VERE Technical’s 16-year-old Devaune Freemantle will line up in today’s final of the boys’ javelin open at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships at the National Stadium — and he will not have to look too far for inspiration.

His sister Ramona — older by two years — won the silver medal in the girls’ javelin final on Thursday, and she was wearing her silver medal when the siblings spoke to the Jamaica Observer on Friday.

The soft-spoken Devaune readily admitted that he followed his sister into the sport and says he hopes he will also be able to wear a medal afterwards, having finally thrown over the 40.00-metre mark.

Of course there is some sibling rivalry, with both claiming to be the better athlete.

Despite the friendly rivalry the duo — from Ocho Rios, St Ann — made it clear they always encourage each other to do their best.

In terms of success, so far Ramona has the edge after winning her second Champs medal, having placed third last year.

Ramona led the competition for a long time on Thursday before being eclipsed by Immaculate Conception’s Zoelle Jamel who won on count back after both threw 45.09m.

Ramona started her track and field career as a sprinter and told the Observer, “I had some speed.”

She said after an injury setback, a former coach at Vere Technical suggested that she try the throwing events.

The switch has paid off, as she finished fourth in the Class 1 girls’ discus throw with 45.79m.

Today she will be cheering for her little brother to capture a medal and add more points to Vere Technical’s tally.