Rose sisters blooming at the right time for Holmwood

Holmwood Technical High siblings, Jovi and Cindy Rose, are in top form just two weeks before ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships (Champs).

Ten-time champions Holmwood, who last won the title in 2013 after dominating with a nine-year streak from 2003 to 2011-- are showing glimpses of their former dominance, especially in the middle-distance events, as they aim to reclaim the top spot on the podium.

The sisters have been in imperious form all season in the 800 metres and 1500m, with Jovi competing in Class Two and Cindy in Class One. Jovi will be looking to defend her Class Two 800m title and improve on her second-place finish in the 1500m last year, where she beaten by Vere Technical's Ashara Frater.

Cindy, on the other hand, will be aiming to surpass her second-place finish in the 1500m behind Edwin Allen High's Rickeisha Simms and fourth place in the 800m.

At the recent Central Athletics Championships and Carifta Trials, both sisters produced strong performances. Jovi placed second in the Class Two 800m behind Edwin Allen's Kevongaye Fowler but turned the tables in the 1500m.

In Class One, Cindy secured the 800m, 1500m double.

At the Carifta Trials, the sisters faced off in the Under-20 800m, finishing one-two0. Cindy won in 2:09.98 and Jovi was second in 2:10.54. Cindy also triumphed in the 1500m.

Last Saturday at the G.C. Foster Classic the sisters competed in the 400m, where their coach used the race to sharpen their speed ahead of Champs. Jovi finished second in Class Two with 58.15 seconds, while Cindy won the Class One race in 56.58.

"This is my final year at Champs, and I want to leave with special performances in both events while helping my team win the title," Cindy said "I am very confident I will won both events (800m and 1500m). I don't see any of my opponents stopping me from doing so."

She had high praise for head coach Dave Anderson.

"Coach Anderson motivates us a lot and we truly believe in him," she added.

Jovi, meanwhile, is set for a battle royal in Class Two, renewing her rivalry with Fowler. Fowler defeated her in the 800m at Central Championships but she is confident she will reverse that result.

"I know she'll be coming to try and beat me again, but I'm confident I can get the better of her this time and also continue my dominance in the 1500m to secure the double," she stated.

Jovi also spoke about the inspiration she draws from her older sister.

"I really look up to Cindy in training. She pushes me, and that helps me do well. We both try our best to make our coaches and family proud," she said.