Muschett’s Douglas opens season today at JC’s Sprint Fest

World Under-20 200 metres bronze medallist Shanoya Douglas of Muschett High will open her 2025 track season in the half-lap event at today’s Sprint Fest meet at Ashenheim Stadium, Jamaica College. The meet is set to start at 2:30 p.m.

Douglas, who was also a member of the gold-medal-winning 4x100m relay team at last year’s under-20 championships in Lima, Peru, will compete in the Class Two category. The race will feature notable contenders Wolmer’s Girls’ duo Natrice East and Tiana Marshall, making it a tough season opener for Douglas.

Muschett’s Douglas won the Class Two 200m, 400m double at the 2024 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Championships and also won gold in the 200m at the Carifta Games. Her personal best for the 200m is 22.59 seconds. She has also gone under 53 seconds in the 400m and has a personal best of 52.96.

In the Class One Girls’ category, Abigail Wolfe of Wolmer’s will lead the charge. She will be joined by her teammate, Siemetina Hilare, and Hydel High’s Krystel Hoolang, a former St Jago High sprinter.

For the boys, the Class One category will showcase Calabar High’s Khamani Gordon, Ronaldo Giovanni Smythe of Muschett, and Rasheed Buckle of St Jago.

Today’s meet will also feature senior athletes, with Paul Henry and Andre Harris of the New Era Track Club leading the half-lap event. Former Kingston College athletes Adrian Kerr and Antonio Forbes are also slated to compete.

The Sprint Fest event is the first of two in the series. Later this month, on January 17, the first Throw Fest series will begin with pole vault action at Jamaica College.

Wayne Long, chief executive officer of On Di Run Events, organisers of both the Sprint Fest and Throw Fest series, highlighted the importance of these meets, especially for throwers.

“This is a first-time initiative, and we are doing this specifically to encourage full participation in the throwing disciplines,” said Long. “Often, throwers attend meets but do not get to compete or are limited in the number of attempts they can make. With this format, the top eight throwers will be guaranteed six attempts, ensuring early and competitive preparation for the season ahead,” Long said.

Individual awards and team trophies will be presented to athletes and their respective schools at the conclusion of the Sprint Fest and Throw Fest.