Returning Medallists Lead Saint Lucia’s Carifta Charge

Multiple medallists – sprinter Naomi London, thrower Denzel Phillips and pole vault record holder Naya Jules – headline Saint Lucia’s 22-member team for the Carifta Games, set to take place over the Easter weekend in Trinidad & Tobago. 

This marks one of the largest contingents ever fielded by the nation at the regional junior championships, coming two years after Saint Lucia’s most successful campaign.

On Wednesday, the Saint Lucia Athletics Association (SLAA) announced the squad for Carifta 52, scheduled for April 19-21, after ratifying the recommendations of its technical committee.

This year’s team features eight returning athletes from 2024 among the nine girls and 13 boys and will compete in up to five relay events.

Under-20 Girls Division:  

Naomi London (University of Texas), a double silver medallist in the U-17 100m and 200m in 2023, steps up to the U-20 100m.

Naya Jules (Garden City Community College) eyes a pole vault three-peat and will also contest the javelin, in which she claimed U-17 silver in 2023.

Syesha Rogers (Morne Stars) transitions from U-17 long jump to U-20 competition.

Under-20 Boys Division:

Denzel Phillips (Jamaica College) is a strong medal contender in discus and shot put, having secured silver in both events at the U-17 level in 2023. Other key athletes include:

Joaqwan Alexander (Soufriere Athletics) – 400m

Omarion Edwin (Survivors) – 5000m

Benique Man (Pacesetters) & Evann John (Survivors) – 800m

Levern Jn Baptiste (Abilene Wildcats) – 100m

Ryan Simeon (Nightriders) – 100m & 200m

Josiah Dupre (Sprint Tech) – 400m hurdles

Miciah Sobers & Jakim Raymond (Elite) – 4x100m relay

The U-17 girls’ squad includes:

Jady Emmanuel (Choiseul), a 2024 finalist targeting medals in the 100m & 200m.

Destinee Cenac (Morne Stars) – high jump

Gabrielle Facey (Survivors) & Isabella Emilienne (SL Sports Academy) – 400m

Maiya Landers (Pacesetters) – 800m

Barbara Marie Maximin (Abilene) – long jump (debut)

The girls will also compete in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays.

The U-17 boys’ contingent is smaller, featuring:

Deandre Isidore (Jamaica College) – 400m hurdles

Ricardo Mann (Vere Technical) & Terrick Plummer (Survivors) – 100m

Last year, Saint Lucia secured two medals in Grenada – gold and bronze in the girls’ pole vault. In 2023, the team achieved its best-ever haul (8 medals), including another pole vault gold. The nation’s record performance remains the 2009 home Games, where they claimed six medals (four gold).

The management team was also announced:

Manager: Cornelius Breen

Head Coach: Denise Herman

Coaches: Titus Elien, Len Leonce

Safeguarding Officer: Martina James-Charlery

Physiotherapist: Makeba Alcide