Defending champions Tianna Springer of Guyana and Zion Miller of the Bahamas struck gold in the Under-20 400m finals, as they set an electrifying tone for the evening session on day one of the 52nd Carifta Games at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday.
Springer, the reigning Under-20 champion and 2023 Under-17 gold medalist, delivered a performance of grit and class, storming through the home stretch to retain her title in 53.07 seconds. Kadia Rock (53.52s) of Barbados was second, while Jamaica's Abrina Wright (53.78s) secured bronze.
"It was a bit challenging because I am not feeling too good right now, having some hamstring issues. But I didn’t come here to tap out. I wanted to make it three in a row. I’m so proud of myself because I’ve worked really hard for this," Springer said.
On the boys’ side, it was Zion Miller who stamped his authority in lane four, as he showed grit to win in 46.51s. The Bahamian, the fastest in qualifying, looked calm under pressure and withstood a late charge from defending champion Malachi Austin (46.54s) of Guyana with Da Shaun Lezama (47.43s) of Trinidad and Tobago in third.
The evening’s 400m action also brought joy to Antigua and Barbuda, as Tyra Fenton delivered the country’s first track medal of the Games in the girls’ Under-17 final. Running with fluidity and control, she clocked a new personal best 53.93s, improving on last year’s bronze finish to claim the top spot.
Keyezra Thomas (54.34s) claimed silver, while De’chynelle Thomas of St Kitts and Nevis (55.71s) finished with bronze.
"I feel amazing! Last year I got bronze, so I’m happy I came back and got gold. I’ve been training really hard with my coaches, so I’m extremely happy," Fenton beamed.
The boys’ Under-17 final was another Bahamian celebration as Eagan Neely, running from the dreaded lane eight, rose to the occasion with a commanding 47.80s performance. Neely, who finished third last year, showed incredible composure and determination to power to the top of the podium.
Jamaica’s Diwayne Sharpe (48.27s) was second, with Zachary Wall (48.63s) in third.
"It was a surreal experience. Being in lane eight, I knew I couldn’t chase anyone, so I just had to go out and run. I got a bit anxious at the start, but I sped up and won. This means everything to me, I’m happy to bring back gold to the wonderful land of Bahamas," Neely said.