Upper Demerara/Kwakwani (District 10) renowned simply as ‘Linden’ once again came, saw and conquered.
The gold and black clad outfit retained the coveted Champions of Champions’ Trophy when the 61st edition of ‘Nationals’ concluded last night at the National Track and Field Centre.
During the six-day event, District 10 amassed 71 points to once again relegate former champions, District 11 on the backs of several gold medal and record breaking performances by some of the nation’s best budding swimming, cycling and track stars.
It was the District’s 20th overall win and seventh in a row.
District 11 and District 13 tied for second overall with 55 points apiece thanks to several gold medal and record breaking performances by their standout athletes, Tianna Springer, Javon Roberts and Ashley Hamilton.
Placing fourth overall was District 9 on 50 points who surprisingly won the cycling segment of the event with 234 points. The host District Three completed the top five with 49 points after tying for second overall last year.
District 10 placed second overall in the cycling and swimming segments of the event. ‘Linden’ however were the runaway champs in the Track and Field segment with 706 points to earn the overall champion’s trophy once more.
North Georgetown, despite not winning the overall title once again made big splashes in the pool and emphatically won the Swimming Championships with 401 points.
In the pool, District 10 placed second with 321 points, followed by District 12 (East Georgetown) on 226 points. Placing fourth was District 7 (Cuyuni Mazaruni) on 221.5 points while District 2 (Essequibo Coast-Pomeroon) completed the top five with 184.5.
As the teams take home hardware for their collective efforts of the pupils and teachers, there were some athletes who had exceptional individual performances.
They included champion boys and girls in their respective categories who also smashed several records like Springer, Athaleyha Hinckson and Roberts.
Springer, (Girls U-18) won an unprecedented six gold medals in several record breaking runs. Hinckson (Girls U-16) established herself as the fastest student athlete of all time after clocking 11.28s in the marquee 100m event.
She then returned to record a sprint double by shattering the 200m record for the age group. Roberts (Boys U-18) a gold medalist at this year’s CARIFTA Games, reminded those in attendance of his pedigree, winning the 400m, 800m and 1500m races.
Stats:
Up to press time, in excess of 20 new records were recorded with many more to be added by the Track and Field athletes.
The well attended event concluded under the floodlights in the presence of President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), Mark Lyte and other notable attendees.
In 2024, the event will celebrate its 62nd year, and according to General Secretary of the GTU, Coretta McDonald, the goal should be a collaborative effort involving all stakeholders to make the fixture a better one.
