The 2025 Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) Carifta Trials got underway in thrilling fashion at GC Foster College, with standout performances from some of Jamaica’s brightest young sprinters.

World Under-20 sprint relay gold medallist Gary Card of Wolmer’s High School and Lacovia High’s Sabrina Dockery were the stars of day 1, claiming victory in their respective Under-20 100 meters finals.

Card, in his fourth race of the season, stamped his class on the men’s race, clocking 10.21 seconds to win the event with a slight tailwind of 0.6 meters per second. His dominance was clear as he held off the challenge of Calabar High’s Shaquan Gordon, who finished second with a time of 10.36 seconds. Jehmali Stephenson, also from Calabar, took third in 10.41 seconds.

On the women’s side, Sabrina Dockery delivered a strong performance, winning the Under-20 girls’ 100 meters final in 11.30 seconds. She finished ahead of Shanoya Douglas from Muschett High, the world Under-20 4x100m relay gold medallist, who clocked 11.35 seconds for second place. Abigail Wolfe of Wolmer’s High took third in 11.63 seconds, rounding off a highly competitive race.

In other events, the Under-20 boys’ 400 meters produced some exciting races as the athletes battled to secure their spots in Saturday’s final. Kevin Bliss of Mona High led the qualifiers, posting the fastest time of 47.47 seconds in heat one. Marcino Rose of Kingston College was just behind with 47.49 seconds, while Paul Henry from Foga Road High also advanced, running a time of 47.69 seconds.

For the girls, Shevaughn Thomas of Vere Technical topped the qualifiers for the Under-20 girls’ 400 meters with a time of 53.50 seconds. Other qualifiers included Abrina Wright of Holmwood Technical (55.30 seconds) and Sherecia Wint, also from Vere, who posted a time of 55.51 seconds.

Looking ahead to day 2, athletes will compete in the qualifying rounds for the 800 meters, 1500 meters, 400 meters hurdles, and 200 meters. Field events will also take centerstage, with athletes vying for spots in the discus, long jump, and high jump competitions.

Day one of the trials has set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 JAAA/Carifta Trials, with many of Jamaica’s top young athletes showing they are ready to make their mark.