Annae Mackey of The Bahamas delivered one of the most stunning performances of the final day of the 52nd CARIFTA Games in Trinidad and Tobago, throwing a massive personal best of 53.87m to capture gold in the U20 Girls Discus — and in the process, dethroned the Jamaican favourites.

Entering the competition as an underdog, Mackey made her mark in the third round of the final, unleashing the winning throw after two modest efforts of 38.68m and 42.17m. The 53.87m mark not only obliterated her previous best but also came just shy of the CARIFTA Games record of 55.06m set earlier this year by Jackie Henrianne Pri Hyman.

Her performance relegated the Jamaican duo of Shamoyea Morris and Marla-Kay Lampart, who were widely considered favourites for gold, to the minor medal positions. Morris, consistent throughout the series, secured silver with a best of 50.60m, which came on her final attempt. Lampart, who had a rocky start to her series, found rhythm late to record 50.35m, good enough for bronze.

Mackey’s victory added to The Bahamas’ growing medal tally on the final day and served as a reminder of the nation’s strength in the field events. Her win also disrupted what could have been a Jamaican sweep in yet another throwing event, injecting fresh excitement into the regional rivalry.

With her breakthrough performance, Mackey now firmly positions herself as one to watch on the regional and international throwing scene.