Johan Smythe, Shanoya Douglas smash national junior indoor records
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Holland High’s Johan-Ramaldo Smythe and Shanoya Douglas broke the Jamaican national junior indoor records for the invitational 200m and the 300m, respectively, at the Puma New York International Showcase 2026 on Saturday.
Smythe stopped the clock at 21.18s to win heat two of the 200m, but was second overall as Brady Pineo of Wesley Chapel High School, who won heat one in 21.02s, was the winner in the final.
Smythe also clocked 6.91s to win his 60m heat but was disqualified in the final won by Pineo in 6.82s. Deandre Gayle of Jamaica College was second in 6.87s.
Douglas won the 300m in 36.98s ahead of Rhia Randolph of West Orange High School in 38.16s. Julia Wallace of The St James Academy was third in 39.29s.
Holland High’s third competitor Mickelia Henlon, was third in her 60m heat in 8.02s and 10th in the long jump with a leap of 17 feet, eight inches (5.34m).
Holland High’s coach Garth Smythe, told Observer Online that he was happy with what he saw and full of praise for his athletes.
“Yes, we are grateful that the athletes got to compete at a high level. They got into New York late in the morning, so not get enough rest, jet lag. But the performances spoke for themselves,” said Smythe.
He noted that he was particularly pleased with Douglas’ win as one of her competitors issued a threat during a press conference and she duly addressed it, beating her by nearly two seconds.
“So, our goal going into the meet was for her to break the record, and then some threats were sent to her about two weeks ago in a press conference. So, we took it personally, and it’s done and dusted,” said Smythe.
Smythe also explained that his son Johan-Ramaldo, whose indoor time of 21.18s equates to approximately 20.7s outdoors, said he could have gone faster but was not accustomed to the indoor track and basically jogged most of the race.
With Johan-Ramaldo and Douglas following coach Smythe from Muschett High to Holland High, their training regime remains the same.
“We move on now to do some fine-tuning, fix some things and get ready for Carifta Trials, Carifta Games and champs,” he added.
Holland High’s Johan-Ramaldo Smythe and Shanoya Douglas broke the Jamaican national junior indoor records for the invitational 200m on Saturday
