JAAA names 39 for PanAm Junior Champs
Jamaica will be hoping to surpass the seven medals won two years ago at the Pan-American Under-20 track and field championships in Puerto Rico after selecting a 49-member team to participate in the 20th edition in San Jose, Costa Rica, July 19-21.
Christopher Taylor’s gold medal in the men’s 200m was Jamaica’s lone victory two years ago along with five silver medals and one bronze.
Thirty-one countries are down to take part this year, led by the United States of America, who have dominated the championships over the years.
Kai Chang, the IAAF World Under-20 Championships discus throw gold medallist; Wayne Pinnock, the long jump bronze medallist; and newcomer Oblique Seville and an improving Anthony Cox will lead the men’s team, while sprint hurdler Ackera Nugent will headline the women’s team.
Teams: Men’s — Akeem Cargill, Kai Chang, Anthony Cox, Apalos Edwards, Michali Everett, Jeremy Farr, Cobe Graham, Shaquille Lowe, Bovel McPherson, Xavier Nairne, Wayne Pinnock, Romel Plummer, Tyrese Reid, Raymond Richards, Oblique Seville, Michael Stephens, Kevon Stone, Tyrice Taylor, Michael Thompson, Evaldo Whitehorne, Rovane Williams, Terrol Wilson.
Women’s — Adrienne Adams, Anna-Kay Allen, Shakiera Bowra, Lotavia Brown, Janique Burgher, Danielle Deer, Lamara Distin, Shaqueena Foote, Shantae Foreman, Kavia Francis, Lashanna Graham, Brandy Hall, Michae Harriott, Crystal Morrison, Kemba Nelson, Ackera Nugent, Rhianna Phipps.
Management Team — Leroy Cooke, manager; Denise Thomas, assistant manager; Michael McIntosh, head coach; Michael Carr, coach; Franz Forde, coach; Nicholas Neuville, coach.
—Paul Reid