Speed and composure took centre stage in the 100 metres final at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships on Wednesday when Shanoya Douglas and Riqulme Reid grabbed the headlines after powering to victory in two thrilling finishes in the marquee events.

Douglas of Holland High sprinted to a fast 10.98 seconds to capture the Girls’ Class 1 100 metres after reacting well to the starter’s order before accelerating to the finish line. She became the second schoolgirl to run below 11 seconds at the high school championships, following in the footsteps of former Hydel standout Alana Reid who holds the record at 10.92 seconds, set back in 2023.

The Class 2 girls provided their own excitement on the second day of the championship with Natrece East of Wolmer’s Girls winning the event.

East was a runner-up last year but stopped the clock at 11.21 seconds, adding to her impressive collection having also won at the Class 3 and Class 4 levels.

“It doesn’t get easier to keep winning but it gets easier to know what you’re supposed to do at each race. It feels really good to defend my title from classes 3 and 4, so to know that I’m still doing what I’m supposed to do, is a really good feeling,” East said.

A finalist last year, Daniela Clarke of Edwin Allen upgraded her status to champion after taking the gold medal in the class three event in 11.66 seconds beating Rihanna Scott of Ferncourt High.

“I am feeling pretty great but I was nervous! [Coach] said to come out here and execute my race properly, get out of the blocks quickly and hold my drive phase properly,” said Clarke.

Despite a silver medal and an upgrade from her bronze medal achievement last year, Scott was nevertheless left feeling disappointed with her performance.

“I didn’t execute that race very well but I’m happy that I got second place. I feel very good that I’m one of those stars [representing Ferncourt] and I’m going to continue and give my best,” shared Scott, who now turns her attention to the Carifta Games and securing a place in the World Under-20 Championships team.

The starting system became the star of the show once again and this time, the Class 4 girls were the victims.

In the first race five of eight competitors crossed the line, unaware that there was a recall.

Approximately 15 minutes later, Brianna Gray of Excelsior won in 12.01 seconds, repeating her run from the first attempt.

“I was feeling very sad because I thought I made the mistake. I was nervous and hoped that I would get the win again, and I did,” Gray said, smiling.

The highly-anticipated Class 1 boys’ 100 metres saw Riquelme Reid of Excelsior delivering another outstanding performance.

Reid clocked a season’s best 10.12 seconds to secure the title.

“I knew I had it in me to win, but the aim was just to come out here and execute for my school. I wasn’t focused on time, I just wanted to execute and score points. A personal best, yeah, we move on from here and focus on the 200 metres,” Reid said.

In Class 2, Jamaica College’s Kai Kelly entered the championships as one of the favourites and lived up to expectations after a commanding victory.

A false start unsettled the field, but the 15-year-old held his composure to cross the line in 10.29 seconds and claim gold.

“I’m disappointed I didn’t react or execute the race properly because when people false start, I get nervous,” Kelly admitted.

Despite that, he was pleased to emerge as champion after a strong season.

“The season has been going great. I haven’t had a lot of injuries, so it’s a good feeling,” he added.

The first quinella of the championships came in the Class 3 boys’ 100 metres, courtesy of Wolmer’s Boys’.

Ajani Lumley, 10.71 seconds and Joshua Williams, 10.81, finished first and second, respectively, giving the crowd inside the stadium plenty to cheer about.

“I feel good knowing that everything I worked so hard for has paid off. I came with victory in sight, so I was prepared,” Lumley said.