St. Catherine targets lasting hold on JTA Sagicor athletics crown after back-to-back win

St. Catherine has completed a second consecutive victory at the JTA Sagicor National Athletics Championships and is already looking toward a longer run of parish supremacy.

At the 41st staging of the two-day meet, St. Catherine topped the team table with 292 points. St. Andrew finished second on 274.5 points, while Portland took third with 177.5. The championships draw mainly primary school athletes who compete for their parishes from across the island.

Having turned back rivals to keep the crown, head coach Narania Barrett said St. Catherine wants to stay on top year after year. "Well, we're going to try our best to try and win it year in year out, so just see how the record," Barrett said.

The defence was not straightforward. Barrett pointed to a difficult buildup marked by injuries and tough conditions on meet day. "So, we're pleased uh so far coming to this championship because we're coming to this championship with a lot of injuries. And so, we put some things in place and get them ready and come out here and to perform in today's very hot sun. So, we have to give thanks," Barrett said.

Officials also focused on keeping the young squad safe in the heat. Athletes were monitored for hydration amid strong sun, with the coaching staff stressing the need to avoid heat-related incidents.

Odaine Gordon stood out for St. Catherine, setting a new under-15 boys 400 metres record on his way to gold and taking second in the 200 metres. "So, I started fast, relaxed my hand at the back just and accelerated at the 200 mark and then finish strong," Gordon said of the 400. He said the result reflected his preparation. "Very happy and excited that all my hard work has paid off. As far as I can As far as I can, Olympic," Gordon said of his longer ambitions, which include representing Jamaica at the Olympic Games.

Elsewhere, Javier Cameron of St. Mary was named champion boy, and Travani Breakenridge of St. Andrew claimed the champion girl title.