Saint Lucia has gained three new qualifiers for the upcoming CARIFTA Games following a successful National Junior Track and Field Championships. Key performances included Jady Emmanuel in the Under-17 girls’ 100m, Gabrielle Facey in the 400m, and Joaqwan Alexander in the Under-20 boys’ 400m. The SLAA remains dedicated to supporting young athletes as they prepare for regional competition.
Saint Lucia has produced three additional qualifiers for the upcoming CARIFTA Games following the recent National Junior Track and Field Championships held at Soufriere Stadium. This two-day event showcased multiple talented athletes who achieved qualifying performances across various categories.
Among the standout performers was Jady Emmanuel, who won the Under-17 girls’ 100m, setting a new personal record of 11.66 seconds. She is also qualified for the Under-17 long jump, meeting standards set by the Saint Lucia Athletics Association. Additionally, Gabrielle Facey won the Under-17 girls’ 400m in 58.25 seconds, surpassing the qualifying mark of 58.40 seconds.
Notably, Destinee Cenac of Morne Stars also qualified in the Under-17 high jump, achieving a height of 1.60m twice. In the Under-17 boys’ category, Terrick Plummer clocked 10.87 seconds for the 100m, well below the 10.99-second standard. Other qualifiers include Ricardo Mann for the 100m and DeAndre Isidore in the 400m hurdles, both of whom are based in Jamaica.
In the Under-20 boys’ events, Joaqwan Alexander achieved a time of 48.68 seconds in the 400m, slightly exceeding the qualifying standard. Moreover, Jamaica-based athlete Denzel Phillips, a double medalist from 2023, will compete in the shot put and discus throw, holding national junior records in these disciplines.
The senior girls’ team is anticipated to feature Naomi London and Naya Jules, alongside long jump qualifier Syesha Rogers. London, a former double sprint medallist, has only competed twice in 2024 since relocating to the University of Texas. Jules aims for her third consecutive gold medal in pole vault, having previously held both CARIFTA champion and record holder titles.
Following the event, the Saint Lucia Athletics Association (SLAA) praised the athletes for their enthusiasm and commitment. They reaffirmed their dedication to developing young athletes and creating opportunities for achievement on both regional and international platforms. Many competitors are still striving for a place on the team, with local runners participating in the Island Champs qualifiers and finals this week.
In summary, the CARIFTA Games qualifiers from Saint Lucia demonstrate an array of talented young athletes ready for competition. With standout performances in track and field events, the contingent includes promising individuals across various age categories. The SLAA’s commitment to athlete development and enthusiasm from competitors foster optimism as preparations continue for the Games in Trinidad & Tobago.
Original Source: stluciatimes.com
