With their sights set on winning this year’s ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships, Aldington Smith, a member of Jamaica College’s (JC’s) management team, said that they are maintaining a calm demeanour and ensuring no added pressure be put on their young athletes as they approach the highly anticipated five-day event.

JC, last crowned champions in 2021, amassed 299 points, securing a distant second-place behind their rivals, Kingston College (KC), who claimed the title with 366 points. Former champions Calabar placed third with 207 points.

Smith says that the youngsters have performed well in their preparation for the championships, scheduled to take place at the National Stadium March 19 to 23. He is confident that they will deliver their best performances at the event.

“There is no pressure on them because the goal is for them to do their best, and what we have assured them is that once they give their best effort, we will be satisfied,” he said. “We are approaching this championship as a team, aiming to perform at our highest level, and we will accept whatever the results may be.

“One way to give your best is always to finish ahead of your competitors, and in terms of key competitors, KC is certainly one, and Calabar is on the rebound, so I don’t believe there are any clear favourites yet.”

Smith says that there are no clear front-runners for the championship title as the event’s outcome is determined on the day, giving every team an equal opportunity to claim victory.

“I have heard some people say that they have already predicted the winners of Champs, but we don’t think there are any outright favourites at this stage,” Smith said. “I think that all the teams have their strengths and weaknesses and will do well in a number of areas, so we are in a way looking at KC and Calabar and how we match up against them.”

JC boasts notable talents like Class One middle-distance runner Kemarrio Bygrave, defending champion in the 800m and captain Nellie Ambriton.

Smith says the atmosphere within the JC camp is positive and the boys are upbeat and determined to deliver outstanding performances at the event.

“We anticipate strong showings in the middle-distance events, and we expect those who performed well at the Carifta Trials to shine at Champs,” Smith said. “Additionally, we foresee success in the jumps and field events.

“The spirit is high, we are looking forward to the championships and we believe that it is going to be a very competitive Champs. The mindset is for them to do their best. They would have been working hard throughout the season, and they have had quite a bit of preparation so it is really for them to go out there and do their best.”