THE much-anticipated 2026 high school athletics season has truly kicked into gear with the big showdown, dubbed Champs, now in its 116th edition, having become a world phenomenon.

While the competiton began in 1910, major upheaval and innovation worldwide 16 years later — 1926 — helped to define human existence.

The UK general strike, called by the Trades Union Congress, started on May 4 in support of more than one million coal miners who were locked out after refusing wage cuts and longer hours.

An estimated three million workers joined the strike, paralysing industry, but the action was eventually called off on May 12 by the union, without securing a deal for the miners.

In that same year Japan’s Emperor Hirohito ascended the throne and the Cristero War in Mexico pitted Catholics against the State.

Political coups disrupted order in Poland and Portugal while technologically, John Logie Baird demonstrated the world’s first mechanical television system and Robbert Goddard launched the first liquid-fuelled rocket.

Significant cultural moments included the publication of Winnie-the Pooh, the premiere of the sound-synced film Don Juan, and the births of Queen Elizabeth II and American Actress Marilyn Monroe.

However, in Jamaica, Munro College won their second Champs title, having first won in 1920, and returned the crown to the top of the mountain in Malvern, St Elizabeth.

They amassed 28 points ahead of Wolmer’s Boys’ on 25.5 points, and Jamaica College in third with 21 points.

At that time a telegram was the quickest mode of communication, and when Munro won the Class One 220-yard final, the Munro coach sent a telegram that read: “Munro 13, Wolmer’s 13½. We shall probably win.” And that they did.

One DA “Alty” Junor was the star for Munro, winning four events in front of a packed Sabina Park. He won the 100-yard dash in 10.35 seconds, and the 220 in 24 seconds, following those up with victory in the long jump and 120-yard hurdles.

According to the Champs 100 book, Junor was so good in the hurdles that when he crossed the finishing line the other runners were negotiating hurdle 10.

It was said that in 1926 there were a plethora of false starts in the 100-yard final, and starter Dr F L Aris switched from the usual “On your marks, get set” and gun routine to just simply getting the runners on their marks and firing the gun. It worked.

Munro’s Junor was not finished, as he returned in the pole vault and was second to his teammate. Junor was widely considered the best all-round sportsman Munro ever produced as he was also an excellent footballer and cricketer.

That Champs also saw H W Myers break the Class One high jump record, which was also the Jamaican national record, clearing 5 feet 11 inches.

Meanwhile, making their debut in 1926 was Beckford and Smith High School (now St Jago High). They were unable to secure a point.