Jamaica begins pursuit of 38th consecutive Carifta Games title this Saturday

The 51st Carifta Games are set to begin at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium in Grenada, with 700 athletes from 27 countries ready to compete in track and field events for the under-17 and under-20 age groups. Jamaica, the defending champions, are aiming for their 38th consecutive title at the event, which has historically been dominated by the country, winning the medal table 45 times since the games’ inception. Their last defeat was in 1984 when the Bahamas emerged victorious.

The first event of the games will be the Heptathlon Girls’ 100m hurdles, featuring Jamaican athlete Kimeka Smith from St Jago High, scheduled for 9:00 am. The Girls’ Under-17 high jump final will follow at 9:03 am, with Jamaica’s Zavien Bernard from Hydel High, who recently broke a record with a 1.93m jump at a championship in Jamaica. With such strong performances and a rich history of success, Jamaica’s athletes are expected to continue their dominance at the Carifta Games over the next three days, showcasing the top young talents in the Caribbean.

In 2021, Jamaica excelled at the Carifta Games, held in the Bahamas, by topping the medal table with 78 medals, including 40 gold, 22 silver, and 16 bronze. Their previous best medal haul was in 2022 when they hosted the Games and won 92 medals, surpassing their previous record of 86 medals achieved in 2016 in Grenada and in 2017 in Curacao. Jamaica will be represented by an 81-member team at this year’s games, with athletes competing in various events across different age categories.

The female athletes representing Jamaica in the under-17 and under-20 categories include sprinters, middle-distance runners, hurdlers, jumpers, throwers, and relay team members. The male athletes will also compete in a wide range of events, including sprints, middle-distance races, hurdles, jumps, throws, and relays. Jamaica has a strong tradition in track and field, and their athletes are known for their exceptional performances at regional and international competitions.

With a talented team of athletes and a history of success at the Carifta Games, Jamaica is poised to continue their dominance at this year’s event. The competition will showcase the best young talents from across the Caribbean, providing a platform for these athletes to display their skills and compete at an international level. The Carifta Games serve as an important event for developing young athletes and promoting the sport of track and field in the region.