Young duo dominate division

Young athletes Blake Carrington and Alex Jones-Ifill delivered headline performances at the 2026 Dasani BSSAC Finals, stamping their authority on the Under-13 division with record-breaking displays and commanding victories.

Carrington, a former St Gabriel’s Primary student now competing for the St Michael School Cougars, produced one of the meet’s most outstanding performances. She captured gold in the 100 metres in 13.45 seconds, cleared 1.43 metres to win the high jump, and soared to a record-breaking 5.32 metres in the long jump. She also placed fourth in the 200 metres in 27.27 seconds.

Blake Carrington. (Photo Credit: Nathan Goddard-McCarthy)

Her long jump effort, which shattered the previous BSSAC record, was among the most eye-catching moments of the championships.

“I feel absolutely fantastic,” Carrington told Barbados TODAY after the competition. “Last year I wasn’t able to perform at my best because I was preparing for my 11-Plus exams, so this means a lot to me.

“I actually wasn’t expecting to break the record that much. I am actually really happy about that and I thought I wasn’t able to because it is such an amazing jump.”

With her sights already set on the future, Carrington said she hopes to represent Barbados on the international stage and win gold at CARIFTA, the World Championships and eventually the Olympic Games.

Meanwhile, Jones-Ifill made an unforgettable debut at BSSAC 2026, securing the coveted Victor Ludorum title with a dominant 40-point haul.

Alex Jones-Ifill. (Photo Credit: Nathan Goddard-McCarthy)

The St Leonard’s Boys’ standout won four events — the 100m, 200m, 400m and Long Jump – and etched his name into BSSAC history with three record-breaking performances namely the long jump (5.37m), 200m (23.84) and 400m (55.02). 

In July 2025, the former student of the West Terrace Primary School scored the winning goal in the BICO Primary School Football Final against 2024 Champions Arthur Smith Primary School. A day before that final he flew back home after winning a bronze medal for Team Barbados at the NACAC U13  and U15 championships in the pentathlon. 

“I am feeling very good…my plan (coming into BSSAC) was to execute my races well. My coach  has helped me with the long jump and speed work and my other coach David has helped me run short and longer distances.”

 Alex also gave credit to his support system. “My parents support me very well and I am happy for that.” 

(NGM)