Marquis Paige edges Tajay Gordon to win boys under-20 110m hurdles at JAAA nationals

Marquis Paige claimed the boys under-20 110m hurdles crown on day four of the JAAA/PUMA National Junior and Senior Championships, stopping the clock at 13.34 seconds with a legal +1.8 m/s tailwind.

The race turned on the approach to the final barrier. Tajay O'Neil Gordon of Kingston College, running from lane four, held the lead through much of the contest and touched down off hurdle ten first. Paige closed in behind him, matched the rhythm over the last flight, and pulled ahead in the dash to the line.

Gordon finished second in 13.37. Noel Wright ran a strong personal best of 13.55 for third, while Chevon placed fourth in 13.67 — the same position he held at Champs.

Before the final, Gordon had said, "This is it. I'm in it to win it." Paige answered with confidence of his own: "I don't care if you guys are class one and I'm class two. I'm going to find a way to win it." He delivered on that promise despite missing the Carifta Games earlier in the season.

The victory marked a national under-20 title for Paige as he prepares to continue his career at the University of Technology, Jamaica. Coach Maurice Broadbell — father of sprint hurdler Rasheed Broadbell — was on hand to greet him after the race.

Commentary noted that Paige was slightly high over the closing barriers, suggesting further improvement is within reach. Gordon's 13.37 was highlighted as a mark that ties Demario Prince on the Jamaican all-time list.