Job done

HYDEL’S ALANA Reid’s high-school career has come full circle.

In her final year at the 2023 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletic Championships, she ended it the same way she began, as a double sprint champion.

Reid added the Class One 200m crown to her stellar Class One 100m title in a commanding performance of 23.08, with Mickayla Gardener of Wolmer’s second in 23.80 and Class One 400m champion, Holmwood’s Rickiann Russell, third in 24.16.

For Reid, it was the fulfilment of the special season that she had hoped for, having become the first schoolgirl to break the sub-11-seconds barrier in the 100m final, breaking the 22-year-old record held by Veronica Campbell Brown. Her only goal was to leave a lasting legacy for herself before she heads to Oregon University this fall.

“In my first year at Champs, I won the sprint double. So it was just for me to come back and repeat this year. I wanted to leave my mark and that’s what I did, and I am pleased with myself,” Reid said.

FOR THE COACH

It was a win that she not only shared with her mother in the stands and her teammates but one that she owed to head coach Corey Bennet, who has been with her throughout her years at Hydel.

“I did this one for my coach, Mr Corey Bennett, and my teammates. They have been with me every step of the way. So it was only right for me to come out here and do my best and make them proud,” Reid said.

It was not just her teammates who were proud of her exploits, especially in the 100m. Reid got the surprise of her life when she was greeted by five-time 100m world champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce after her 200m first round.

It was a moment that she treasured not just because of the occasion but the words of encouragement that she offered to her.

“She was just telling me to go out there and never give up. God is the leader of everything and never forget God. I always say a word of prayer before I compete. And, coming out here today, that is what I did,” Reid said.

daniel.wheeler@gleanerjm.com