Canada’s Flying Angels impress at Gibson McCook Relays

FLYING ANGELS of Canada, one of four overseas-based teams at last Saturday’s 51st staging of the Gibson McCook Relays, produced some impressive performances among the high schools.

The Earl Letford-coached team had wins in the Boys’ Class One and Class Two 4x200 metres. In the Class Two event, they clocked 1:27.72, turning back Kingston College (1:28.86) and 4x100m winners Excelsior High, 1:29.01. Their winning time in Class One was 1:26.88, where their anchor-leg athlete ran a cracker to get by Calabar High, who had to settle for second in 1:27.00, with Herbert Morrison Technical third in 1:27.28.

They were just out of the medals in two other events as they were fourth in the Boys’ Class Two 4x100m and Girls’ 4x200m open. They were also sixth in the 4x400m Mixed Relay while they failed to finish in the Boys’ Class One 4x100m.

Letford, the head coach and founder of the club, was happy with his team’s overall display. “I am extremely proud of my team’s performances at the meet despite the athletes having some challenges before their departure to Jamaica,” said Letford, a native of Clarendon. According to Letford, the athletes’ flight was cancelled on Thursday and on Friday, there was a long delay.

“The athletes arrived in Jamaica late Friday night and to perform the way they did was exceptional, and I am really proud of them. I must thank Ricky Martin, who helped with the local logistics and ensured that the athletes were okay,” he said.

This was Flying Angels’ best performance in four visits to the Gibson McCook Relays.

“Our best performance previously was in 2012 when we won the Girls’ 4x200m Open, and we were second in the Class One 4x100m,” he shared.

The Flying Angels coach Letford stated that the performances over the weekend are a big boost for his team going forward.

“To compete and do so well in Jamaica, which is the best in the world in sprinting, is indeed a great achievement and has really motivated the athletes going forward and has encouraged us to work much harder when we go back home,” Letford said while adding that they were hoping to be back for the 2025 meet.