Hydel High School’s track and field athletes are expressing hope that their achievement in earning Chairman’s Award will inspire others at the institution to excel while representing their school. Led by the versatile Class One sprint-double champion Aaliah Baker, four of the school’s top performers at the recent ISSA Boys’ and Girl’s Athletics Championships were rewarded for their outstanding output.
Baker, Abigail Campbell, Teixeira Johnson and Shania Myers will all share in the JMD$300,000 award that was donated by Chairman of the school’s board, Ryan Foster, in recognition of the athletes’ effort.
“This Chairman Award recognizes the strong ethos of what a student athlete represents, and also the strong character of what champions are made of,” the chairman said. “These girls displayed commitment, determination, school spirit and overall fight within the team to give Hydel a chance to defend our title. They went beyond the call to pull a team along despite some of the rigours and obstacles they encountered.”
Foster had recognized Hydel High School’s team for winning its first ever ISSA Girls Champs title in 2023 with the Chairman’s Award, along with the outstanding sprinter Alana Reid.
This year, the team gave an exceptional performance as it placed second with 326 points. Edwin Allen High won with 335.5 points.
Leading Hydel’s charge was Baker, the 400m, 400m hurdles champion in 2023 who showed her range of sprinting by winning gold in the shorter individual sprints, 11.34 seconds in the 100m and another personal best, 23.89 seconds in the 200m. Baker also led her school to victory in the Class One girl’s 4x100m and 4x400m gold medals.
“I hope my story will motivate younger kids so they’ll be able to help our school and win the Chairman’s Award,” Baker expressed. “I stepped down from the 400m and 400m hurdles to the 100 and 200 metres and won two gold medals. Hopefully someone will be able to say if she did it I can do it too.”
Continuing, she said that her accomplishments are even more satisfying because she had to overcome challenges.
“Preparing for Champs was not easy because I went back and forth with injuries and just some bad days at training. But I just kept my composure, I trained hard when I could train hard, I went, I didn’t question my coach, I just did what he asked,” she admitted of Corey Bennett’s tutelage.
“I’m pretty happy I just listened to him and that I trusted the process and then I did my thing and ended up winning four events. I’m proud of myself, my family is proud of me, my teammates are proud of me and my school is proud of me,” said the final year student.
Campbell won three gold medals and a silver, claiming the 400m gold and 800m silver in 52.27 and 2:09.07, respectively.
Reflecting on the tough, sparely run 400-800 double, Campbell expressed joy at making the Chairman’s Award list, noting that “I’m pretty excited and elated because what I did was very phenomenal”.
Continuing, she said: “I’m very proud of myself because last year I couldn’t compete at Champs but this year I came back, winning three gold medals and a silver for my team and myself and it was a pretty good championship because I came out here to do the best for my team and to score good points.
“For next year I would like to produce more, I would like to stand out for next year, I would like to continue doing my best for my school and for myself and my coach,” Campbell added.
Johnson won three gold medals, the Class Four 100m in 11.87 seconds and 200m in 25.44, as well as the sprint relay.
Myers fought off an emotional roller-coaster following the death of her mother, promising, delivering and dedicating victory in the Class One 100m hurdles to her mom, as she won in a time of 13.14 seconds. She also won silver in the long jump final, leaping 6.30 metres in the event won by St Catherine’s Roanna Sudlow (6.37m).
“Though the team was much smaller than Edwin Allen, we certainly made it into a competition until the final race,” expressed Foster. “These girls went beyond to place their bodies on the line and for that I must applaud and recognize them. Alliah won four gold medals, Abigail and Teixeira Johnson won three golds and Shania Myers won two.
“I am extremely proud of them and the overall team to include Korey and his coaching staff,” the Hydel board chairman added. “We will have an even bigger celebration with the team after the Easter break.
“The Hydel spirit is very much alive and the Board of Management, myself included, will continue to shape the future of our students and student athletes."
Jamaican hurdler Damion Thomas reveals career-saving surgery, eyes return to top form
Jamaican hurdler Damion Thomas, a promising talent who has seen his career hampered by injuries, on Sunday revealed that he underwent surgery on October 21 to address a persistent foot issue. The procedure, known as an osteophytectomy, involved the removal of a bone spur that had been causing severe discomfort and pain in his Achilles tendon and lower heel, limiting his ability to train and perform at his best.
Thomas, who has made significant strides in his athletic career despite facing recurring injuries, expressed gratitude for the medical support he’s received. Under the guidance of Dr. John Thompson, a specialist who has overseen his rehabilitation since March, Thomas has worked through rigorous physical therapy and orthopedic care to manage his injury. However, as the pain continued to affect his performance, surgery became necessary to give him the best chance at a full recovery.
“This past year working with Dr. Thompson has been monumental,” Thomas shared on social media. “Since March, Dr. Thompson’s overseeing of my injury through physical therapy, orthopedic care, and lastly surgical procedure has been a driving force in allowing me to finish the previous season and set myself up for a new future. I am thankful.”
The 24-year-old hurdler, who specializes in the 110m and 60m hurdles, has a decorated history in athletics. A former Louisiana State University (LSU) standout, Thomas won the 2021 NCAA Indoor 60m hurdle title, setting a school record and becoming the fifth-fastest hurdler in NCAA history. In 2018, he equaled the junior world record of 12.99 seconds in the 110m hurdles, a feat that positioned him as one of the most promising young hurdlers globally. Thomas also represented Jamaica at the Tokyo Olympics, advancing to the semi-finals with a time of 13.39 seconds in the 110m hurdles.
In early 2024, Thomas was selected to represent Jamaica at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow. Despite his impressive achievements, ongoing injuries have held him back from reaching his full potential on the international stage.
With the surgery now behind him, Thomas is focused on recovery and a strong comeback. His determination to overcome setbacks highlights his commitment to his sport, and fans are hopeful that the procedure will enable him to return to peak form in the coming season.
Dominica’s Olympic champion Thea LaFond-Gadson awarded nation’s highest honour
Paris Olympic gold medalist Thea LaFond-Gadson was conferred with Dominica’s highest honour, the Dominica Honour Award, on Sunday in recognition of her extraordinary achievements in 2024. LaFond-Gadson, who made history by becoming Dominica’s first Olympic medalist with her gold in the triple jump in Paris, also won the triple jump title at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, earlier in March. Each of these remarkable victories marked a historic first for a Dominican athlete, solidifying her legacy as one of the country’s most celebrated sports figures.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerritt had previously announced that LaFond-Gadson would be honoured with the Dominica Honour Award during her visit to the island shortly after the Olympics. The formal recognition took place during the National Parade, where the Prime Minister addressed the nation, and all honorees were celebrated for their contributions to Dominica.
The Dominica Honour Award is presented annually during the Independence Day Rally to individuals who have significantly impacted the nation’s landscape. This year, LaFond-Gadson was one of 18 Dominicans and international honorees recognized. The award was presented by Dominica’s President, Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, in a ceremony that highlighted LaFond-Gadson’s exceptional achievements and the pride she has inspired across the nation.
Speaking to the media after receiving the award, LaFond-Gadson expressed that the honour was her “greatest achievement ever” and encouraged young Dominicans to pursue their dreams with dedication and passion.
The celebration of LaFond-Gadson’s accomplishments does not end with Sunday’s parade. A luncheon hosted by a private sector organization was scheduled for Monday in her honour, extending the nation’s gratitude for her contributions. Her recognition comes in addition to being named a Sports Ambassador two months ago, along with receiving a $400,000 gift and a land grant from the government.
Prime Minister Skerritt, in his address, acknowledged the immense pride that LaFond-Gadson has brought to Dominica, calling her achievements a source of inspiration for the entire nation. With her historic Olympic victory and her continued dedication to her country, Thea LaFond-Gadson has undoubtedly secured her place as a Dominican icon.
'A true honour': Long jumper Wayne Pinnock hails CWC Foundation fundraising gala a testament to the power of community support
Jamaica’s rising long jump star, Wayne Pinnock, expressed deep gratitude and pride at being among the main cast at the Cable and Wireless Charitable Foundation Fundraising Gala held on the Seafair Luxury Yacht in Miami on Friday.
Pinnock, who recently took the track and field world by storm with his silver medal performances at the 2023 World Championship and 2024 Paris Olympic Games, was among an illustrious group of Caribbean athletes that gathered on the yacht to play their part in empowering communities and creating positive change.
The 24-year-old Pinnock was joined by Jamaican sprint legends Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shericka Jackson, rising star Charokee Young, and Bahamian sprint hurdler Devynne Charlton. Together, they represented the strength, resilience, and achievements of Caribbean athletes on the global stage.
Speaking warmly about the event, dubbed an evening of elegance and philanthropy, Pinnock shared how honored he felt to participate in the gala, which raised crucial funds for causes close to his heart.
“I want to thank everyone who contributed to this amazing event and for using me as an inspiration for the elegance and philanthropy gala. Being able to attend such a stunning event in support of an important cause was a true honour,” Pinnock said in a social media post.
The Cable and Wireless Charitable Foundation has long been committed to supporting education, healthcare, and community projects across the Caribbean.
For Pinnock and his fellow athletes, the foundation’s mission resonates deeply, as they fully understand the importance of giving back and the impact that support can have on young people’s lives.
In fact, he pointed out that the gala was more than an evening of glamour—it was a reminder of his journey, a celebration of the Caribbean spirit, and a powerful opportunity to give back to the region that shaped him.
“Warmth, vision, and a common dedication to supporting Caribbean athletes as they strive for their Olympic aspirations characterized the remarkable evening. I’m incredibly appreciative of the chance to be around these driven, committed people. Once again, I want to thank you for letting me be a part of this night that will never be forgotten and for your dedication to changing the world,” Pinnock noted.
SportsMax is the Caribbean sports channel of choice, committed to providing sporting content of the highest quality to the Caribbean, delivered by a team of highly innovative, passionate and qualified professionals.
(876) 619-7629
digitalmedia@sportsmax.tv
