Douglas headlines Carifta team

Jamaica named a strong team of athletes and officials for the upcoming 2026 CARIFTA Games to be held in St George's, Grenada between April 4-6 at the Kirani James Stadium. The country will defend the title it won last year when they garnered 78 medals - 30 gold, 27 silver and 21 bronze.

The team features some of the island's most talented Under-17 and Under-20 athletes. Defending Under-20 double sprint champion, Shanoya Douglas of Holland High will spearhead the girls Under-20 group. Douglas was outstanding at the Trials, where she posted personal best times of 11.06 and 22.58 seconds to win the 100 and 200 metres.

Defending champions, Marla Kay Lampart of Clarendon College who will be hoping to defend her title in in Under-20 discus after her second-place finish at the Trials with a throw of 47.49 metres; and Tiana Marshall of Wolmer's, following her personal best 12.97-win at the Trials, will be hoping to repeat in the Under-20 100m hurdles.

In the Under-17 girls' section, the sprint events will be led by Rihanna Scott of Ferncourt and Azaria Harris of Convent of Mercy Academy (Alpha) in the 100 metres, while Shayon Smith of St Mary High and Danelia Clarke of Edwin Allen will contest the 200 metres. Shameika McLean of Foga Road High and Daniella Dixon of William Knibb are down to compete in the 400m.

Defending 400m hurdles champion Robert Miller of Hydel will lead the charge among the Under-20 boys. Miller clocked 50.53 seconds to win the event at the Trials. Another defending champion in the Under-20 age-group will see Michael Andre Edwards of Jamaica College (JC) defending his long jump title. At the Trials he won with a distance of 7.36m. Also, Joseph Salmon of JC will defend his Under-20 discus title after winning at the Trials.

The Under-17 boys' team also boasts several exciting talents, including Diwayne Sharpe of Calabar and Jason Pitter of Kingston College in the 400 metres, while Markland Williams of Denbigh High and Luke Plummer of Sydney Pagon will contest the 800 metres.

MANAGEMENT

The Jamaican contingent will be headed by Chef de Mission Kerry-Ann Coombs. Michael McIntosh will serve as team leader, with Desrine Anderson as assistant team leader. David Riley has been named technical leader. The coaching staff includes Megan Wilson-Copeland, Orville Brown, Richard Smith, Franz Forde, Kirk Beckford, Kevin Pryce and Kerron Grant.

The team's support staff also includes massage therapist Kenloy Reynolds. The team's doctor and physiotherapist are to be announced.