President of the St Lucia Athletics Association, Dora Henry, has hailed the historic achievements of Team St Lucia at the 52nd CARIFTA Games in Trinidad and Tobago, describing their performances as a source of national pride and a testament to what is possible when talent is matched with support and dedication.
The team returned home on Wednesday with four medals, including a groundbreaking two gold medals from 15-year-old Jady Emmanuel, who etched her name in the history books as the first St Lucian junior athlete to win gold in the sprints at the CARIFTA Games.
“This past week was nothing short of hectic—but my heart is so full of pride for what Team Saint Lucia accomplished,” Henry shared. “It was a phenomenal showing.”
Emmanuel captured the Girls U17 100m title in 11.50 seconds and followed that with a commanding victory in the 200m in 23.47 seconds, becoming the new face of St Lucian athletics just two years after Naomi London became the first athlete from the island to medal in a sprint event at the Games with her silver medals in 2023.
But the medal-winning did not stop there. Naya Jules secured silver in the Girls U20 pole vault, clearing 3.00m, while Destinee Cenac claimed bronze in the U17 Girls high jump with a leap of 1.68m.
“We also salute all our athletes who gave it their all—and every single athlete and team member who showed up, stood tall, and represented with pride,” Henry said.
St Lucia’s delegation to the Games consisted of 21 athletes and a six-member management team, and Henry was keen to highlight the immense work that took place behind the scenes to get the team to Port of Spain.
“What many don’t see is the mountain of work behind the scenes—proposal writing for funding, negotiating for chartered flights, securing affordable accommodations outside the CARIFTA block, handling accreditation, kit distribution, athlete welfare, and mental preparedness,” she explained. “All of this reminded me why I was called to serve. This kind of work requires passion. Without it, it’s simply not possible.”
Henry, who also had the honour of serving as a medal presenter during the championships, said the Games may be over, but the work of the St Lucia Athletics Association continues.
“The performances in Trinidad show we are moving in the right direction, but there is still much to be done—and we cannot do it alone,” she stressed. “I must commend my Executive, a dedicated group of volunteers who go above and beyond. But we need your support—not just during regional or international competitions, but throughout the year.”
She called on corporate partners, members of the diaspora, and the wider public to get involved.
“Lend your experience, donate funds, sponsor an athlete, and help us grow our sport. Together, let us ensure our young people always have the opportunity to rise, to run, to soar.”