Minister Grange Hails Outstanding CARIFTA Games Athletes

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, has hailed the country’s junior athletes for their dominant performance in the 2026 CARIFTA Games held in Grenada from April 4 to 6.

The team once again topped the medal table, amassing 71 medals – 28 gold, 27 silver and 16 bronze.

Sprinter Shanoya Douglas was the most outstanding athlete, earning the coveted Austin Sealy Award for her record-breaking 22.11 seconds gold medal run in the U20 200-metre event, and also taking gold in the 100-metre and 4×100-metre relay.

Minister Grange, who was at the Norman Manley International Airport on Tuesday (April 7) afternoon to welcome home the athletes, told them that they continue to make Jamaica proud.

“You left Jamaica as champions and you have come back as heroes, because your performance has been excellent. You have never disappointed us and we’re so proud of you. You’re young ambassadors. You are not just about what is happening now, but what the future holds and we’re all very proud of you,” she said.

She made special mention of Shanoya, noting that her performance has been “exceptional”.

The Minister extended special regards to the team from Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, and reiterated that the Government continues to invest in their development.

“As junior athletes, we are investing in you, because we believe in you, and we are proud of your achievements… . You are standing on great shoulders, and you must always remember that. You have a reputation to maintain. You have a country that believes in you and that is depending on you,” she said.

Shanoya, who spoke to JIS News about her record-breaking performance said that while she anticipated a fast time based on her training, she was surprised when she saw the clock.

“It was just me going out there and executing my race plan. I was happy that I was able to execute it properly and the result of that is me running the time and I’m extremely happy,” she said.

“I was somewhat surprised, yes. It’s a really fast time and I’ve been training hard, so it was expected eventually,” she added.

Her school coach, Garth Smythe, expressed pride.

“I can’t find words. I’m trying to come to grips with the season thus far. Even though we sat down and made some plans, what I can say at this point is that those goals are accomplished. The bigger one is down the road in August [World Athletics U20 Championships], so that’s what we’re really working towards right now,” he said.

Shanoya’s 22.11 seconds run ties her with United States (US) sprint icon, Allison Felix, as the third fastest U20 200-metre athlete in history.

Her performance was also a new national junior record, which improves on the 22.36 seconds she ran at the Boys and Girls’ Championships two weeks ago.