Champs’ silver was a family moment for ICHS’s Brown

The magnitude of what Immaculate's Naje Brown was able to achieve in the Class Four 100 metres final was only matched by the pride she felt having her family witness her performances, especially her sports journalist dad, Jeremain.

Brown was a part of Immaculate's first and second podium finish on Wednesday, copping silver medal in 12.20 seconds, behind best friend Kayla Johnson, who took the title in 11.97.

Her father, usually covering the sports of the day, being a sports broadcaster and journalist for Television Jamaica, but Wednesday, he watched from the stands as Johnson and Naje sped home, a moment that Naje said made it super special, as well.

"He is so different, but I love my dad. Seeing me like right after the race, I was like, 'oh my gosh'. I could hear everybody over there, and it was so amazing. I just love the fact that my dad was here to support me through everything," Brown said.

Brown, 13, entered Champs with the fifth-fastest time, clocking 12.36 seconds at the Corporate Area Championships earlier in the month.

The first and second finish was a moment that she also shared with her mother in the stands right after the race and was elated and relieved at her achievement, despite nervous moments before the final.

"At the start of the race, it was so nerve-racking. Even in my semi-finals, I was so nervous I didn't know why. I just started talking to myself, but the fact that we did what we really wanted to do, it's so awesome," Brown said.

Knowing the magnitude of Champs and its importance, Brown was lost for words when the degree of the moment started to sink in, not only happy for herself and Johnson but also to give their school valuable points in their bid for a top finish.

"I don't know what to say. I'm so excited. Champs is just a big thing, and my best friend and I did the one-two that we wanted to do. It is just a beautiful thing to me," Brown said.