as Kingston College’s Odane Noble secured his final berth with a 6.55-meter leap, comfortably exceeding the automatic qualifying standard of 6.50 meters. However, Noble’s performance placed him fourth overall after St Jago High’s Winaldo Faulknor delivered a clutch third-attempt jump of 6.58 meters (0.9m/s wind), demonstrating the dramatic nature of the competition.

Additional athletes earning spots in Wednesday’s championship final included Shamar Shaw (Calabar High) with 6.47m, Omari Gordon (Wolmer’s Boys) at 6.44m, alongside Akeem Freeman (Manchester High) and Leonardo Green (St Jago High), both recording identical marks of 6.36 meters. The diverse representation from multiple Jamaican high schools sets the stage for an electrifying final showdown that will crown the nation’s top junior long jump talent.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The opening day of the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships witnessed outstanding performances in field events at the National Stadium. Ramona Freemantle of Vere Technical High School emerged as a standout athlete by qualifying for her second final of the competition in the girls Class 1 discus throw discipline.

Freemantle, who placed fifth in last year’s discus final with a throw of 48.21 meters, demonstrated remarkable composure after an initial foul attempt. The athlete rebounded impressively with a second throw measuring 48.32 meters, securing her position in the upcoming final. This achievement adds to her previously confirmed placement in the girls Open Javelin throw competition, positioning her as a formidable multi-event contender.

The qualification round saw several other athletes advance with exceptional single-attempt performances. Abigail Bennett from Merl Grove High School recorded a throw of 46.39 meters, while Marla-Kay Lampart of Clarendon College achieved 46.24 meters. Gabriel Merchant, another Vere Technical athlete, joined the qualifiers with a mark of 46.06 meters.

Additional athletes progressing to the next round included Dionjah Shaw from Edwin Allen High (45.42m), Jada Francis of Immaculate Conception High (44.75m), and Rehanna Biggs representing St. Jago High (43.19m). The competition showcased the depth of talent in Jamaican high school athletics, setting the stage for an exciting finals series in the discus throw event.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The stage is set for a dramatic showdown in the girls’ Class 2 shot put event at the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletic Championships. Defending champion Jamelia Young of Clarendon College secured her place in the finals, albeit with a preliminary throw of 12.75 meters that positioned her eighth among the qualifiers at the National Stadium on Tuesday.

Young faces formidable competition in her title defense bid. The preliminary round was dominated by Holmwood Technical’s Shamanda Wilmott, who launched an impressive 13.80-meter throw to lead the field. Close behind were Excelsior High’s Alyssa Forrster with 13.42m and Immaculate Conception’s Remesha Duxon who recorded 13.38m.

Adding to the competitive landscape, Edwin Allen High showcased remarkable team depth with two qualifiers—Shandre Brown and Fabiana Perry—both advancing to challenge for the championship title. The results set the scene for an intensely competitive final where Young must significantly improve upon her preliminary performance to retain her crown against these rising athletic talents.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The track at the National Stadium witnessed an extraordinary display of youthful athletic prowess during Tuesday’s preliminary rounds of the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletic Championships. The stage is now set for an electrifying showdown in Wednesday’s Class 1 boys 100m semi-finals and final, following a series of performances that shattered expectations.

The day’s most stunning performance came from Edwin Allen High’s Romario Finnigan, who delivered a massive personal best of 10.19 seconds (1.5m/s wind) to surprise the entire field. His remarkable time established a new benchmark for qualification, with the cutoff for advancing to the next round standing at 10.54 seconds.

In a surprising turn of events, Calabar High’s Jamal Stephenson emerged as the most significant casualty of the preliminaries, failing to complete his first-round heat. Finnigan dominated his race from start to finish, decisively outperforming medal favorite Sanjay Seymore, who trailed considerably behind at 10.47 seconds.

The qualifying rounds revealed exceptional depth in sprint talent, with three athletes breaking the 10.30-second barrier: Holland High’s Johan-Ramaldo Smythe clocked 10.24 seconds (1.0m/s), while both Edwin Allen High’s Kenrick Austin and Excelsior High’s Malike Nugent recorded wind-aided 10.27-second times with 2.3m/s and 2.1m/s winds respectively.

Adding to the impressive performances, Excelsior High’s Riquelme Reid joined six other athletes who achieved sub-10.40-second times, demonstrating the exceptional competitive level across all heats.

The championship action extended beyond Class 1, with St Jago High’s Marquies Page leading Class 2 qualifying with a wind-assisted 10.47 seconds (2.6m/s), ahead of Vere Technical’s Ricardo Mann (10.57s) and Calabar High’s Joshua Ricketts (10.63s). In Class 3, Kingston College’s Kemanic Edwards topped the rankings with 11.06 seconds, followed closely by Wolmer’s Boys Joshua McWilliams at 11.10 seconds.

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).

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The opening day of the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships at the National Stadium set the stage for a highly anticipated showdown in the girls’ Open 400m hurdles. In a remarkable display of consistency and elite competition, all three medalists from the previous year’s final successfully advanced through Tuesday’s preliminary heats to secure their spots in Friday’s championship race.

Defending champion Kelly-Ann Kerr, representing Edwin Allen High, will face off once again against her familiar rivals from Hydel High: last year’s silver medalist Nastassia Fletcher and bronze winner Aaliyah Mullings. Mullings emerged as the fastest qualifier, dominating her heat with a time of 59.46 seconds. Kerr followed closely with 59.74 seconds, while Fletcher posted a nearly identical 59.75 seconds, signaling an intensely competitive final awaits.

The field for the medal round will include several other notable contenders. Chennai Burke of St Elizabeth Technical, who finished seventh in last year’s final, earned her return with a time of 1:01.37 minutes. They will be joined by Alyssa Carty of St Jago High, Port Antonio High’s Sheneca Harris, Edwin Allen’s Marria Crossfield, and Shannaty Burke from Ferncourt High, completing a talented roster of Jamaica’s most promising young athletes.

The National Stadium in Kingston witnessed an electrifying display of middle-distance prowess during Tuesday’s qualifying rounds for the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships. The spotlight shone brightest on the Class 1 1500m event, where a thrilling preview of upcoming rivalries unfolded.

In a display of remarkable synchronization, Kingston College’s Nahashon Ruto and Edwin Allen High’s Joel Morgan blasted across the finish line in near unison during their semi-final heat. Recording times of 4:07.97 and 4:07.98 respectively, the two athletes—who are anticipated to face off again in the 800m—detached themselves decisively from the competition.

The first semi-final saw Calabar High’s Justin Webb seize victory with a strong time of 4:09.22, while Bellefield High’s Roquelme Johnson (4:10.16) and Alphansus Davis’s Raheem Palmer (4:10.82) secured their advancement. Jamaica College also demonstrated team strength with both Shemar Green (4:14.80) and Carlos Brison-Caines (4:11.03) progressing to the next round.

In Class 2 qualifying, Jamaica College’s Cavel Nooks emerged as the frontrunner, posting a leading time of 4:16.42. He was closely trailed by Sydney Pagon STEM Academy’s Luke Plummer (4:16.51), with Bellefield High’s Jevaughn Tomlin (4:16.67) and St Jago High’s Phillip Palmer (4:16.72) also earning final berths. Denbigh High’s Markland Williams and Excelsior High’s Keniel Daniels rounded out the qualifiers.

The Class 3 division saw defending champion Julius Itubo of Kingston College reinforce his favorite status. Itubo dominated his qualifying heat with a commanding time of 4:15.25, leaving Jamaica College’s Rikardo Lee (4:19.73) and Ajovi Williams (4:31.60) in his wake. Holmwood Technical’s Joshua Pryce and Calabar High’s Bryan Stewart completed the finalist field.