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Top-three clashes expected to set alight Gibson McCook Relays
February 21, 2025
Organisers have set everything in place and thousands of athletes are ready to unleash their talent at Saturday's 48th staging of the Gibson McCook Relays, which will commence at 9:30 a.m. inside the National Stadium.
In an interview with THE WEEKEND STAR yesterday, Chairman of the Gibson McCook Relays Organising Committee, Marion Bullock-Ducasse, stated that all is in place for a successful event.
"Preparations have gone well for our 48th staging of the Gibson McCook Relays as we welcome 2,700 athletes, including several from the Cayman Islands who will continue their usual participation in this meet," she said.
Bullock-Ducasse also mentioned that 29 overseas-based athletes who train locally will compete in the meet.
As usual, high school athletes will attract most of the attention, given one of the most intense pre-seasons in both track and field. It has been difficult to separate the leading male teams -- Kingston College (KC), Jamaica College (JC) and Calabar High -- as well as the top female teams -- Edwin Allen High, Hydel High and Holmwood Technical.
Performances at the Gibson McCook Relays often provide a strong indication of potential winners at the ISSA GraceKennedy Boys' and Girls' Athletics Championships, and top coaches are well aware of this.
The opening event at 9:30 a.m. will feature preliminary action in the high school boys' 4x400 metres, a Championship event, with the finals scheduled to close the meet at 8:30 p.m.
Both male and female teams will compete in the 4x100m, 4x200m, 4x400m, 4x800m and sprint medley relays.
Calabar High's Class One 4x100m team and St Jago's Class Three 4x100m relay team, with their talented squads, will undoubtedly draw significant attention.
St Jago High's long- and middle-distance athlete Ryan Achua, following back-to-back record-breaking performances in the 5000m, will compete in the 1500m tomorrow. His team is aiming for a sub-3:47 time in the event.
SENIOR ATHLETES
Senior athletes will also take centre stage, with invitational races in the 60m for both males and females, as well as the 400m for men.
The men's 400m will commence at 6:40 p.m. and will feature national record holder Rusheen McDonald of MVP, Malik James-King of Titans, Roshawn Clarke of Swept, and Demish Gaye of SprinTec.
The women's 60m will take place at 6:45 p.m. and will feature Tia Clayton of MVP, alongside her training partners Joneil Smith and Serena Cole. They will compete against Jodean Williams and Shashalee Forbes of Sprint, as well as Kemba Nelson of Elite Track Club.
The men's 60m will begin at 6:57 p.m. and will include Tyquendo Tracy and Junior Harris of Swept, along with Ramone Barnswell of MVP.
Additionally, there will be competition in field events, including the men's and women's high jump, men's and women's long jump, and the men's pole vault.
