MARYLAND, United States — Excelsior High School’s Richard Hall and St Jago High’s Briana Campbell showcased impressive performances in challenging conditions, clinching victory in the Boys’ 110m hurdles and Girls’ 100m events, respectively, at the East Coast International Showcase track and field championships on Saturday.

Hall, 18, faced a fierce challenge from Yashahya Brown, narrowly winning the event in a close finish in a time of 13.60 seconds. Brown secured second place in 13.60 while Anthony Waterman of Dematha Catholic claimed third in 14.19.

Considering the chilly and rainy weather Hall, who boasts a personal best time of 13.50 seconds in the event, expressed satisfaction with his performance.

“It was a pretty good performance from me out there… I am very pleased with the time, based on the weather conditions here, as it was very cold and I am not used to running in this type of weather,” said Hall.

“The race was very challenging because the other competitor was right on my shoulder all the way and, as you saw, it was a very close finish at the end and so I am glad that I came out on top in this event,” he said.

Hall emphasised that the win significantly boosts his confidence for the National Championships in June. “This is a massive confidence booster for me because it shows that I am in great shape going into the national trial,” he said.

In the girls’ event 17-year-old Campbell clocked 13.54 to secure victory. Hydel’s Shania Myers (13.63) and Kiara Meikle of Holmwood (13.75) took the second and third places, respectively.

Campbell attributed her success to a well-executed race plan.

“Execution was key for me, focusing on a strong start from the blocks and maintaining momentum throughout,” she explained.

“It is a very good feeling to come here and win because I false started [at] the ISSA Girls’ Championships in the final of this event and so that was a disappointment for me, and so to come here [and win], I am very grateful to God,” she said.

Hydel High’s Alliah Baker claimed second place in the Girls’ 100m event with a time of 11.68 seconds while Travis McKenzie of the United States secured first place in 11.62, and Lacovia High’s Sabrina Dockery finished third in 11.80 seconds.

The Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association/GraceKennedy Boys’ Athletics Championships Class One 100m champion Damor Miller of Excelsior High faced disappointment after being disqualified from the event’s final due to a false start.

American Quincy Wilson, representing Bullis School, achieved a remarkable personal best time of 45.17 seconds to win the Boys’ 400m event, with Jamaica College’s Roshane Lorenzo finishing seventh in 48.11.

In the Girls’ 400m timed final, Hydel’s Abigail Campbell secured third place overall with a time of 54.99, with Sophie Rambo clinching victory in 52.83. Jamaica College’s Kemarrio Bygrave finished third overall in the Boys’ 800m event in 1:57.06 minutes. The event was won by Bullis School’s Colin Abrams in 1:51.16.

In the field events, Shaiquan Dunn led a Jamaica College one-two finish in the boys’ discus throw event with a mark of 19.69m, followed by Joshty Brown with a throw of 19.35m.