Neville Oxford has witnessed over 44 editions of the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships, an event he eagerly anticipates each year. And at 77 years old, he fondly recalls countless memorable moments, despite missing about 20 championships while living overseas and pursuing a professional football career.

His passion for the event remains unwavering and he is thrilled to be back in the stands at the National Stadium.

“Champs is possibly the biggest event of its age group in the world. It’s more than just track and field; it’s a reunion. People from all over the world come to Jamaica to reunite with old friends. It is a unifying and truly great Jamaican event,” Oxford, a proud Kingston College (KC) alumnus, said.

Oxford’s journey in sports is quite remarkable. In 1967, he was invited to play for the New York Generals, a football team that would later become the New York Cosmos, home to the legendary Pelé.

Oxford also signed with Leyton Orient in England, playing league football at a high level. His football prowess was evident from a young age, earning a call-up to the Jamaican national team at just 16 after impressing against a visiting Brazilian Under-23 squad while representing a star-studded KC team.

Despite his accomplishments on the football field, Oxford’s love for Champs remains steadfast.

“It is five days of great track and field excitement and I wouldn’t miss it for anything,” he underscored.

With Champs being streamed globally, Oxford noted that the national spectacle has expanded beyond the Jamaican diaspora.

“The world is watching; Europe, parts of Africa, Australia, everybody is tuning in. It’s a highly commercialised event now,” he said.

Oxford said Champs is a fixture on his calendar.

“I feel great to be here. It couldn’t have missed me because I look forward to it every year. Even though I’m retired now, with God’s will, I will always be here. Every year, new kids emerge, both girls and boys, and come Saturday, you’ll hear new names making their mark on history,” Oxford stated.

Not surprisingly, Oxford is backing his alma mater, the defending champions, to claim another title. “This year is KC’s centennial, which makes it even more special for me as a former KC old boy. I think we should win the Champs this year. It will be close, but I believe we have the goods to take the championship.”

Reflecting on his fondest memories of Champs, Oxford highlights former KC sprinter Bouwahjgie Nkrumie’s historic 9.99-second 100m sprint in 2023.

“That was special. He became the first high school athlete to break the 10-second barrier at Champs. That was a massive moment for me,” he said.

— Robert Bailey