Minister Neita Headley Commends “Exceptional Performance” of Juniors at World Youth Championships

Minister without Portfolio with responsibility for Sport, the Hon. Natalie Neita Headley has congratulated the young Jamaican team on its “exceptional performance” at the recently concluded 8th IAAF World Youth Championships, held in Ukraine. The team created history by finishing on top of the medal table with eight medals — 6 gold medals and two bronze.

Welcoming the athletes who returned to the island on Wednesday, July 17, Minister Neita Headley said our Jamaican athletes continue to make us proud as they demonstrate their talent and prowess on the track and solidify that we are indeed the sprint capital of the world.

“This performance is another testament to the amazing ability of our athletes to perform at the highest level. It is also telling the world that our dominance in athletics is the result of a structured programme of hard work and not an overnight phenomenon. It will continue for a long time as we have a continent of young stars waiting to showcase their talent at the senior level,” Minister Neita Headley said.

A welcome party headed by Minister Neita Headley was on hand at the Norman Manley International Airport to greet the athletes. “We want to show them how proud we are of their accomplishments so it is only fitting that we have this function in their honour,” said the Minister.

The outstanding performances were led by gold medallists Yanique Thompson (100m Hurdles, Girls), Jaheel Hyde (110m Hurdles, Boys), Marvin Williams (400m Hurdles, Boys), Michael O’Hara (200m, Boys), Martin Manley (400m, Boys) and Jamaica Youth (Medley Relay). The bronze medallists were Tiffany James (400m, Girls) and Christoff Bryan (High Jump, Boys). Jamaica outperformed the more than 140 participating countries at the World Youth Championships, including the United States which finished fifth. Kenya, with four gold medals and Ethiopia with three finished second and third respectively.