Dockery the toast of Champs day one

SABRINA DOCKERY of Lacovia High stole the spotlight on the opening day of the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships, gracing the new track with a sensational 11.12-second run in the preliminary round of the girls’ Class One 100 metres.

Running in the first heat, Dockery, despite seemingly just going through the motions, clocked an incredible time. When she saw the result, she was in shock, placing her hands on her head in disbelief. Now, with the semifinals and finals ahead, she looks to better that time today.

Dockery was ecstatic about her performance: “I am in shock. I didn’t expect that fast time. That means we can look out for something very special,” she said.

Edwin Allen High’s Jounee Armstrong and Holmwood Technical’s Doniellia Lewis both clocked 11.59 to be the next fastest qualifiers, followed closely by Kiara Meikle of Holmwood Technical with 11.61 seconds.

Despite some questioning the speed of the resurfaced track, several athletes delivered impressive performances.

In the Class Two 100m, favourite Shanoya Douglas looked comfortable, winning her heat in 11.93 seconds, the third-fastest qualifying time. St Jago’s Adora Campbell ran a personal best of 11.60, making her the fastest qualifier ahead of Vere Technical’s Pasha Gaye Forrester, who clocked 11.91 seconds.

St Jago dominated the girls’ Class Three 100m, with Trecia-Ann Grant (11.90) and Shannia Campbell (12.02) posting the two fastest times. Rihanna Scott of Ferncourt was third best with 12.05.

In Class Four, Vere Technical’s Danae Bartley ran a personal best of 12.13 seconds, followed by Holmwood’s Adalia Simpson (12.22) and Alzeliha Allen of St. Andrew High (12.29).

Among the boys, Jamaica College’s Kai Kelly was the fastest in Class Three, clocking 10.97 seconds. St Jago’s Rajaun Romelly (11.16) and Calabar’s Joshua Ricketts (11.19) were the next best qualifiers.

In Class Two, Kingston College’s Jonathan Clarke led the way with 10.65 seconds, ahead of Excelsior’s Michael Graham (10.68) and St. Elizabeth Technical’s Rodeeki Walters (10.69).

Kingston College’s Kenyan athlete, Julius Itubo, made his mark in the Class Three 1500m, winning his heat in a dominant 4:14.24. He now eyes the record of 4:12.50 set by Tavaughn Martin in 2019. Jevaughn Tomlin of Bellefield (4:28.58) and Dejaun Grey of St Elizabeth Technical (4:30.92) also advanced to today’s final.

In the boys’ Class One 1500m, fans were treated to an exciting battle between St Jago’s Ryan Achau and Kingston College’s Brian Kiprop in the same heat.

Achau pulled away in the final 80 metres to win in 4:06.10, the fastest time of the day. Kiprop, the defending champion, followed in 4:07.01, with Edwin Allen’s Joel Morgan (4:09.82) rounding out the top three qualifiers.

A major upset occurred in the Class Two 1500m, where Jamaica College lost valuable points as medal favourite Bevin Davey fell and finished 14th overall. William Knibb’s Thwayne Sterling, the pre-race favourite, won his heat in 4:16.00, the fastest time overall. Edwin Allen’s Moses Johnson (4:16.35) and Sydney Pagon Academy’s Luke Plummer (4:18.34) were the next best qualifiers.

Foga Road High’s Shameika McLean led the Class Three 400m qualifiers, clocking 56.79 seconds. St Jago’s Jamilia Alves (57.02), and Holmwood’s Ashley Wynter (57.11) followed closely.

Vere Technical’s Jesena Williams was dominant in Class Two, running 54.66 seconds to lead the field. Holmwood’s Maddison Campbell (55.64s) and Hydel’s Nastassia Fletcher (55.78) also advanced.

Defending champion Abigail Campbell of Hydel was the fastest qualifier in Class One, winning her heat in 53.94 seconds. Edwin Allen’s Kelly-Ann Carr (54.60) and Vere Technical’s Shevaughn Thomas (54.67) were the next best.

The boys’ Class One long jump saw two major casualties. Event leader Shamir Kelly of Kingston College and last year’s bronze medallist Ricoy Hunter of St Elizabeth Technical both failed to advance. Kelly finished 15th with 6.37 metres, while Hunter was 16th with 6.32.

Petersfield’s Svein Lawrence was the top qualifier with 7.23 metres, followed by Cornwall College’s Kenomar Jones (7.21) and Jamaica College’s Michael Andre Edwards (7.16).