Simmons dominates 800m

By Morissa Lindsay

Alleyne School have taken the lead with 123 points on Day 1 of the Tempo Sports Powerade-Dasani Rivaldo Leacock Championship held today at the Lester Vaughan Secondary School.

CARIFTA athlete Ashlyn Simmons of the Alexandra School was among those that featured on the track as she dominated the senior girls 800m in record time of 2:35.83 and comfortably eclipsed 2:40.58 set by Allicia Miller in 2020. Second was Kenya Hinds of the Alleyne School in 2:45.83 and Jade Williams 2:51.16 was third for the St. Michael School.

Despite humid weather conditions on the opening day of competition, the athletes who hailed from eight participating schools paced themselves while competing in several track and field events.

In the senior boys 800m, Favian Gollop of Combermere School stamped his authority in 2:05.35 but was unable to challenge the 2:03.48 set by Savion Hoyte two years ago. The silver medal went to Kamari Johnson of Coleridge and Parry in 2:06.18 while Brandon Hinds of Combermere School (2:06.51) picked up the bronze.

Combermere School also took the top podium finish in the Under-15 Girls and Boys 800m. Chanecia Bryan clocked a record time of 2:34.36 as she completely destroyed 2:51.52 previously belonging to Zoe Thomas. Meanwhile, Justin Leacock running 2:30.81 came from behind in the last 50m of the three lap race to outpace fellow schoolmate Amari Small (2:33.95).

Nazaria Young of Alleyne School won the First Form Girls 800m in 2:59.48 while Demarco Mayers of Coleridge and Parry was first to cross the finish line in 2:42.87 record time. In fact, Zakeil Small of Alleyne School also got home in record time of 2:47.16 as the time to beat was 2:47.17 set by Davante Harte in 2020. The final day of competition resumes tomorrow at the Lester Vaughan School.

Standings:

The Alleyne School ALL 123

2 Combermere School CS 103

3 Coleridge and Parry CP 90

4 Lester Vaughan School LVS 69

5 Queen’s College QC 61

6 St. George Secondary School SGSS 37

7 Alexandra School AX 29

8 The St. Michael School SMS 19