Crisan Allen is beaming with pride after completing a memorable final year at Ardenne Preparatory School.

The outgoing head girl and standout sprinter capped her time at the institution with a brilliant double victory in the girls’ Class One 100m and 200m at this year’s Jamaica Independent School Association (JISA) Prep School Championships, a feat she says means everything to her.

“I really enjoyed winning the 100 metres, because that is my favourite event. I was excited for the 100 metres because I felt in my spirit that I was going to win it,” the 12-year-old student said.

While the 100m came with confidence, she noted that the 200m required grit and determination.

“For the 200 metres I was very nervous because the rest of the girls were very good at 200 metres,” Allen stated. “So for the 200 I put everything out for it.”

Allen’s efforts paid off in a big way, and although she narrowly missed out on becoming champion girl, Allen still achieved most of the goals she had set for herself at the start of the school year.

“I am feeling very proud of myself because at the beginning of the year my main goal was to become head girl of my school, become the champion girl, and to win the 100 metres and 200 metres. Even though I didn’t win the champion girl, I was still able to get the head girl and win my 100 and 200 metres at the Prep Championships,” she said.

As she prepares to begin a new chapter at the prestigious Immaculate Conception High School, Allen is filled with excitement and optimism.

“I am very excited going to Immaculate because I have heard all good stuff about Immaculate,” she shared. “And I feel like when I go there I am going to excel even more.”

Inspired by Jamaica women’s sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Allen credits her success to a solid support system that has believed in her since the early days.

“From I was in Kindergarten school, my coaches have always seen something in me for track and field, and my parents believe in me too. They just continue supporting me to go up in track and field. My parents are my biggest motivators because they have always been there to cheer for me and always encouraging me when I am down, along with my coach,” she said.

— Robert Bailey