Amidst the electrifying atmosphere of the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships inside the National Stadium on Wednesday, both Kingston College (KC) and Jamaica College (JC) found themselves locked in a fierce battle for supremacy in the boys’ section, while former champion Edwin Allen has taken a big lead in the girls’ section.
Tied with 67 points each, both JC and KC hold a commanding 38-point lead over Excelsior High, after eight finals. Former champions Calabar High followed with 27 points, while St. Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) completed the top five.
In the girls’ championships, Edwin Allen led with 81 points, maintaining a significant 44-point advantage over defending champion Hydel High with 37 points after nine finals. St. Jago High (36) comes next, with Wolmer’s Girls’ School next on 29, followed by Holmwood Technical on 25 points, completing the top five.
Excelsior’s Damon Miller emerged as a surprise victor in the boys’ Class One 100m final, stunning the field with a remarkable time of 10.31 seconds. The underdog’s triumph marked the culmination of his Champs career on a high note, leaving spectators in awe.
KC’s Nyrone Wade showcased his sprinting prowess
In the boys’ Class Two category, KC’s Nyrone Wade showcased his sprinting prowess, clinching gold with a time of 10.43 seconds. His victory, anticipated by many, solidified KC’s position in the competition.
Meanwhile, Wolmer’s Boys’ Mario Ross lived up to expectations in the Class Three 100m final, seizing victory with a time of 10.88 seconds. His stellar performance further heightened the intensity of the competition among the top schools.
In the field events, JC asserted dominance in the Class Two long jump, securing a one-two finish with Michael-Andre Edwards claiming gold with a jump of 7.18m. This achievement added valuable points to JC’s tally and showcased their versatility across disciplines.
As the sprinters captivated the audience with their speed, the long-distance races added another dimension to the competition. JC’s Cavel Nooks emerged victorious in boys’ Class Three 1,500m, crossing the finish line in 4:20.79 minutes, while Samuel Creary of JC outpaced his rivals to claim victory in the Class Two 1,500m final with a time of 4:04.01 minutes.
In the boys’ Class One 400m semi-finals, KC’s Marcinho Rose showcased his prowess, clocking an impressive time of 46.93 seconds to lead all qualifiers into the final, setting the stage for an exhilarating showdown.
Thieanna Lee Terrelonge claimed victory in the Class Two 100m final
On the girls’ side, Thieanna Lee Terrelonge of Edwin Allen claimed victory in the Class Two 100m final with a personal best time of 11.22 seconds, showcasing her speed and agility on the track.
In the girls’ Class One 100m final, Hydel High’s Alliah Baker powered home in 11.34 seconds, overtaking her competitors to secure the gold medal. Her performance added crucial points to Hydel’s tally and highlighted the school’s strength in sprinting events.
Wolmer’s Girls’ Natrece East dominated the Class Three 100m final, securing victory with a time of 11.42 seconds, while Hydel High’s Teixiera Johnson surprised many with an unexpected win in the Class Four 100m final, clocking a new personal best of 11.87 seconds.
As Edwin Allen’s Kimeka Smith shattered the girls’ Class Two shot put record with a throw of 16.44m, the competition intensified, with athletes showcasing their talent and determination on the grand stage.
With the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Championships continuing to unfold, athletes are gearing up for more thrilling events, promising an exciting conclusion to one of Jamaica’s most prestigious sporting events.
