JAGA boss happy with Carifta medal haul

“A DISPLAY of solid foundation.” That’s how president of Jamaica Gymnastics Association (JAGA) Nicole Grant-Brown described the island’s performance at the inaugural CARIFTA Gymnastics Championships.

The event, held in Jamaica from November 29-30 at the National Indoor Sports Centre, saw the island walking away with 101 medals.

The 73-member team’s performance was only second to Trinidad and Tobago’s 168 medals.

Grant-Brown said Jamaica’s performance at the history-making event was a proud moment.

“The athletes’ performance was impressive, demonstrating skill, determination, and resilience. Finishing second in the medal standings is a testament to their hard work and dedication. The athletes showcased their talent and potential, with several standout performances that highlighted their capability to compete at high levels,” she said.

Five other countries participated in the battle for the medals with Bahamas securing 22, Aruba earned 13, and Bermuda ended with eight.

Barbados and St Vincent and the Grenadines were the other participants.

“The level of competition was intense and exhilarating, reflecting the deep talent pool in the Caribbean. Each nation brought its best athletes, which led to a highly competitive atmosphere. The camaraderie among the nations was evident, but there was also a palpable drive to excel, making for an exciting event that pushed athletes to perform at their best,” she said.

Though the Jamaicans were able to earn 26 gold, 32 silver and 43 bronze, Grant-Brown said there is still room for improvement.

“There are a few areas for improvement, including enhancing technical precision and consistency during routines. Additionally, developing stronger mental resilience under pressure and investing in more specialised coaching could further elevate the performance of Jamaican gymnasts on the international stage,” she said.

As such, she said there are a few methods they are looking to take to improve the quality of gymnastics in the island.

“To improve, Jamaica could implement more rigorous training programmes focusing on technique and consistency. Increasing access to international coaching clinics and workshops would also be beneficial. Additionally, fostering more partnerships with established gymnastics programmes abroad could provide valuable insights and training opportunities,” Grant-Brown explained.

Nevertheless, she says the future is bright for Jamaica in the sport.

“The future of Jamaica in gymnastics appears promising. The talent displayed at this event shows that there is a solid foundation for growth and improvement. With the right support and development programmes, Jamaica has the potential to become a powerhouse in gymnastics in the Caribbean and beyond,” Grant-Brown said.