World Under-20 200-metre bronze medallist Shanoya Douglas of Muschett High School will open her 2025 track season by competing in the half-lap event at today's Sprint Fest meet. The event is scheduled to take place at the Ashenheim Stadium, Jamaica College, starting at 2:30 p.m.
Douglas, who was also part of the gold-medal-winning 4x100m relay team at the Under-20 World Championships in Lima, Peru, will compete in the Class Two category. The race will feature several notable contenders, including Wolmer's duo Natrice East and Tina Marshall, making it an exciting season-opener for Douglas.
In the Class One girls' category, Abigail Wolfe of Wolmer's High will lead the charge. She will be joined by her teammate Siemetina Hilaire and Hydel High's Krstel Hoolang, a former St Jago High sprinter.
For the boys, the Class One category will showcase Calabar High's Khamani Gordon, Ronaldo Giovanni Smythe of Muschett High, and Rasheed Buckle of St Jago High.
Today's meet will also feature senior athletes, with Paul Henry and Andre Harris of the New Era Track Club leading the half-lap event. Former Kingston College athletes Adrian Kerr and Antonio Forbes are also slated to compete.
Sprint Fest is the first of two in the series and coincides with the start of the Throw Fest series, which begins on January 17 with pole vault action at Jamaica College.
Wayne Long, chief executive officer of On Di Run Events, organiser for both the Sprint Fest and Throw Fest series, highlighted the importance of these meets, especially for throwers.
"This is a first-time initiative and we are doing this specifically to encourage full participation in the throwing disciplines," said Long.
"Often, throwers attend meets but do not get to compete or are limited in the number of attempts they can make. With this format, the top eight throwers will be guaranteed six attempts, ensuring early and competitive preparation for the season ahead."
Individual awards and team trophies will be presented to athletes and their respective schools at the conclusion of both series.