Harris grateful to conquer Carifta jinx

Jamaica girls' captain at the recent Carifta Games in St George's, Grenada, Habiba Harris, is relieved and jubilant after securing the most significant win of her career so far when she struck gold in the Under-20 girls' 100 metres hurdles.

Harris decisively broke a longstanding jinx, capturing the event to overcome disappointments at the Carifta Games, especially over the past two seasons.

"Finally, being able to deliver and to do so on one of the biggest stages, representing my country and school, is an extraordinary feeling, and I'm so overwhelmed with emotions. It means a lot to me, and I'm so grateful for it," said the St Elizabeth Technical High School upper sixth-form student. Last year, Harris won the event at the Carifta Trials, easily defeating Alexis James, who went on to pocket the gold medal at the Carifta Games in the Bahamas. Injuries forced Harris to pull out of the competition.

Her disappointment started before, however, as after qualifying at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships (Champs) with the second fastest time in the Class Two girls' semi-finals, she failed to compete in the final after reporting to the start of the event with both hamstrings fully strapped because of injuries.

UNBEATEN

Harris has had another exceptional season so far, including a nippy 12.95 seconds clocking in the event at this year's Carifta Trials. The unbeaten Harris was a strong favourite to win the Class One event at Champs. However, early troubles over the barriers in the final affected her and she had to settle for a disappointing seventh-place finish in 14.46 seconds.

She was not to be denied at the Carifta Games, however, winning in 12.93 seconds in a wind-aided 2.4 metres per second, which denied her the record.

According to Harris, she was highly motivated to use the Carifta Games to conquer her Champs failure.

"At first, the disappointment was great but, with my loved ones, family and support team, I was able to brush it off and my mindset was ready going to Carifta," she shared.

CAPTAINCY

Harris believes she excelled in the captaincy role.

"I would say I handled it well. Any little issue or enquiry within the team, the athletes would approach me. If I couldn't solve it, I would report to the team leader and it would be dealt with as soon as possible," she stated.

Harris, who has eight Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and four Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) subjects, is still undecided about the future, after her Carifta Games success.

"There are no plans set in stone going forward, so at the moment it is a situation where I'll cross the bridge when I get there.

"I am very grateful for the opportunities I have been given, and the people around me who have believed in me every step of the way. I couldn't have done it without them," she concluded.