Focus on female athletes at Champs
The much-anticipated ISSA Grace Kennedy Boys and Girls Championships (Champs) is set to ignite the National Stadium in Kingston on Tuesday, March 25, with Jamaica’s brightest junior athletes ready to take to the track for five thrilling days of competition. With the event fast approaching, excitement is reaching a fever pitch as spectators gear up to witness the future stars of track and field.
For those unfamiliar with this iconic competition, let’s take a moment to introduce you to Champs. This premier high school track and field event is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of raw talent, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable moments. It’s where future Olympians and world champions first showcase their skills. Usain Bolt, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and Elaine Thompson-Herah all carved their legacies at Champs, and this year’s edition promises to unveil the next generation of legends.
As the stands fill with spirited fans, the energy is electric. The crowd, a passionate mix of students, parents, alumni, and athletes themselves, creates an atmosphere that transcends the track, turning the event into an annual spectacle of community, school spirit, and athleticism. And with International Women’s Day being celebrated in March, we’re shining a well-deserved spotlight on six remarkable female athletes to watch this year at Champs.
Sabrina Dockery (Lacovia High)
Fresh from a stunning 11.30-second performance at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) Carifta Trials U20, Sabrina Dockery is setting the stage for an explosive debut in the Class 1 sprints. Representing Lacovia High from the heart of St. Elizabeth, Dockery’s blistering speed has earned her the title of a favourite in the upcoming championship. Her dominance in the 100m and 200m will no doubt keep fans on the edge of their seats as she seeks to make a name for herself on the big stage.
Abigail Wolfe (Wolmer’s High School for Girls)
Abigail Wolfe is no stranger to the spotlight. The Holy Childhood High School product turned heads last year when she won the 100m gold in 2023, and this year, she has her sights set on even greater heights. After an injury derailed her individual campaign last season, Wolfe is back stronger than ever and ready to showcase her sprinting prowess for Wolmer’s High School for Girls. Her recent sprint double victory at the Corporate Area Championships, with times of 11.75 seconds in the 100m and 23.91 seconds in the 200m, proves she’s back to her best and hungry for success at Champs.
Cindy and Jovi Rose (Holmwood Technical)
The Rose sisters, Cindy and Jovi, have both been forces to reckon with in the middle-distance events, and 2025 is shaping up to be another chapter of greatness for the duo. Cindy, the Carifta Trials U20 800m champion with a personal best of 2:09.78, will look to continue her dominance in the middle-distance races. But her younger sister, Jovi, isn’t far behind. With an impressive 2:10.54 in the 800m just weeks before Champs, Jovi is in the form of her life. Expect both sisters to light up the track and put on a show for fans in the 800m.
Rohanna Sudlow (St. Catherine High)
The reigning Class 1 girls’ long jump champion, Rohanna Sudlow of St. Catherine High, returns with unmatched confidence and a personal best of 6.30 metres. Having already made her mark at the Carifta Games, Sudlow will be hoping to repeat her success and cement her place as one of Jamaica’s top athletes. Look for Sudlow to rule the sandpit once again, with her eyes firmly set on another gold medal at Champs.
Jaeda Robinson (Immaculate Conception)
After claiming a Carifta gold medal in the under-17 triple jump last year, Jaeda Robinson of Immaculate Conception is setting her sights on even greater glory in 2025. Her impressive 12.92-metre jump at the Carifta Trials U20 solidified her status as one of the top athletes in the event. Robinson will face tough competition from defending champion Jade-Ann Dawkins of St. Jago, but her hunger for victory and past experience on the big stage make her a favourite to challenge for the title in the girls’ triple jump.
Najhada Seymoure (Excelsior High)
Excelsior High’s captain, Najhada Seymoure, is not only an incredible athlete but also a leader on and off the track. The reigning Class 1 girls’ discus champion will be gunning for a repeat performance in 2025, though she’ll have tough competition from Edwin Allen’s Shamoye Morris. Morris, who finished second last year, has already set a meet record with a 50.34m throw at the Central Championship. Seymoure’s experience and leadership, combined with her fierce competitive spirit, make her a standout contender for gold.
As the 2025 ISSA Grace Kennedy Boys and Girls Championships looms on the horizon, these remarkable female athletes are set to make their mark in what promises to be a record-breaking and unforgettable event. From sprints to field events, the stage is set for some of the brightest young talents in Jamaica to step into the limelight and inspire the next generation of athletes. Whether they’re defending their titles or chasing new dreams, these athletes are ready to light up the National Stadium and remind us why Champs is more than just a competition, it’s where history is made.
