Activities increase - Day two of Champs 101
The National Stadium is alive with activity as the second day of Champs 101 increases momentum. Cheers erupt from the grandstand as the races culminate and the spectators blow whistles and erupt in excited screams. The bleachers are also trickling in, but they are yet to build up the excitement and fervor they are known to bring to Champs when they cheer for their favorite athletes.
Armed with sunglasses, caps, rags, water and various Grace drinks, the spectators seem ready for the day's activities.
New tents for Champs vendors
One look at the vendors who peddle their wares near the main entrance to the grounds of the National Stadium will tell that there is some uniformity to their surroundings.
Unlike last year when they had to work under the heat of the Kingston sun, the vendors now have a roof over their head- 15 tents labeled by GraceKennedy.
In a bid to attract customers they display products like Grace Tropical Rhythms, Chillin, Grace Coconut Water – the liquids which can keep spectators hydrated throughout the day.
Suzette Martin, a vendor who has been selling snacks, soup, corn and juice at Champs for 15 years expressed satisfaction with the new tents. She revealed that vendors always used makeshift tents at previous events. “They look more unified and organized,” she said.
"I didn’t like track" - One of the fastest boys in the West speaks of his change of heart
But the teacher persuaded him, telling him to work hard and he will reap the benefits.
Seeing his successes so far, 15 year old Williams is beaming with pride. “It feels really good. I didn’t see track and field as my thing, but I regret nothing.”
The youngster who hails from Hopewell in Hanover said he is a music lover and he plays the alto saxophone at his school. However, he has been making strides in track and field. He currently rated as the fastest boy in his age group in the West, and he has qualified for both the 100m and 200m dash in class two.
Birthday ‘Present’ for Edwin Allen’s Dejah Stewart
This is her fifth year at champs, but 15 year old Dejah Stewart has never medalled. Today, after completing the 100m dash, she qualified for all three events that she will be participating in.
Though this is the first step towards winning a medal in the 100m, 200m or 4x100 relay, Stewart who celebrates her birthday today is proud of her newest present. “The race was quite good,” she commented as she strolled along the track.
“The closest I came to a medal was about three years ago when I came third in the 100m.”
Stewart has constantly been in the top eight leading up to Champs, so she is hoping for a change of luck. She said her biggest challenge is going through the rounds and she is yet to figure out the solution to the problem.
Alongside her teammate Paula Pinnock, Stewart hopes Champs 101 will be a memorable one.
Seaforth High qualifies for Boys’ 400m
Bell is a favourite for the event, but he is set to face tough opposition from Waynee Hyman of Munro College and Travane Morrison of Kingston College.
However, Bell has shown great determination since placing fourth in the event last year. In the events leading up to Champs, he clocked a season’s best of 46.91, while Hyman and Morrison recorded 47.26 and 48.89 respectively.
400m champion poised to defend his title despite injury
Sixteen year old Lennox Williams of Manchester High took home the gold medal for the 400m Class three last year, and has returned to Champs to repeat a similar victory.As part of the journey to the finals, Williams breezed through the class two qualifiers to secure his place in the next round of the event. “The race was quite easy, I followed by coach’s instruction and go out there and qualify,” commented Williams after the race.
He said he received a silver medal for the 400m in 2009, but he was not satisfied so he devised a strategy for a comeback. “I went back to the drawing board, trained hard and kept a keen eye on the competition to get back at them,” he revealed.
So said, so done, and Williams received the gold medal in 2010. “I felt very delighted because it was my first,” he commented. Despite an early season mid shin injury this year, Williams remains upbeat about his prospects for defending his title.
Edwin Allen high jumper wins gold
Onessa Patten signed up for only one event at Champs 101, and with all her energies channeled into the class three high jump, she made her way to the gold.
“It was very competitive and the jumps were difficult, said Patten. But she managed to even surprised herself in the end. “I predicted third or second but I didn’t expect to win.”
Last year Patten participated in Champs first time but she did not make the top eight, so the victory this year is a welcome one.
A resident of Desire in Clarendon, Patten said she admires and emulates her team mates Ristananna Tracey and Kimberly Williams.
Watching every Champs over two decades
Can you imagine attending every staging of the Champs since 1983? Better yet, can you imagine attending every day of the four day event since that time?
Well, Gregory Spalding, former student of Kingston College can attest to both, except for the fact that he missed a single day in 1987.
When asked if he was sure, he meticulously counted the years, pointing to a finger as he repeated the results of each year.
So why did he miss a day if he has been so dedicated? “KC had one of their worst Champs that year, so I didn’t go back the Saturday,” he said of the final day of the Boys’ and Girls’ Championships.
Spalding said he never competed for his alma mater but he was always supportive of the team since he started the school in 1983. “Wherever I am working I always give ample notice that I need the time off,” he said.
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