Jamaica has announced its squad for the 50th edition of the CARIFTA Games, which will be held in Nassau from April 8-10. Among the headliners of the team are Bouwahjgie Nkrumie, Jaydon Hibbert, and Alana Reid. However, there are concerns over the participation of sprinter Serena Cole, who suffered an injury during the 100m semifinals at Champs.
Nkrumie, who won the 100m at Jamaica’s CARIFTA Trials with a time of 10.19 seconds, has been in excellent form recently. He clocked 10.08 seconds and 9.99 seconds at the ISSA Boys and Girls Champs 2023 last week, making him a strong contender for the event.
Hibbert, the World U20 champion and freshman at Arkansas University, won the NCAA Indoor triple jump title in Albuquerque in March with a remarkable 17.54m, setting a new World Junior Record. ALSO READ: Super Bouwahjgie Nkrumie Blasts To Record-breaking 9.99secs at Champs23
Meanwhile, Alana Reid will be competing in both the 100m and 200m events at the CARIFTA Games after her impressive performances at Champs 2023. The young sprinter achieved a 10.92 seconds 100m and a 23.08 seconds sprint double last week, and will be looking to replicate that form in Nassau.
Serena Cole’s Participation in CARIFTA Games Uncertain After Injury
However, the participation of Serena Cole, the World U20 silver medalist, is uncertain due to an injury sustained during the 100m semifinals at Champs. Cole may miss out on competing in both the long jump and 100m events in Nassau.
Other notable athletes on Jamaica’s CARIFTA Games squad include Delano Kennedy, Rasheed Pryce, and Alexis James.
The Jamaican team has dominated the event over the years and will be looking to put in another strong performance.
The male U-20 team consists of Bouwahjgie Nkrumie, De Andre Daley, Malique Smith Band, Javorne Dunkley, Delano Kennedy, Jasauna Dennis, Kemarrio Bygrave, Ainsley Brown, Ainsley Campbell, Shaquane Gordon, Demario Prince, Roshawn Clarke, Antonio Forbes, Royan Walters, Brandon Pottinger, Chavez Penn, Jaydon Hibbert, Kobe Lawrence, Shaiquan Dunn, and Tyreese Ebanks.
The female U-20 team includes Serena Cole, Alana Reid, Carleta Bernard, Rickiann Russell, Kacian Powell, Kishay Rowe, Rickeisha Simms, Jody-Ann Mitchell, Kaydeen Johnson, Habiba Harris, Alexis James, Tonyan Beckford, Alliah Baker, Jade-Ann Dawkins, Deijanae Bruce, Cedricka Williams, Abigail Martin, Britannia Johnson, and Britannie Johnson.
The male U-17 team consists of Tramaine Todd, Khamani Gordon, Donte Mendez, Dontae Watson, Kenrick Sharpe, Nickecoy Bramwell, Rasheed Pryce, Joel Morgan, Delano Todd, Tyrone Lawson, Kahiem Carby, Shakir Lewis, DeAndre Gayle, Demarco Bennett, Euan Young, Courtney Kinglock, Michael Neil, Joseph Salmon, Javontae Smith, and Ronaldo Anderson.
The female U-17 team includes Natrece East, Tiana Marshall, Shanoya Douglas, Rosalee Gallimore, Kevongaye Fowler, Kededra Coombs, Bryana Davidson, Camoy Binger, Rhianna Lewis, Sashana Johnson, Shanniqua Williams, Asia Mckay, Sabrina AtkinsonDionjah Shaw, Shemonique Hazle, Breana Brown, Alikay Reynolds, and Abigail Campbell.
The management team for Jamaica’s CARIFTA Games includes Chef De Mission Maulton Campbell, Manager Richard Thompson, Assistant Manager Desrine Anderson, Assistant Manager Richard Thompson, Technical Leader David Riley, Doctor Dr. Jason Dawson, and Coaches Keilando Gobourn, Dave Anderson, Demar Gayle, Richard Smith, Kamille Ellis, and Jeremy Deslliser. Orville Crawford is the Massage Therapist.
The CARIFTA Games in Nassau is set to be an exciting event with a lineup of exceptional young athletes from across the Caribbean. Jamaica’s team boasts some of the best young talents in the country and will be looking to make a strong statement at the Games.
All eyes will be on Bouwahjgie Nkrumie, Jaydon Hibbert, and Alana Reid, who are expected to put in an outstanding performance.
