Saint Lucia Secures Additional CARIFTA Qualifiers at Track Championships
Saint Lucia has added three more athletes to the CARIFTA Games roster following the National Junior Track and Field Championships. Jady Emmanuel and Gabrielle Facey led the qualifiers, with strong performances in their respective events. The competition also highlights established talents like Denzel Phillips and Naya Jules, as Saint Lucia prepares for the upcoming Games in Trinidad & Tobago during Easter weekend.
Saint Lucia has seen an increase in CARIFTA Game qualifiers following the National Junior Track and Field Championships held at Soufriere Stadium. Among the notable performances, Jady Emmanuel secured her place with a personal best of 11.66 seconds in the Under-17 girls’ 100m and also qualified in the Under-17 long jump.
Gabrielle Facey of Survivors achieved a time of 58.25 seconds to qualify in the Under-17 girls’ 400m, exceeding the standard of 58.40 seconds. Additionally, Destinee Cenac matched the high jump qualifier with a mark of 1.60m. In the Under-17 boys’ category, Terrick Plummer clocked 10.87 seconds in the 100m, while Ricardo Mann and DeAndre Isidore also qualified in their respective events.
In the Under-20 boys’ 400m, Joaqwan Alexander finished in 48.68 seconds, narrowly under the qualification mark. Denzel Phillips, based in Jamaica, is expected to compete in shot put and discus, bringing with him a record-setting pedigree.
The senior girls’ team will potentially consist of USA-based athletes Naomi London and Naya Jules, along with long jump qualifier Syesha Rogers. London has previously excelled in sprints, while Jules seeks her third consecutive gold in the pole vault and is a former record holder.
The Saint Lucia Athletics Association (SLAA) praised all participants, emphasizing its dedication to fostering talent for international success. As the Games, taking place over the Easter weekend in Trinidad & Tobago, approach, local athletes continue to vie for spots at the upcoming Island Champs qualifiers and finals.
Saint Lucia’s performances at the National Junior Track and Field Championships have secured additional spots for the CARIFTA Games. Key athletes such as Jady Emmanuel, Gabrielle Facey, and Joaqwan Alexander have demonstrated impressive capabilities, establishing themselves as strong contenders. With the SLAA’s ongoing support, these young athletes remain focused on competing at a higher level as the Games draw nearer, showcasing their potential on an international stage.
Original Source: stluciatimes.com
