Stephenson’s Championship Struggles Continue
Calabar High’s Jamal Stephenson, a name once synonymous with speed and potential at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships, has once again been hampered by misfortune. On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Stephenson’s quest for a medal in the Class One 100m came to an abrupt end when he pulled up injured during his preliminary heat. The sprinter, who was considered a strong contender for a medal, was running comfortably in heat seven before experiencing visible discomfort and being forced to withdraw from the race. While he was able to exit the track under his own power, the injury marks another significant blow to his championship campaign.
A Pattern of Setbacks at Champs
This latest incident is particularly heart-wrenching for Stephenson, given his history at the championships. In 2025, he faced a dramatic disqualification in the Class One 100m semifinals, only to be reinstated on appeal after the final had already been run. This led to significant distress for the athlete and his school, with Calabar High even threatening to withdraw from the competition. The controversies surrounding these events highlighted issues with officiating and appeals processes at the championships. Despite these past struggles, Stephenson had shown strong form leading up to the 2026 championships, winning the Corporate Area Championship in February with a time of 10.36 seconds, a performance he described as being “very loaded.”
Competitive Landscape Amidst Stephenson’s Withdrawal
Stephenson’s injury occurred amidst a competitive atmosphere at the championships. Edwin Allen’s Romario Finnigan emerged as the fastest qualifier in the Boys’ Class One 100m, shattering his personal best with a time of 10.18 seconds. Other notable performances in the heats included Johan-Ramaldo Smythe of Holland High and Kenrick Austin of Edwin Allen. The depth of talent in the 100m field was evident, with multiple athletes clocking impressive times, underscoring the high level of competition Stephenson would have faced had he been healthy.
Looking Ahead
While the immediate future for Jamal Stephenson remains uncertain due to the injury, his past performances and determination suggest he will aim to recover and return to the track. The ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships continue, with other athletes vying for glory in the absence of one of the anticipated contenders.