Edwin Allen High Clinches Victory at 113th ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships
Thrilling Performances and Record-breaking Feats Highlight Five-day Event in Kingston, Jamaica
Kingston, Jamaica – In a display of remarkable athleticism and fierce competition, Edwin Allen High School emerged triumphant at the 113th staging of the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships, held in Kingston, Jamaica from March 19-23. The five-day event, attended by a capacity crowd, witnessed outstanding performances, record-breaking feats, and thrilling moments that captivated spectators from start to finish.
In a closely contested battle for the championship title, Edwin Allen High School dethroned defending champions Hydel High, securing victory by a narrow margin of 9.5 points with a total tally of 335.5 points against Hydel High’s 326 points. Meanwhile, Kingston College showcased dominance in their division, clinching victory over Jamaica College with an impressive 57-point lead, amassing a total of 335 points to Jamaica College’s 278 points.
RECAP of ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Championshipthis weekend.
Congratulations to Edwin Allen High and Kingston College on their victory. #CHAMPS2024 #ISSACHAMPS2024 #GKCHAMPS2024 pic.twitter.com/yVP7rUQJ0x
— Hon. Olivia “Babsy” Grange (@Babsy_grange) March 25, 2024
The competition was marked by a slew of personal bests in the sprint events, with winners in all seven 100m age group finals achieving new milestones. Despite narrowly missing the championship record, Theianna-Lee Terrelonge of Edwin Allen High claimed victory in the U16 100m with a world U18-leading time of 11.22 seconds. Notably, silver medallist Sabrina Dockery displayed animated celebration despite finishing behind Terrelonge.
Excelsior High School made history as Damor Miller secured victory in the U19 boys’ 100m, ending a 50-year drought for his school in the event. Nyron Wade of Kingston College dazzled spectators with a spirited performance in the U15 boys’ 100m, setting a new personal best of 10.43 seconds.
Double winners dominated the championships, with athletes like Alliah Baker of Hydel High and Texiera Johnson showcasing peerless performances in their respective categories. Noteworthy record-breaking achievements included Zavien Bernard’s championship record in the U16 girls’ high jump and Kimeka Smith’s record in the U16 girls’ shot put.
In a historic moment, the U19 girls’ triple jump witnessed three athletes leaping beyond 13m for the first time in Champs history, with St Jago’s Jade-Ann Dawkins clinching victory.
Overall, the 113th ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships was a testament to the talent, dedication, and competitive spirit of Jamaica’s young athletes. With electrifying performances and memorable moments, the event once again solidified its status as a premier showcase of Jamaican athletics prowess.