Latest News
JC’s Smith Band ready for Champs after recovering from injury
March 13, 2023
Jamaica College's (JC) Malique Smith Band believes he is in good health and has the proper frame of mind to stamp his class on the rest of the track and field season after finally recovering from injury worries last year.
Smith Band is anxiously awaiting the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships (Champs), scheduled for the National Stadium from March 28 to April 1, as well as the regional Carifta Games, which is slated to take place in the Bahamas from April 8-10.
Smith Band won the under-20 boys' 200m title on yesterday's final day of the Carifta Trials at the National Stadium, clocking 21.13 seconds, with St Elizabeth Technical High School's Javorne Dunkley in second with 21.29 and Edwin Allen's Delano Kennedy third in 21.48.
With a nagging injury keeping him at bay for most of last year, Smith Band, now back at full strength, says he is grateful to his head coach Neil Harrison for keeping him focused and motivated.
"It has been an up season for me. I was injured for most of last season. This year I came back stronger, running personal best right through each race," Smith Band said.
Smith Band this season has clocked the fourth fastest time over the distance. He, however, got the victory over the in-form Dunkley and was cryptic about JC's chances of challenging reigning champions Kingston College (KC) for the Champs title.
"My coach (Harrison) just told me to always stick to the plan, keep focused, and I will definitely succeed. I am healthy, which is a major factor, that is the most important factor, and it will be a great Champs," Smith Band said.
Meanwhile, Hydel's Alana Reid won the under-20 girls' 200m title in 22.96 seconds, with Mount Alvernia's Carlet Bernard finishing second with 23.51 and Lacovia High's Sabrina Dockery third in 23.93.
Donte Mendez of Calabar, with 21.92 seconds, won the under-17 title with JC's Dontae Watson, with 22.17 seconds in second and Greater Portmore's Tyreek Robinson third in 22.20.
Wolmer's Natrece East clocked 24.47 seconds to win the under-17 girls 200m and complete the sprint double.
