‘I am in shock’

"I am in shock", was the immediate reaction of Lacovia High's Sabrina Dockery after her sensational personal best 11.12 seconds run to win her heat of the Class One 100 metres on yesterday's opening day of the 2025 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Championships at the National Stadium.

Despite seemingly just going through the motions, clocked an incredible time. She was extremely surprised she saw the time and placed her hands on her head in disbelief.

"I am in shock. I didn't expect that fast time," she said while predicting an even faster time in today's semi-finals and final.

Edwin Allen High's Jounee Armstrong and Holmwood Technical's Doniellia Lewis both clocked 11.59 to be the next fastest qualifiers.

In the Class Two 100m, favourite Shanoya Douglas looked comfortable while winning her heat in 11.93, the third-fastest qualifying time. St Jago's Adora Campbell ran a personal best of 11.60 seconds, making her the fastest qualifier ahead of Vere's Pasha Gaye Forrester, who clocked 11.91.

St. Jago dominated the Girls' Class Three 100m, with Trecia-Ann Grant (11.90) and Shannia Campbell (12.02) posting the two fastest times. Rihanna Scott of Ferncourt was third-best with 12.05.

In Class Four, Vere Technical's Danae Bartley ran a personal best 12.13, followed by Holmwood's Adalia Simpson (12.27) and Alzeliha Allen of St. Andrew High (12.29).

Among the boys, Jamaica College's Kai Kelly was the fastest in Class Three, clocking 10.97. St Jago's Rajaun Romelly (11.16) and Calabar's Joshua Ricketts (11.19) were the next best qualifiers.

In Class Two, Kingston College's (KC) Jonathan Clarke led the way with 10.65, ahead of Excelsior High's Michael Graham (10.67) and St Elizabeth Technical's Rodeeki Walters (10.69s).

KC's Julius Itubo made his mark in the Class Three 1500m, winning his heat in a dominant 4:14.24. He now eyes the record of 4:12.50 set by Tavaughn Martin in 2019. Jevaughn Tomlin of Bellefield (4:28.58) and Dejaun Grey of St Elizabeth Technical (4:30.92) also advanced to today's final.

In the Boys' Class One 1500m, fans were treated to an exciting battle between two Kenyans, St Jago's Ryan Achau and KC's Brian Kiprop, in the same heat. Achau pulled away in the final 80m to win in 4:06.10, the fastest time of the day. Kiprop, the defending champion, followed in 4:07.01.

A major upset occurred in the Class Two 1500m, where Jamaica College lost valuable points as medal favourite Bevin Davey fell and finished 15th overall. William Knibb's Thwayne Sterling, the pre-race favourite, won his heat in 4:16.00, the fastest time overall.

400 metres

Foga Road High's Shameika McLean led the Class Three 400m qualifiers, clocking 56.79 seconds. St Jago's Jamilia Alves (57.02) and Holmwood's Ashley Wynter (57.11) followed closely.

Vere Technical's Jesena Williams was dominant in Class Two, running 54.66 to lead the field. Holmwood's Maddison Campbell (55.64) and Hydel High's Natassia Fletcher (55.78s) also advanced.

Defending champion Abigail Campbell of Hydel was the fastest qualifier in Class One, winning her heat in 53.94. Edwin Allen's Kelly-Ann Carr (54.60) and Vere Technical's Shevaughn Thomas (54.67) were the next best.

Major upset in Boys' long jump

The Boys' Class One long jump saw two major casualties. Event leader Shamir Kelly of Kingston College and last year's bronze medallist Ricoy Hunter of St Elizabeth Technical both failed to advance. Kelly finished 14th with 6.37m, while Hunter was 16th with 6.32m.

Petersfield's Svein Lawrence was the top qualifier with 7.23m, followed by Cornwall College's Kenomar Jones (7.21m) and Jamaica College's Michael Andre Edwards (7.16m).

Field events highlights

In the Girls' Javelin Open, Immaculate Conception High's Zoelle Jamel led the qualifiers with 40.08m. Hydel's Natassia Burrell (39.76m), Vere Technical's Ramone Freemantle (39.35m), and Edwin Allen's Shamoyea Morris also advanced.

Excelsior High's Alyssa Forrester led the Girls' shot put with a heave of 12.72m. Clarendon College's Natalia Pitterson (12.41m), St Jago's Jessica Thompson (12.35m), and Clarendon College's Jamelia Young (12.27m) followed closely.

Boys' 400m qualifiers

Calabar's athletes dominated the Boys' Class Three 400m qualifiers. Justin McKoy led the way with 51.31, followed by teammate and event favourite Rajeve Allison (51.71) and Lacovia High's Nicholas Jones (51.89).

In Class Two, last year's Class Three champion, St Jago's Rushiane Richards, clocked 48.74 to win his heat. Calabar's Diwayne Sharpe (48.85) and Micah Willis (48.95) were the next best qualifiers.

KC's Marcinho Rose continued his strong form in the Boys' Class One 400m, leading the field with a relaxed 47.52. Holmwood's Omarie Williamson (47.58), William Knibb's Jabari Matheson (47.59), and Tajh Marques White from KC (47.94) all dipped below 48 seconds to advance to the semi-finals.