Jamaica has cemented its status as a track and field powerhouse, with its athletes achieving a remarkable 14 gold medals on the second day of the NACAC Under-18 and Under-23 Track and Field Championships. The event, held in Tlaxcala, Mexico, saw the Jamaican contingent amass a total of 25 medals, highlighting a dominant display of skill and determination.
Jamaican Athletes Shine in Tlaxcala
Track Dominance:
The Jamaican team excelled on the track, with numerous victories in sprint and hurdle events. Shameika McLean ignited the gold medal rush in the Under-18 girls’ 400m, crossing the finish line in 52.37 seconds. Jason Pitter followed suit, setting a new championship record in the Boys’ Under-18 400m with an astonishing time of 45.98 seconds. The Men’s Under-23 400m title was clinched by Jasauna Dennis, further demonstrating Jamaica’s strength in the middle-distance events. The sprint hurdles also saw significant success, with Alexis James winning the Under-23 women’s title in 13.08 and Shaquane Gordon securing the men’s title in 13.54. In the 400m hurdles, Jamaica achieved a remarkable sweep, with Ruheim McIntosh (Boys’ Under-18, 51.43), Kellyann Carr (Women’s Under-23, 57.40), and Romario Stewart (Men’s Under-23, 50.21) all claiming gold. The relay teams also contributed significantly, with the Under-18 boys’ 4x100m relay team setting a championship record with a time of 40.07, and the Men’s Under-23 team also taking home the gold in 39.30. Tashana Godfrey added to the medal count by winning the Under-18 Girls’ 100m hurdles.
Field Event Victories:
Jamaica’s prowess extended to the field events as well. Zavien Bernard secured gold in the Girls’ Under-18 long jump with a leap of 6.21m, adding to her earlier triple jump title. In the Women’s Under-23 shot put, Brittanie Johnson and Kimeka Smith achieved a one-two finish, with Johnson taking gold (16.51m) and Smith earning silver (16.27m). Selethel Johnson also secured a gold medal in the Boys’ Under-18 high jump with a clearance of 2.05m.
Championship Records and Notable Performances:
Several Jamaican athletes etched their names in the record books. Jason Pitter’s performance in the Boys’ Under-18 400m and the Under-18 boys’ 4x100m relay team’s timing were new championship records. These achievements underscore the high level of competition and the exceptional talent on display. The NACAC Under-18 and Under-23 Track and Field Championships, held from July 10-12, 2026, in Tlaxcala, Mexico, served as a crucial platform for these emerging athletes.
FAQ: People Also Ask
What is the NACAC Championships?
The NACAC Under-18 and Under-23 Track and Field Championships are a premier event organized by the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC). It provides a vital platform for emerging athletes from the region to compete at an international level.
Where were the NACAC Under-18 and Under-23 Track and Field Championships held in 2026?
The 2026 championships were held at the Sport Complex Una Nueva Historia in Apizaco, Tlaxcala, Mexico.
Which Jamaican athletes won gold medals on day two?
Key gold medalists on day two included Shameika McLean (U18 girls’ 400m), Jason Pitter (U18 boys’ 400m), Jasauna Dennis (U23 men’s 400m), Alexis James (U23 women’s 100m hurdles), Shaquane Gordon (U23 men’s 100m hurdles), Ruheim McIntosh (U18 boys’ 400m hurdles), Kellyann Carr (U23 women’s 400m hurdles), Romario Stewart (U23 men’s 400m hurdles), Zavien Bernard (U18 girls’ long jump), Brittanie Johnson (U23 women’s shot put), Selethel Johnson (U18 boys’ high jump), and the U18 boys’ and Men’s U23 4x100m relay teams.
Did Jamaica set any championship records?
Yes, Jason Pitter set a championship record in the Boys’ Under-18 400m, and the Under-18 boys’ 4x100m relay team also set a new championship record.
What other medals did Jamaica win on day two?
In addition to the 14 gold medals, Jamaica secured numerous silver and bronze medals, bringing their total to 25 medals on the second day of competition.