Last week’s activities in the junior competition were the litmus test for everyone involved. There was no dodging the opposition as the raw, intense but friendly rivalry was the order of the day. Athletes were forced to step up and show what they have as the world scrutinized. If Central Champs were enthralling, the Corporate Area Development Meet was riveting.
There was never a doubt that St. Jago High boys would have carried home the main trophy from Central Champs and they duly obliged. However, the girls’ championships proved outstanding and dramatic.
After Edwin Allen High was declared winners and celebrated, they were then asked to return the trophy, which was given the following day to rivals Hydel High. A scoring error had robbed Hydel of three points which they duly received after a protest and recount. The three-way battle for Girls Champs between those two and the resurgent Holmwood Technical should be stirring.
Rickiann Russell – Central Champs 2023 – Photo: Sanzy Lifestyle Media
The Central Athletics Championships were two days of good quality, highlighted by the superb running of class 1 quarter milers Rickiann Russell and Oneika McAnuff. Both ran like warriors fighting for every inch of ground, with Russell eventually finishing with 51.74 to 51.94. One schoolgirl running sub 52 seconds is super, but more than one is incredible. With due respect to the male speed merchants, the clash between these two ladies should be the highlight of the ISSA/Grace Kennedy Boys & Girls Championships in a few weeks.
Oneika McAnnuff – Central Champs 2023, Photo: Sanzy Lifestyle Media
Over in Kingston, the wind wreaked havoc on the Corporate Area Development Meet for two straight days. It was difficult to lay down any high-class performance. Undoubtedly, the man of the hour was World Under 20 100m Silver medallist, Bouwahjgie Nkrumie. He looked in good nick, posting 10.32 after easing before the line. Based on the eye test, he is getting ready to go close to his personal record at Champs…if the wind cooperates.
Bouwahjgie Nkrumie – Corporate Area Development Meet, Photo: Sanzy Lifestyle Media
Like Central Champs two days before, the drama was in the team standings. Excelsior girls defended their team title easily, beating second-placed Wolmer’s Girls 403 to 310. On the other hand, Kingston College had to dig in to fight off great rivals Calabar high, who stalked them even in the final race of the day. Kingston College eventually won by 12 points, 427 to 415, not enough of a margin to ensure team management gets good sleep for the next three weeks. Stay tuned for the Carifta Trials this weekend.