After years of coming close, Daneille Noble of Wolmer’s Girls finally claimed the Girls’ Class One high jump title, while St Elizabeth Technical’s Tauntyae Sherman delivered a clutch final throw to secure gold in the Class Three discus at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships on Friday.

Noble, who soared to 1.80m to clinch her first Champs gold medal, said the  victory was long overdue. The 17-year-old, brimming with confidence, entered the competition at 1.65m but had a failed attempt at that height before regaining her rhythm. She then cleared every other bar up to 1.80m before attempting 1.83m, a mark she couldn't quite conquer in three tries.

Despite that, the win was all that mattered.

"I think I fell short on execution at 1.83m—something was a little off; either I didn’t arch enough or I didn’t pick my foot fast enough. But I am very proud. In previous years, I came in second, and this year I finally got the gold, so I am really proud of myself,” Noble said with a beaming smile.

The silver and bronze medals went to Shanniqua Williams of St Andrew High and Edwin Allen’s Deijanae Bruce, both clearing 1.73m.

In the Girls’ Class Three discus, Sherman saved her best for last. On her sixth and final attempt, she launched the discus to a winning mark of 38.25m, overtaking both Excelsior’s Zoeyann Plummer (37.99m) and Vere Technical’s Lakaila Flemmings (35.69m) to secure the gold medal.

Sherman had been consistent throughout the competition, fouling only once and previously recording a best mark of 35.64m. But knowing that a bigger throw was needed for victory, she delivered in the clutch—sending the discus flying beyond 38 metres to leapfrog her opponents.

Plummer had taken an early lead with 37.99m on her opening throw, but she struggled to improve in the following rounds. Flemmings, meanwhile, recorded her best throw in the fifth round but couldn't challenge the top two.

Photo: Marlon Reid/Loop News