Sprint Nation takes 39th hold of Carifta Title
In a performance steeped in dominance and legacy, Jamaica’s junior track and field athletes once again proved they are the Caribbean’s undisputed champions, capping off a thrilling three-day showcase at the 52nd Carifta Games with a commanding 78-medal haul at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
The win marked Jamaica’s 39th consecutive Carifta title and their 47th overall, a streak stretching back to 1985. Though they fell slightly short of last year’s tally of 84 medals, the Jamaicans were unmatched in their depth and firepower across both track and field, finishing far ahead of second-placed the Bahamas, who ended with 37 medals.
Douglas and Kennedy Steal the Spotlight
At the heart of Jamaica’s golden campaign were two standout names, Shanoya Douglas and Kamari Kennedy, both of whom delivered electrifying performances that not only secured multiple medals but also etched their names into the Carifta Games’ history.
Douglas, 17, a World Under-20 bronze medallist, left Trinidad with an astonishing four gold medals, winning the Under-20 100m in 11.26 seconds, the 200m in 23.02, and anchoring Jamaica to gold in both the 4x100m and 4x400m relays. Her consistency and composure made her a central figure in Jamaica’s sprint domination, and her anchoring runs in the relays were symbolic of a team unwilling to relinquish its Caribbean crown.
Kennedy, meanwhile, was a titan in the field. The Under-17 thrower not only shattered the discus record with a massive throw of 60.87m, nearly 7.5m beyond the old mark, but also rewrote the shot put record with an 18.90m heave. His breathtaking displays earned him the Austin Sealy Award for most outstanding athlete, making him the 16th Jamaican to win the prestigious honour since 1977.
Depth Across the Board
Jamaica’s success was not confined to a few stars. The team was rich in podium finishes across multiple age groups and disciplines.
In the sprint hurdles, they took three of four titles, including a record run by Shaquane Gordon in the Under-20 110m hurdles (13.19), edging teammate Daniel Clarke, who had equalled the previous record earlier in the heats. On the girls’ side, Malayia Duncan and Tiana Marshall topped the Under-17 and Under-20 100m hurdles, respectively.
Field events delivered more one-two finishes, with Amani Phillips and Michael Graham securing gold and silver in the Under-17 long jump, while Danielle Noble and Shanniqua Williams tied at 1.80m in the high jump, with Noble taking gold on countback. Despiro Wray added to the medal count by leading another Jamaican one-two in the Under-20 shot put.
Unrelenting Relay Power
Relay dominance continued to be a Jamaican hallmark. Both the Girls’ Under-17 and Under-20 4x400m teams stormed to victory, with the latter team, featuring Douglas on anchor, clocking an impressive 3:37.75, comfortably ahead of Barbados and the Bahamas. The sprint relays saw similar results, with Jamaica winning three of four events.
Legacy Secured, Future Bright
With two meets left before their 40th straight Carifta title, Jamaica’s junior athletes are not just maintaining a legacy; they are redefining it. Despite the growing competition from nations like the Bahamas and Barbados, the black, green, and gold continue to shine the brightest.
From record-breaking throws to breathtaking sprints, Jamaica’s performance in Trinidad wasn’t just dominant; it was a statement. The region’s future stars are still being molded on the island, and if the 2025 Carifta Games showed us anything, it’s that Jamaica’s dynasty is far from over.