Hydel High’s Jody-Ann Daley once again proved her mettle as she produced a clutch performance to capture the Girls’ Class One 200m title, adding another golden moment to her outstanding ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys' and Girls' Athletics Championships campaign at the National Stadium on Saturday.
Having already secured the Class One 100m hurdles title, Daley returned shortly after with fire in her legs and determination in her heart to deny Lacovia High’s Sabrina Dockery a sprint double in dramatic fashion.
Running from lane five, Daley exploded out of the blocks, rounding the curve with Dockery in hot pursuit from lane two. With the Hydel standout slightly ahead, Dockery mounted a serious challenge, but Daley found another gear and powered through the 2.3 m/s headwind to secure victory in 23.53s.
Dockery, the 100m champion and pre-race favourite, had to settle for second in 23.63s, while Shemonique Hazel (24.01s) completed a one-three finish for Hydel, who strengthened their claim for the overall title.
While Dockery was denied, all other class favourites successfully completed their sprint doubles, showing dominance in the 200m finals.
Class Two belonged to World Under-20 bronze medallist Shanoya Douglas of Muschett High, who defended her 200m crown in 23.30s, blazing around the bend from lane seven to finish well clear of the field. The -2.6 m/s headwind robbed her of a faster time, but she still comfortably topped Natrece East (24.05s) of Wolmer’s Girls and Hydel High’s Sashana Johnson (24.07s).
In Class Three, St Jago’s Shannia Campbell had to dig deep to complete her sprint double, clocking 24.15s to hold off Port Antonio’s Kevina Bourne (24.20s) in a thrilling finish. Foga Road’s Shameika McLean (24.47s), the 400m champion, settled for third.
Meanwhile, in Class Four, Holmwood Technical’s Adalia Simpson put in a strong late burst off the curve, storming home in 25.15s to add the 200m title to her 100m gold. Vere Technical’s Danae Bartley (25.50s) and Hydel’s Reneka Reid (25.66s) rounded out the medalists.