Dyke, Carr bat for more changes

While welcoming the introduction of the Class Four girls’ 400m at next year’s ISSA Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships, two of Jamaica’s leading high school coaches, Michael Dyke and Michael Carr, believe additional changes are needed to further enhance the development of young athletes.

Dyke, head coach of 11-time champions Edwin Allen High, described the introduction of the event as a step in the right direction, but argued that greater opportunities should be created for girls interested in middle-distance running.

“I welcome the introduction of the Class Four girls running the 400m at Champs, as this is a step in the right direction. These girls run the 800m at primary school, so I think those who want to pursue middle-distance events are being denied the opportunity to challenge themselves at the high-school level,” Dyke said.

He noted that girls compete in the 800m and 1200m at the primary-school level and believes the transition to high school should provide a pathway for them to continue developing in those events.

Carr, the long-serving head coach of Wolmer’s Girls’ School, also welcomed the introduction of the Class Four girls’ 400m, describing it as a positive move because of the continuity it provides for athletes already familiar with the event from their primary-school years.

However, Carr believes the sprint hurdles programme also warrants review, arguing that the 100m hurdles should be introduced earlier in the high-school system.

“I think it is a good move to introduce the 400m for these young girls, as they are accustomed to the event from primary school, and this provides continuity,” Carr said.

“However, I have a concern. I think the 100m hurdles should be introduced earlier, in Class Three, and the Class Four 70m hurdles should be removed.”

Carr believes such a move would create a more progressive development pathway for young hurdlers as they advance through the high-school ranks.

The Wolmer’s Girls’ coach has built an impressive record in developing sprint hurdlers, and his programme continues to produce athletes capable of competing at the highest international level.

At the recent World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, his charge, Tiana Marshall, captured the bronze medal in the girls’ 100m hurdles.

The introduction of the Class Four girls’ 400m is among the changes expected at next year’s championships following years of lobbying by coaches for greater opportunities for younger athletes.

While Dyke and Carr have welcomed the development, their comments suggest it may be the start of a broader discussion about the events offered at the championships and how best to prepare young athletes for future success in the sport.