Under-20 girls discus heats up on opening day of JAAA national championships

The under-20 girls discus final opened the afternoon session on Day 1 of the JAAA/PUMA National Junior and Senior Athletics Championships at the National Stadium, bringing together some of Jamaica’s top school-age throwers as they chase places on junior national teams.

Several athletes in the field are targeting selection for the NACAC Under-18 and Under-23 Championships, as well as the World Under-20 Championships set for Eugene, Oregon, later in the summer. The national under-20 record in the event stands at 54.72 metres.

Bridgeport’s Rusheen Dawes opened her campaign in the circle using the spin technique, but a red flag went up on her second attempt for a foul. Abigail Bennett of Merle Grove, who won Class One at Boys and Girls’ Championships earlier this year with a throw of 48.22 metres, and Jamelia Young of Clarendon College, the Class Two champion at Champs, were among the leading names in the lineup.

Ramona Freemantle of Vere Technical, another Champs finalist this year, also used the spin but saw her effort drift into the side netting for a foul. Young, tall and powerful despite competing against athletes a year older, recorded a legal mark after a white flag on one of her attempts. She also competes in the shot put.

Abel Mills moved to the front of the standings with a throw of 52.05 metres. Brenda Malcolm of Hydel fouled on her opening attempt and was still searching for a valid mark when a cautious effort also drew a red flag.

Jade Francis of Immaculate Conception, who had a strong season for her school, opened with 43.43 metres and received a white flag, appearing pleased with the result as she pushes toward a spot on a junior national team for the summer. Francis was also a finalist at Champs earlier this year.

A number of athletes in the field have already signed letters of intent and completed arrangements to continue their careers at colleges in the United States after leaving high school.

Shantangelo Williams produced a modest effort and exited the circle quickly on her second attempt. Cassandra Townsend of Bridgeport fouled on her first throw before registering a legal mark confirmed by a white flag.

Later on the opening day programme, attention shifts to the senior women’s high jump and the junior 100-metre heats, along with senior 100-metre semifinals.