Hydel High made a power move in the race for the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships title, as they secured two crucial victories in the early finals on the last day of competition at the National Stadium on Saturday.
Jody-Ann Daley delivered a statement performance in the Class One 100m hurdles, while Zavien Bernard dominated the Class Two high jump, reinforcing Hydel’s intentions to reclaim the coveted girls’ title.
Facing stiff competition, Daley showed her class by storming to victory in 13.40 seconds, adding nine valuable points to Hydel’s tally. She edged Holmwood Technical’s Kiara Meikle (13.51s) and Edwin Allen’s Santae Wilson (13.74s) in an intense final.
Her win set the tone for what could be a defining day for the Hydel girls, as they look to fend off Edwin Allen’s title challenge.
Jody-Ann Daley reacts after winning her race.
Meanwhile, in the Class Two 100m hurdles, Wolmer’s Girls displayed hurdling supremacy as Tiana Marshall (13.71s) and Akeelah Bell (13.95s) secured a 1-2 finish, with Rajana Price (14.04s) of Convent of Mercy Alpha finishing third.
In the Class Three 80m hurdles, Edwin Allen’s Tashana Godfrey maintained her flawless season, clinching victory in 11.26 seconds, ahead of St Jago’s Martina Parkes (11.31s) and Wolmer’s Girls’ Jadea Harris (11.55s).
St Jago also added to their points tally when Shanice Williams produced a tidy 10.60s run to win the Class Four 70m hurdles title. Wolmer’s Odainna Creary (10.75s) and St Elizabeth Technical’s Ramona Foster (10.97s) completed the podium.
Tiana Marshall copped the Class Two 100m hurdles.
If Hydel’s hurdle win was a warning shot, then Zavien Bernard’s commanding victory in the Class Two high jump was a clear declaration of their championship ambitions.
The 15-year-old standout comfortably cleared 1.60m and 1.65m before sealing the win at 1.70m on her second attempt. Though she struggled at 1.75m, failing on all three attempts, she had already done enough to secure the gold medal.
Vere Technical’s Kijonn Lee (1.65m) and Mount Alvernia’s Malia Housen (1.60m) rounded out the top three.
Despite missing her personal target, Bernard took immense pride in delivering for her team.
“I’m not pleased with my height, but I am pleased with the victory. Happy that I could have added some points to my team’s tally. I feel excited about the whole competition, and I believe in my team and my coach. We have been working really hard all season, so I’m expecting us to do a victory lap at the end," Bernard said.