Nine-year-old Lindsay holds Olympic dreams

At just nine years old, Antoya Lindsay has already etched her name in Jamaica's youth athletics history.

Representing St Andrew at the 40th staging of the JTA/Sagicor National Athletics Championship, the Half-Way Tree Primary student secured 18 points over the two-day event which began on Friday, June 20, ending the meet as the overall Champion Girl.

"I feel very happy and excited," she said, clutching her trophy with a beaming smile. "This day means a lot to me. I thank my coach, my parish, and my team for encouraging me."

Antoya's performances were nothing short of outstanding. In the girls' Under-11 100m final, she clocked a personal best of 14.05 seconds, an improvement over her first round time of 14.15.

In the girls' 200m final, she once again surpassed expectations, running 29.69 seconds, bettering her previous best of 29.98, which she set in the heats.

But these times only tell part of the story.

Raised in Kingston and St Andrew, Antoya is already living up to a family legacy, as her parents were also involved in athletics.

Her father, Anthony, proudly shared her roots and drive.

"She has that go-getter spirit. She's disciplined, loving, caring and committed to what she wants," he said. "She's strong, she's powerful, she's dedicated, and she just wanted to win."

Anthony beamed when speaking of her dedication to athletics, especially in the face of recent challenges.

"She was having some trouble with her feet coming up from Class Four to Class Three, but she keeps pushing. And I like that. I'm happy, I'm excited. She's in Class Three now, and this moment is a big one for her and for all of us."

BIG DREAMS

Despite her age, Antoya is no stranger to the big stage. This was her second time qualifying for the JTA/Sagicor National Athletics Championship.

However, she missed her previous opportunity to compete in favour of the Miami Classic, where she turned heads by running the fastest 100m time recorded internationally for an eight-year-old.

"The coach wasn't even there at the time, but he called me at work and said, 'Your daughter just ran the fastest time'," Lindsay recalled.

"She didn't come first in that event overall, but she was still so young. That performance really showed us what she could do," Anthony said.

Antoya's inspiration is clear, and she is ambitious.

"I want to set a record like Shericka Jackson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, or even beat one," she said with a confident grin.

"I want to go to the Olympics one day."

Her coach, Trevor Miller, has been instrumental in developing her potential. Antoya described him as "hard-working, understanding, and brave".

His training, combined with her natural talent and family encouragement, are credited with building a solid foundation for her athletic career.

Even with nerves on race day, Antoya found her inner strength.

"I was nervous at first, wondering if someone would beat me. But when the starter said, 'On your marks', I became brave. I'm glad I won," she shared.

To other children who may lack confidence in themselves, her advice is simple, yet profound.

"Be brave. Everyone is a winner in their own way. Whether you come first or fifth, just go on the track and be great. Have confidence in yourself."

That belief, rooted in family, discipline, and perseverance, is what makes Antoya more than just a Champion Girl. She's a rising star, a symbol of hope, and a shining example of what can happen when talent is nurtured with love and purpose.