FOGA ROAD High’s Shaneika McLean was one of the standout performers at the recent Foga Road High Over Distance meet held on the school grounds. Now, she is eager to maintain that momentum heading into the 2025 track and field season.

A second-year Class Three athlete, McLean secured a double victory at the meet winning the 150m in 18.76 seconds and the 300m in 42.02. Both times were the fastest in the class and she was overjoyed with her times.

“I am so proud of myself for coming out and doing so well in front of my home fans,” she said.

Adding to the significance of her results was the presence of Girls’ Championships titleholders Edwin Allen High at the meet.

“Competing against and defeating Edwin Allen athletes have given me a big boost going into 2025. I want to maintain this form throughout the season,” she said.

After topping the 300m, McLean was even more motivated to perform well in the 150m.

“When I won the 300m, some of the girls from Edwin Allen said, ‘That’s only the 300m; let’s see what she can do in the 150m.’ That really fired me up because I wanted to show them what I can do,” she said.

At last year’s ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships, McLean only competed in the medley relay.

“Last year, I was part of the medley relay team for my school, and I told myself that I wanted to compete in an individual event this year. I’ve been training much harder, and my coach, who recognises my potential, has been very encouraging,” she added.

A former student of May Pen Primary, McLean admitted that she didn’t take track and field seriously at first.

“I competed at the Sagicor meet for Clarendon while at May Pen Primary, but I wasn’t serious. But now, at Foga Road High, I am much more focused. After my performance on the medley relay team last year, I became even more determined,” McLean said.