If ever rising Dominican sprint sensation Kerelle Etienne required an extra bit of motivation to keep pushing in her budding career, she would have received it during a recent sit down with Jamaica's World and Olympic medallist Shericka Jackson.

Jackson, one of the world's most prominent athletes, took the time to mentor Etienne, a 15-year-old talent hailing from Bagatele, who attends Edwin Allen High School, situated in central Jamaica.

Currently the fifth fastest woman of all time over 100 metres, and the fastest woman alive and second fastest woman in history over 200m, the decorated Jackson shared insight and encouragement with Etienne, as she motivated the young sensation to continue striving for greatness.

Etienne, who is supported by a scholarship from the school, as well as the Dominica Olympic Committee and Cheryl Rolle, boasts big dreams, and has already put her immense potential on display when she secured a fourth-place finish in a brisk11.85 seconds, as the recent 51st Carifta Games in Grenada.

Prior to that, Etienne contributed valuable points to Edwin Allen's tally which saw them reclaim the girls' title at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys' and Girls' Athletics Championship at Jamaica's National Stadium.

While pointing out that training in Jamaica is more difficult than it is in Dominica, Etienne has adapted well under the guidance of Michael Dyke.

"The training here in Jamaica is much harder than in my country, but I am coping well with it as I really want to make my friends and family proud back home," Etienne said in a recent interview.

"It feels so good competing on this (synthetic) type of track as all our competition back home is done on grass. Edwin Allen High has been my dream school in Jamaica. I kept in touch with their performances on YouTube and I am really happy to be a member of the team now," she added.

The 2024 CARIFTA Games has provided fourteen-year-old Belizean jumper Jaaden Williams with the opportunity of a lifetime as he has, according to reports from Belize, been offered an athletic scholarship by Jamaican track & field powerhouse, Jamaica College.

Williams, who hails from Punta Gorda, has been given the opportunity to further his education and athletic training in Jamaica, a country renowned for its track and field success.

This offer marks a significant milestone for the youngster, who expressed his surprise and optimism about the future upon his return to Belize from the games.

“The offer came out of the blue despite my performance at the Games,” Williams shared with Belizean reporters.

At the Games, Williams jumped 5.37m to finish 17^th in the Under-17 Boys long jump and 11.36m to finish 13^th in the triple jump.

Williams, who is set to start his new journey in September, also aspires to become a pilot.

Belize celebrated success at the CARIFTA Games through Demetrie Meyers’ in the 3,000 meters and Brooklyn Lyttle in the Under-17 girls’ long jump.

Meyers secured gold to add to his 1500m and 3000m gold medals from Nassau last year while Lyttle took bronze.

Jamaica asserted its dominance on the track as the curtains closed on the 51st Carifta Games at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium in Grenada, clinching victory in all four 4x400m relays on Monday. With commanding performances reminiscent of their sprint hurdles dominance earlier in the final session, the Jamaican teams showcased their class, bringing the Games to a thrilling conclusion.

However, the final race of the night, the Under 20 Boys 4x400m relay, was not without its share of drama. As Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas, and Grenada set off in the race, they halted unexpectedly, anticipating a recall that never came. They were allowed to re-run for time during which Trinidad and Tobago ultimately emerged victorious, with the Bahamas crossing the line second.

However, neither team were able to eclipse Jamaica's winning time of 3:10.58 from the original race. Trinidad were eventually awarded silver having run a time of 3:11.10. Guyana was third in a time of 3:14.05. Bahamas were disqualified.

In the Under 17 Girls 4x400m relay, Jamaica's team, led by Britannia Bailey, Nastassia Fletcher, Kevongaye Fowler, and Tresha Lee Sutherland, surged to victory in 3:41.84. The Bahamas secured silver in a time of 3:47.13 while Trinidad and Tobago claimed bronze in 3:54.49.

Similarly, in the Under 20 Girls 4x400m relay, Jamaica's formidable quartet of Abigail Campbell, Shanique Williams, Kitania Headley, and Shanoya Douglas clocked a time of 3:34.69, securing another gold medal for the nation. Trinidad and Tobago and the Bahamas clinched silver and bronze, in times of 3:47.51 and 3:49.82, respectively.

Jamaica’s U17 Boys executed flawlessly to win in dominant fashion in a time of 3:18.43. Trinidad and Tobago won the silver running 3:21.24 with the bronze medal going to Grenada who ran 3:21.92.

With an impressive medal haul of 45 gold, 23 silver, and 16 bronze medals, Jamaica emerged as the overall victor of the Carifta Games.

The Bahamas finished second overall with 35 medals; nine gold, 13 silver and 13 bronze medals with Trinidad and Tobago third with 27 medals, four gold, 11 silver and 12 bronze medals.

Guyana won eight medals; four gold, three silver and a bronze medal while Guadeloupe finished fifth with five medals, two gold, a silver and two bronze medals. Hosts Grenada had an outstanding Carifta Games winning one gold, six silver and six bronze medals which placed them seventh in the standings.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Janae De Gannes won the prestigious Austin Sealy Award for her record-breaking jump of 6.50m in the U20 Girls Long Jump.

 Jamaica's sprinting prowess was on full display on the final evening of the 51st Carifta Games held at the Kirani James Stadium in Grenada, as they clinched three out of four gold medals in the highly anticipated 200m races on Monday. The battles on the track were fierce, but Jamaica's athletes rose to the occasion, delivering standout performances that solidified their dominance in sprinting events.

In the Under 17 Girls 200m dash, Jamaica’s Natrece East battled hard to emerge victorious in a fiercely contested race. She surged across the finish line in 23.74 seconds, securing the gold medal amidst the stiff competition. Athaleyha Hinckson of Guyana claimed the silver medal with a time of 23.85 seconds, closely followed by Antigua and Barbuda's Tyra Fenton, who clinched bronze in 23.97 seconds.

Trinidad and Tobago's Kadeem Chinapoo showcased his speed and determination in the Under 17 Boys 200m, clinching victory with a time of 21.78 seconds. Jamaica's Oshane Jervis secured the silver medal in 22.16 seconds, while Tiondre Frett of the British Virgin Islands took home the bronze with a time of 22.18 seconds.

The U20 Girls 200m race witnessed an exhilarating showdown between Jamaica's Shanoya Douglas and Sabrina Dockery and Trinidadian speed twins Sole and Sanna Frederick. Douglas, the gold medallist in the U20 Girls 400m, surged late to emerge triumphant, crossing the finish line in 23.03 seconds despite a challenging battle.

Sole Frederick claimed silver with a time of 23.07 seconds, while Jamaica's Sabrina Dockery secured the bronze medal in 23.13 seconds. Sanna Frederick of Trinidad and Tobago narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth with a time of 23.24 seconds.

In the Under 20 Boys 200m, Jamaica's Gary Card blazed to victory in impressive fashion, clocking a time of 20.60 seconds to claim the gold medal. Aragorn Straker of Barbados secured silver with a time of 20.76 seconds, while Davonte Howell of the Cayman Islands earned bronze in 20.90 seconds.

Jamaica’s Jamelia Young continued her excellent showing at the 51^st Carifta Games at the Kirani James Stadium in Grenada on Monday’s day three.

Young added to her gold medal in the U-17 Girls shot put on Saturday with gold in the discus throw on Monday.

Young’s winning distance was 36.80m. Bahamian Terrell McCoy, who took bronze in the shot put, finished one better this time around with 36.09m while Martinique’s Lea Retardato-Samot threw 35.73m for bronze.

Elsewhere, Jamaica’s Jaeda Robinson produced two record-breaking jumps on her way to gold in the U-17 Girls triple jump.

Robinson first broke the record of 12.61m set all the way back in 2009 by Rochelle Farqharson with a 12.66m effort with her very first attempt.

Her second attempt then saw her set another record with 12.69m, which ended up being her best jump of the evening.

Guadeloupe’s Tessa Clamy jumped 12.09m for second while Robinson’s teammate Zavien Bernard was third with 11.63m.

Jamaica’s Kemarrio Bygrave and USVI’s Michelle Smith produced excellent performances to claim the respective Boys and Girls Under-20 800m titles on day three of the 51^st Carifta Games at the Kirani James Stadium in Grenada on Monday.

Bygrave led from start to finish to win the Boys final in 1:51.43 and complete the 800m, 1500m double.

Grenada's Deangelo Brown was second in 1:52.81 while Trinidad & Tobago's Keeran Sriskandarajah was third in 1:52.91.

In the Girls final, Smith bided her time before producing a spirited final lap to take the title in 2:06.18, just outside of the record 2:05.90 set back in 2008 by Natoya Goule.

This gold medal also completes a double for Smith as she took gold in the 400m hurdles on Sunday.

Haiti’s Victoria Guerrier ran 2:07.45 for silver while Jamaica’s Monique Stewart took bronze in 2:07.56.

The Under-17 Boys final saw Jamaica’s Keandre Kelly produce a mature performance to win in 1:56.31.

Guyana’s Kaidon Persaud ran 1:56.53 for silver and Kelly’s teammate Alejandro Palmer ran 1:58.05 to take bronze.

Jamaica secured gold and silver in the Under-17 Girls final through Kevongaye Fowler and Alikay Reynolds.

Fowler took gold in 2:16.97 while Reynolds, as she did in the 1500m, had to settle for silver in 2:17.02.

Grenada’s Annalisa Brown ran 2:18.75 for bronze.

 Jamaica put on show its incredible depth in the sprint hurdles clinching four gold medals amidst a whirlwind of excitement and drama at the Kirani James Stadium in Grenada on Monday’s final session of the 51^st Carifta Games.

The evening session kicked off with Jamaica dominating the sprint relays, but two potential championship records were dashed due to strong tailwinds exceeding the allowable limit.

 In the Under 17 Girls 100m hurdles, Malayia Duncan blazed to victory with a time of 13.63 seconds, followed closely by Trinidad and Tobago's Jenna-Marie Thomas (13.74s) and Curacao's Zsa-Zsa Frans (14.21s). However, Jamaica's Angel Robinson faced disappointment after a mishap at the first hurdle, preventing her from finishing the race.

 In the Under 20 Girls 100m hurdles, Habiba Harris led the charge for Jamaica, crossing the finish line in 12.93 seconds, which would have been a new championship record had it not been for a trailing wind of 2.4m/s. Her compatriot Briana Campbell secured the silver medal with a time of 13.11 seconds, while Sofia Swindell of the Virgin Islands (USA) claimed bronze in 13.95 seconds.

 The Under 17 Boys 110m hurdles witnessed a fierce battle, with Jamaica's Michael Dwyer emerging victorious in 13.81 seconds. Jahcario Wilson of Bahamas clocked 13.94 seconds to secure the silver medal, while Jamaica's Robert Miller followed closely behind in 13.97 seconds to claim bronze.

 Shaquane Gordon continued Jamaica's dominance in the U20 Boys 110m hurdles, clocking an impressive time of 13.15 seconds. Daniel Beckford of Jamaica claimed silver with a time of 13.25 seconds, while Curacao's Lizheng Zhuang secured bronze in 13.94 seconds. Like Harris, Gordon was denied the championship record as the wind was measured at 2.1m/s.

The Bahamas had an excellent start to Monday's day three of the 51^st Carifta Games at the Kirani James Stadium in Grenada thanks to a dominant showing in the Under-17 Girls javelin throw.

Dior-Rae Scott, who won gold in Kingston in 2022 and silver last year in Nassau, returned to the top of the podium with an excellent new personal best and Carifta record 52.53m with her third-round effort.

Her teammate, Kamera Strachan, had a best throw of 47.61m for silver while Jamaica’s Zoelle Jamel was third with 45.00m.

The Girls Under-20 high jump also saw a quinella, with Jamaica enjoying their own 1-2 finish this time around.

Rasheda Samuels secured gold with a third-time clearance of 1.78m while her teammate Dejanea Bruce took silver with a best clearance of 1.76m.

Trinidad & Tobago’s Keneisha Shelbourne was third with 1.70m.

In the Under-20 Girls long jump, Trinidad & Tobago’s reigning NACAC U-18 champion Janae De Gannes produced one of the performances of the meet with a massive personal best 6.50m to win gold.

De Gannes only produced two legal jumps throughout her series, 6.50m in the first round and 6.40m in the second round.

Her mark also broke the Carifta U-20 record of 6.48m done in 2016 by Guadeloupe’s Yanis David.

Jamaica’s Rohanna Sudlow was second with 6.30m while Bahamian Lanaisha Lubin was third with 5.90m.

Jamaica’s Mixed 4x400m relay team that was disqualified after finishing third on Sunday night has been reinstated, Sportsmax.TV can confirm.

Jamaica’s team of Princewell Martin, Rickeisha Simms, Paul Henry and Britannia Bailey had initially won the bronze medal in the relay that was won in dominant fashion by Guyana. However, the team was disqualified after a Jamaican runner was accused of impeding a runner from another team.

The Jamaican team managers filed a protest and the decision went under review and the decision was eventually overturned and the team re-instated. Jamaica has officially been awarded the bronze medal after finishing in a time of 3:30.42.

Grenada won the silver medal after fining second in 3:29.19.

 The excitement at the 2024 Carifta Games in Grenada reached a fever pitch as Guyana clinched a thrilling victory in the mixed 4x400m relay, sealing their triumph in the final event of the day. However, controversy loomed as Jamaica, initially finishing third, faced disqualification pending a review, prompting considerations of a protest from their management.

In a display of exceptional teamwork and determination, Guyana’s team, comprising Malachi Austin, Narissa McPherson, Dh Neilson Gill, and Tianna Springer, clocked an impressive time of 3:23.51, securing the gold medal and igniting celebrations among their supporters.

Following closely behind, Grenada, represented by Elisha Williams, Joshiem Sylvester, Cheffonia Houston, and Kemisha Dominique, delivered a commendable performance, finishing with a time of 3:29.19 to claim the silver medal.

Trinidad and Tobago, featuring Keone John, Kyah Hyson, Jaden Clement, and Kadija Pickering, rounded out the podium, clinching the bronze medal with a time of 3:31.24.

Earlier in the day, athletes showcased their talents in various events, adding to the spectacle of the Carifta Games. In the Girls Long Jump Under 17, J'kaiyah Rolle of Bahamas soared to victory with a jump of 5.77m, closely followed by Jamaica's Sashana Johnson and Belize's Brooklyn Lyttle, who leaped out to marks of 5.74m and 5.73, respectively.

In the Under 20 Boys Javelin Throw, Kaden Cartwright of Bahamas impressed with a winning throw of 67.34m, while Grenada's Rayvohn Telesford (67.34) and Dominica's Addison Alickson James (65.57m) secured second and third place, respectively.

Chrystophe Calliste of Grenada emerged victorious in the Boys Triple Jump Under 17 with a leap of 14.67m, beating out Jamaica's Amani Phillips ( 14.18m) and Bahamas' Davon Davis (14.16m) for the top spot.

The Girls Heptathlon saw an extraordinary tie for the gold medal between Jamaica's Kimeka Smith and Guadeloupe's Clémentine Carias, both amassing a total of 4699 points. Bahamas' Aaliyah Evans secured the bronze medal with a total score of 4181 points.

As the sun set on Day 2 of the Carifta Games, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation for the upcoming Day 3, promising more exhilarating performances and thrilling moments on the track and field.

Jamaica showcased their sprinting prowess at the Carifta Games in Grenada on Sunday night, securing victory in three out of four 4x100m relay events. Their bid for a clean sweep was foiled by Trinidad and Tobago in the Under 20 Boys 4x100m relay, adding excitement to an electrifying evening of track and field.

In the U17 Girls 4x100m relay, Team Jamaica surged to victory with a stellar performance. The quartet blazed across the finish line in 45.36 seconds, clinching the gold medal. Team Bahamas secured the silver with a time of 46.28 seconds, while Team Trinidad and Tobago took the bronze with a time of 47.49 seconds.

The U17 Boys 4x100m saw Jamaica dominate the competition. The team composed of Nyron Wade, Malike Nugent, Byron Walker, and Oshane Jervis stormed to victory in 41.30 seconds, claiming the gold medal. Trinidad and Tobago finished closely behind, securing the silver with a time of 41.53 seconds, while Bahamas grabbed the bronze in a time of 42.30.

 Continuing their sprinting dominance, Jamaica triumphed in the Under 20 Girls 4x100m relay. The team of Habiba Harris, Theianna-Lee Terrelonge, Briana Campbell, and Shanoya Douglas delivered a sensational performance, clocking a time of 43.63 seconds to clinch the gold medal. Trinidad and Tobago settled for silver with a time of 44.43 seconds, while Bahamas secured the bronze in 45.40.

 However, Jamaica's quest for a clean sweep was thwarted in the Under 20 Boys 4x100m relay by Trinidad and Tobago. Jamaica's team, hampered by poor exchanges  fell short of the top spot, finishing with a time of 40.55 seconds, earning them the silver medal. Trinidad and Tobago claimed victory in 40.45 seconds, while Grenada "A" secured the bronze in 40.71.

 Despite missing out on a sweep, Jamaica's dominant performance in three out of four 4x100m relay events underscored their sprinting prowess and left a lasting impression on the Carifta Games in Grenada.

 The Carifta Games in Grenada witnessed remarkable performances on Sunday as Demetrie Myers and Kaydean Johnson successfully defended their 3000m titles, showcasing their dominance in distance running. Additionally, Chavez Pen delivered a standout performance in the Boys Under 20 High Jump event, setting a lifetime best to secure victory.

In the Boys 3000m run Under 17, Myers of Belize exhibited outstanding endurance and determination, crossing the finish line in 9:05.86 to claim the gold medal. Wyndel Beyde of Aruba finished strong to secure the silver medal with a time of 9:21.30, while Isaiah Alder of Trinidad and Tobago clinched the bronze with a time of 9:29.35.

Meanwhile, in the Girls 3000m Open, Johnson of Jamaica showcased her exceptional talent and strength, defending her title with a commanding performance. Johnson crossed the finish line in 10:04.44 to secure the gold medal, while her compatriot Ashara Frater claimed the silver with a time of 10:24.83. Attoya Harvey of Guyana impressed with a third-place finish, securing the bronze medal with a time of 10:36.59.

In the Boys High Jump Under 20 event, Chavez Pen of Jamaica soared to victory with a remarkable jump of 2.13m, setting a lifetime best. Timothy Greenidge of Grenada delivered a commendable performance to secure the silver medal with a jump of 2.05m, while Bernard Kemp of the Bahamas claimed the bronze with a jump of 1.95m.

Day two of the Carifta Games at the Kirani James Stadium in Grenada witnessed thrilling performances in the Boys U17 high jump and shot put events, with athletes showcasing their strength and skill on the field. The Bahamas emerged as a dominant force in the high jump competition, while Jamaica secured victory in the shot put event.

 In the Boys High Jump Under 17, Bahamian athletes Joshua Williams and Claudius Burrows displayed exceptional talent as they soared over the bar with finesse. Williams claimed the gold medal with a superb jump of 2.00m. His compatriot, Claudius Burrows, secured the silver medal with a commendable jump of 1.95m, demonstrating the depth of talent in the Bahamas team. Tyrique Vincent of Trinidad and Tobago clinched the bronze medal with a jump of 1.90m.

 Meanwhile, in the Boys Shot Put Under 17, Jamaican athlete Javontae Smith delivered a stunning performance, setting a new record with a massive throw of 18.80m. His remarkable feat earned him the gold medal. Jayden Walcott of Barbados secured the silver medal with a throw of 15.37m, while Jaylen Stuart of the Bahamas claimed the bronze with a throw of 15.28m rounding off the podium.

Jamaica asserted its dominance in the 400m hurdles at the Carifta Games at the Kirani James Stadium in Grenada on Sunday, clinching victory in three out of the four finals. Amidst the impressive performances, Michelle Smith from the US Virgin Islands stood out with her stellar run, setting the track ablaze with her speed and precision.

In the U17 Girls 400m hurdles, Nastassia Fletcher of Jamaica secured her second gold medal of the games with a time of 1:00.10. Despite strong competition from Darvinique Dean of the Bahamas, who finished in second place with a time of 1:00.66, and Jenna-Marie Thomas of Trinidad and Tobago, who claimed the bronze with a time of 1:01.03, Fletcher's determined effort propelled her to a commanding victory.

Meanwhile, in the U20 Girls 400m hurdles, Michelle Smith delivered a dominant performance, clocking an impressive time of 56.28 seconds. Her swift and commanding run left spectators in awe as she crossed the finish line ahead of her competitors. Kelly Ann Carr of Jamaica secured the silver medal with a time of 57.02 seconds, while Aaliyah Mullings, also from Jamaica, claimed the bronze with a time of 59.80 seconds.

In the Under 17 Boys 400m hurdles, Robert Miller of Jamaica made history with a remarkable performance, setting a new championship record with a time of 52.19 seconds. His electrifying run, saw him finish well ahead of Akanye Samuel-Francis of St. Kitts and Nevis, who finished in second place with a time of 52.88 seconds, and Fransico Williams of Jamaica, who secured the bronze with a time of 53.19 seconds.

While Jamaica's dominance was evident in three of the races, the Boys 400m Hurdles Under 20 saw a fierce battle between Jamaican athletes. Shamer Blake emerged victorious with a time of 51.21 seconds, closely followed by his compatriot Princewell Martin, who finished just behind with a time of 51.34 seconds. Dorian Charles of Trinidad and Tobago also delivered a commendable performance, securing the bronze medal with a time of 52.70 seconds.

In a thrilling conclusion to the Under 20 Boys Long Jump final at the 51st Carifta Games, held at the Kirani James Stadium in Grenada, Jamaica's Rickoy Hunter delivered a breathtaking performance to snatch the gold medal in the closing moments of the morning session on Day 2.

 Throughout the competition, Hunter had remained in third place, trailing behind the leading mark set by Bernard Kemp of The Bahamas. However, as the event neared its conclusion, Hunter seized the opportunity to showcase his belief and determination. With his final attempt, he unleashed a remarkable leap, soaring out to a distance of 7.48m.

 Hunter's last-minute heroics propelled him into the top spot, surpassing Kemp's leading mark of 7.40m.

Unfortunately for Kemp, who had held the lead for much of the competition, his hopes of victory were dashed as he fouled his final attempt, ending any chance of reclaiming the top position.

 Amidst the dramatic showdown between Hunter and Kemp, Teon Haynes of Barbados also delivered an impressive performance, earning the bronze medal with a leap of 7.32m.