‘I WAS HERE’

Shanoya Douglas was in imperious form on yesterday’s third and final day of Carifta Games inside the Kirani James Athletic Stadium in St George’s, Grenada, demolishing Bahamian Shaunae Miller-Uibo’s 2013 record of 22.77 seconds on her way to winning the Girls’ Under-20 200 metres in a lifetime best, 22.11.

The outstanding Douglas, who had earlier won the 100m, made her intentions clear from the start, exploding out of the blocks and coming off the curve with a commanding lead before powering away for a convincing victory. Countrywoman Natrece East picked up her second silver, finishing second in 23.39, with Haiti’s Breana Barnett third in 23.68.

Douglas’ winning time was a new world lead, a national junior record, and the joint third-fastest ever at this level, tying with United States star Allyson Felix.

“I came into the race very determined, as I wanted to get out of the blocks as fast as possible and execute as best as I could, and I did that. This was my last Carifta and I really wanted the record, to leave something to remind myself that I was here. Thanks to God, my coach, family and supporters for making this possible,” she said.

Among the men, Sanjaye Seymour made amends for his 100m disqualification, rallying to overhaul Bermuda’s Miles Outerbridge close home to win in 20.63. Outerbridge took silver in 20.67, with Eagan Neely of The Bahamas third in 20.73.

In the Girls’ Under-17 200m, Shayon Smith was sixth in 24.92 and Danella Clarke, eighth in 25.25. Mario Ross secured silver in the Boys’ Under-17 event, finishing second in 21.00s behind The Bahamas’ Emille Higgins (20.94), while Zion Bertrand was third in 21.54.

Jamaica’s sprint hurdlers were on fire, capturing all four finals.

Tashana Godfrey led the charge, winning the Girls’ Under-17 100m hurdles in a personal-best 13.27 seconds, finishing ahead of compatriot Macaila Gordon (13.39) and Trinidad and Tobago’s Chekia Joseph (13.96).

Defending champion Tiana Marshall successfully retained her Girls’ Under-20 100m hurdles title in 13.43. Jenna-Marie Thomas of Trinidad and Tobago was second in 13.93, with Sofia Sundell of the US Virgin Islands third in 13.94. Jamaica’s Akeelah Bell finished fifth after clipping a hurdle.

Mark Daniel Allen delivered a record run in the Boys’ Under-17 110m hurdles, clocking a personal-best 13.25 to break the previous mark of 13.49, set by Kaheim Cardy in 2023. Jamaica’s Brandon Barrett also went under the old record, finishing second in 13.47.

Robert Miller completed the hurdles sweep, winning the Boys’ Under-20 110m hurdles in a wind-aided 13.43 (+2.5 m/s). Jacario Wilson of The Bahamas was second in 13.55, while Jamaica’s Romario Jibbison took bronze in 13.73.

In the 800m, Markland Williams earned silver in the Boys’ Under-17, clocking 1:53.60 to finish behind St Maarten’s Nahjah Wyatt (1:53.26).

Dahlilah Fairweather secured bronze in the Girls’ Under-20 event in 2:11.15, while Joel Morgan added another bronze in the Boys’ Under-20 race in 1:51.72.

In the field, Able Mills captured her second gold of the championships, winning the Girls’ Under-20 discus with a personal-best 53.85 metres. Marla Kay Lampart secured silver with 48.96m. Zavien Bernard also struck gold in the Girls’ Under-20 high jump with 1.78 metres.

Other medals came from Joseph Salmon, who took silver in the Boys’ Under-20 shot put with 18.17m, and Stefanco Henry, who secured silver in the Girls’ Under-17 triple jump with 11.51m.