Lyssons Primary set early pace at INSPORTS All-Island Championships

Lyssons Primary moved into an early position of strength on Thursday as the INSPORTS All-Island Primary Schools three-day track and field championships began at the National Stadium, with no finals listed for the opening day.

The St. Thomas school, the defending All-Island champion, made its mark in the relays by lowering the Class 4 4x100 metres record to 60.65 seconds. Lyssons also produced the quickest time in the girls’ 800 metres medley relay, clocking 2 minutes 03.32 seconds.

The school also showed depth in the sprint events, with several athletes recording leading qualifying times across different classes. Naggo Head Primary, last year’s runner-up, is also expected to challenge after advancing several competitors, while Spanish Town Primary and Half-Way Tree Primary also had athletes moving forward.

Lyssons have won the championship three times since 2022, with Naggo Head interrupting that run in 2024 and preventing a fourth straight title.

One team official said the first day brought mixed results, noting that expectations had not been fully met. The official pointed to a disqualification in the 300 metres and the boys’ 4x200 metres team missing the final as setbacks, but said the school remained in contention and would adjust its plans.

Other schools are using the meet to build their athletics programmes. Magny Primary, described as being near the Clarendon-St. Ann border, and White Marl Primary of St. Catherine were not regarded as established track and field contenders, but both are seeking growth.

Representatives said their teams were gaining experience despite challenges, including limited funding, long travel and uneven performances. The championship resumes on Friday and is scheduled to end on Saturday.