With no finals contested, the 18th staging of the three-day 2018 Institute of Sports (INSPORTS) Basic Schools Athletics Championships remain wide open at the end of day one inside the National Stadium yesterday.

Several of the preliminary events scheduled had to be pushed back due to a very late start to the championships. They have been re-scheduled for today, starting at 9:00 am.

The only final scheduled for today is the girls’ standing jump.

Meanwhile, the finalists for the boys’ and girls’ Class Three 40 metres obstacle race have been decided and are scheduled to be contested tomorrow morning. The finalists were decided from the eight fastest times from the heats yesterday.

Defending overall champions Torrington Early Childhood have the two fastest times in the Class Three boys’ 40 metres obstacle race — Tamarie Richards with 10.99 seconds, and teammate Lebron Durrant with 11.10 seconds.

The other finalists are Andru Robinson of Kids’ Choice with 11.37 seconds, Samir McLarty of Laura’s Basic with 11.38, Jaheem Sharpe of Shortwood Infant, Neymar Davis of Seaview Early Childhood (11.45), Chavis Douse of Gemglows Kindergarten (11.51), and D’Jahmour Merchant of Eltham Infant with 11.69 seconds.

The finalists for the Class Three girls’ 40 metres obstacle final are Nebraska Campbell of Providence Heights Infant School with the fastest time of 11.42 seconds.

Campbell is expected to be challenged strongly in tomorrow’s final by Kelissa McLean of Jahmona with the second fastest time of 11.57 seconds, followed by Javonah McKenzie of Ascot (11.78), Jessica McDonald of Kids Choice with 12.32, Mahailah McKennon of Junior World Learning with 12.36, Anastassia Riley of Lalyce Gray Basic with 12.46, Azaaria Morrison of Torrington Early Childhood with 12.49, and Kelise Wright of St Francis with 12.53 seconds.

Damion Mclean, coach of Torrington Early Childhood, said he was very confident that they can defend their title.

“So far, Torrintgon is looking pretty good, and should come and execute more to reach the finals despite challenges that will be there, especially from Citizens’ Advice Bureau (CAB)/RJR, who are also our main rivals,” McLean said.

He said there are other schools that are looking strong and should be in the mix, such as Spanish Town, who led last year’s championship before it was called off due to persistent rain.

Other dangers he has identified are Laura’s Basic, St Francis, who have always been a strong contender, and Silverstone.

Head coach of CAB/RJR, Julian Russell, said she would wait until the completion of today’s races before stating her chances of winning. Last year eight-time winners CAB/RJR were in joint third position when the championship ended.

The preliminary events to be contested today are potato race Open for boys and girls, Class One boys’ and girls’ 60 metres dash obstacle race, Class Two boys’ 50 metres obstacle race, 4×100 metres relays open for boys and girls, catch the bus Open for boys and girls.

Class Three boys’ and girls’ 30 metres dash heats, 60 metres for Class Two boys and girls, 80 metres dash for Class One boys and girls, boys’ standing jump open, 4×25 metres relay for Class Three boys and girls, Class Two 4×50 metres for girls and boys, and 4×50 metres for Class One boys and girls.