The inaugural National Secondary Schools Track & Field Championships got off to an exciting start at the National Track and Field Centre in Edinburgh, with schools from Linden, particularly Mackenzie High School, setting the pace with dominant performances across multiple events.
Following inspiring speeches from Minister of Education Priya Manikchand, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr., and other officials, the competition commenced in earnest, marking the return of the long-standing school athletics meet, which was revamped after being shelved in 2024.
Linden athletes wasted no time in asserting their dominance, with Timothy Smith of Harmony Secondary winning the Boys’ 5000m in a commanding time of 17:02.40. He finished well ahead of Mahaicony Technical Institute’s David Bowell (18:26.92) and President’s College’s Mikael Antigua (18:27.64), setting the tone for the day.
National Table Tennis champion Ebo McNeil, known for his versatility, proved his mettle on the track as well by clinching victory in the Boys’ U17 3000m.
The Mackenzie High School student crossed the line in 10:07.32, narrowly edging out Sand Creek Secondary’s Colin Bernard (10:07.43). Mahaicony Secondary’s Paul David finished a distant third in 11:29.07.
Linden’s female athletes also shared the spotlight, with Mackenzie High School’s Donnel Fraser winning the U20 Girls’ 3000m in 12:36.16.
She held off a strong challenge from Richard Ishmael’s Kaymayra Lacon (12:37.42), while Region 9’s Emily Cyrill of Marurunau Secondary secured third place (13:12.36).
Linden schools continued to rule the sprint events, as Wisburg Secondary’s Tesianna Harris blazed to a 12.56-second win in the Girls’ U15 100m, ahead of The Bishop’s High School’s Shania Thompson (12.70s) and Freeburg’s Lenesha Headly (14.07s).
Omari Welch (11.61s) won the U15 Boys’ 100m title, edging out Jermaine Caster (11.71s) and Babito Williams (11.95s).
In the Girls’ U17 100m, Christianburg Wismar Secondary’s Angel Jeffrey kept Linden’s winning streak alive with a scorching 12.52s finish, beating out Bladen Hall Secondary’s Abicke Edwards (12.62s) and Mahaicony Secondary’s Quinyla Burnette (12.72s).
The Boys’ U17 final was a thriller, with Mahaicony Secondary’s Ezekiel Millington (10.74s) narrowly edging Mackenzie High School’s Gordon Thompson (10.78s)
An upset in the Boys’ U20 100m saw Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary’s Skylar Charles storming to victory in 10.69s, ahead of East Ruimveldt’s Onesi Dunn (10.93s) and President’s College’s Lequacey Brumell (11.01s).
In the Girls’ U20 final, Mackenzie High School’s Adessa Albert struck gold with a 12.26s finish, outpacing The Bishop’s High’s Shelana Semple (12.73s) and Mahaicony Secondary’s Leanna Fraser (12.78s).
Linden athletes also showcased their prowess in the field events. Mackenzie High School’s Malachi Montooth won the Boys’ U15 High Jump, clearing 1.63m, ahead of Line Path Secondary’s De Quone Ross (1.60m) and D.C. Caesar Fox Secondary School’s Thaddea Williams from Region 7.
The U20 Boys’ High Jump saw Linden Technical Institute’s Rodel Greene soar to 1.95m to claim victory over President’s College’s Immanuel Adams (1.85m) and Queen’s College’s Owen Hooper (1.70m).
In the Girls’ U15 High Jump, Karaburi Secondary’s Camille Sinclair took gold with a leap of 1.35m, defeating Mackenzie High School’s Latifa George (1.35m) and St. Ignatius’ Shontelle Jobe (1.30m).
Linden stole the show on the opening day of the Inaugural National Secondary Schools Track & Field C/ships.
Mackenzie High School’s Christin Lindore produced a stunning throw of 8.17m to clinch the Girls’ U20 Shotput title, outperforming President’s College’s Obenna Hinds (7.77m) and GTI’s Beyonce Chandler (7.39m).
With their dominant performances on the opening day, Linden schools have set the standard for the championships, as they head into the second day of action before the championship wraps up tomorrow, Thursday.(Kaieteur News)
