CATHERINE, JAMAICA–Two of Jamaica’s brightest young track and field stars, Deandre Daley and Shanoya Douglas, are set to be honored at the highly anticipated Western Relays, scheduled for Saturday, February 8, at GC Foster College.
The early announcement of these distinguished awardees was made by Ray Harvey, chairman of the organizing committee and co-founder of the Western Relays.
“We believe in recognizing extraordinary talent, and both Deandre and Shanoya have proven themselves to be among the most exceptional junior athletes in the western region,” Harvey stated.
Daley and Douglas have dazzled on the track, delivering breath-taking performances, rewriting records, and showcasing the grit and determination that defines Jamaica’s world-renowned sprinting legacy.
Daley’s redemption – from setbacks to global triumph
For Deandre Daley, perseverance has defined his journey. Despite enduring a frustrating 2024 season, the former Herbert Morrison Technical sprinter has cemented his place in history with a stellar international comeback.
The two-time Junior Achievement awardee suffered disappointments early in the season, finishing fourth in the Class 1 boys’ 100m at the COCAA Western Champs and failing to qualify for the ISSA Champs final, despite being a medal contender.
Yet, Daley refused to be defined by setbacks. His breakthrough came on the global stage when he qualified for the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru. Though he narrowly missed out on an individual 100m medal, his defining moment came in the men’s 4x100m relay.
In an electrifying performance, Daley took the baton in fourth place on a freezing night and delivered what has been described as one of the greatest anchor legs ever witnessed at the junior level—or any level.
With the crowd in shock and awe, Daley surged past Great Britain’s sprinter at the finish line, securing Jamaica’s first men’s global sprint relay gold in years.
“That moment was everything,” Daley said. “All the struggles, all the hard work—it was worth it.”
Douglas’ spectacular season
Few young athletes have dominated a season like Shanoya Mikalia Douglas in 2024. The Muschett High School sensation delivered one breath-taking performance after another, setting new benchmarks and leaving fans in awe.
Her meteoric rise began in January, clocking 24.16 seconds in the 200m at the JC Sprint Fest, followed by a blazing 11.70-second (wind-aided) 100m performance and a 55.53-second 400m effort the next day.
Douglas’ dominance continued, capturing the 100m title at last year’s Western Relays, before showcasing her versatility and endurance by clinching the 400m crown at Western Champs.
The ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Championships further cemented her status as an elite competitor, as she stormed to victory in the Class 2 200m/400m double, proving she was in a league of her own.
At the 2023 CARIFTA Games, Douglas finished fifth in the Under-17 200m final, but in 2024, she returned as an Under-20 standout, leaving no doubt about her talent. She claimed three gold medals, including two from the relay events.
Her international dominance peaked at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships, where she secured a bronze medal in the 200m and a relay gold, capping off a grueling but triumphant season.
“This past year was about growth, and I couldn’t have asked for a better season,” Douglas reflected.
Exciting new additions and competitive line-up await fans
The 46th staging of the Western Relays promises another exhilarating day of high-intensity competition, with new events and enhanced scheduling designed to maximize efficiency.
For the second consecutive year, the event will include discus and shot put for all high school classes. Additionally, the highly requested 60m invitational for clubs and institutions is set to return after overwhelming demand from coaches.
This year, a major schedule tweak will see the 400m hurdles opening the meet, a strategic decision aimed at optimizing time management and streamlining event execution.
“These adjustments are based on careful review and feedback,” Harvey explained. “We are committed to making this meet even better for athletes and fans alike.”
The full slate of events will include:
Relays: All classes for prep, primary, high schools, clubs, and institutions; Sprints: 100m, 400m, and 800m; Middle-distance events: 1500m and 3000m; Hurdles: All classes; Field Events: Long jump, triple jump, and high jump
With Jamaica’s brightest junior stars on display, Western Relays 2025 is set to deliver another unforgettable chapter in the island’s storied track and field history.
