Lyssons Primary School’s domination of the INSPORTS/Devon Biscuits All-Island Athletics Championships is really a remarkable one, achieved under adverse conditions highlighted by a lack of a proper training facility.

The St Thomas-based Lyssons have dominated the regional Eastern Championships which includes schools from the Corporate Area.

But it doesn’t stop there, Lyssons have claimed three of the last four All-Island championships, winning in 2022, 2023 and 2025.

Lyssons’ Head Coach Lesia Dennis-Jackson told the Jamaica Observer it’s an incredible achievement.

“Our training facility at Lyssons Primary is not the best, but we utilise the small field that we have. Our field is about 180m going around and about 75m in length. We also use the beach and hills that are in close vicinity,” she said.

Lyssons amassed 220 points and won the National Championships, well clear of dethroned champions Naggo Head of St Catherine who finished second with 166 points. Spanish Town were third with 149 points.

Lyssons collected $600,000 as national champions. Prior to that they had won the Eastern Championships to grab a prize of $350,000, taking the school’s earnings to a whopping $950,000.

“The team’s dedication, perseverance and teamwork have truly paid off. We have worked tirelessly and we are truly grateful for this achievement,” said Dennis-Jackson.

She added: “I want to personally thank the other coaches, athletes, principal, and everyone involved in making this happen.”

But how could a school with an inadequate training ground achieve such feats and keep turning out outstanding athletes?

“We focus on developing well-rounded athletes with a strong foundation in skills, fitness and teamwork,” she pointed out.

As for turning out quality athletes, Dennis-Jackson outlined holistic training, with focus on balancing technical skills, physical conditioning, and mental toughness.

She pointed to personalised coaching in which coaches work closely with each athlete to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

She said a healthy team culture, which places emphasis on sportsmanship, camaraderie, and mutual support, is a vital component, and added that the school strives for continuous improvement, characterised by analysing performance data, adapting training plans, and innovating ways to stay ahead.

“This approach has helped us produce talented athletes who excel on the national stage,” she added.

One such athlete is Davere Walker, who won the 70m hurdles and broke the long jump open record with 5.35m.

Walker, who is said to be on his way to Jamaica College (JC), is the son of Olympians Wilbert Walker and Davita Prendergast.

Donelia Speed established a new record in the Girls’ 800m Open clocking 2:27.28, while in Class Three, Kathlia Roberts won the 100m, 150m double and Diandre Lamont took the high jump open with 1.52m.

Lyssons have developed many other standout athletes, inevitably attracting a number of high schools which are on the lookout for emerging talent.