Calabar emerge as KC’s biggest threat as ‘Vintage’ Champs title race looms
As the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships approaches, the stage is set for an electrifying showdown between two of the most storied institutions in Jamaican high school athletics, Calabar High and Kingston College.
Jamaica College will also certainly have a lot to say about the destination of the Mortimer Geddes trophy but with the championships just a few hours away, the buzz has surrounded what has been described as the return of Calabar as true and legitimate contenders to Kingston College’s supremacy.
For years, the battle between these two powerhouses has been a staple of Champs, igniting passions among students, alumni, and track and field fans alike.
It can be argued that the championship takes on added life when KC’s purple and white and Calabar’s green and black are the dominant forces. It feels like there is a lot more at stake, fueled by a deep-rooted rivalry that is almost as old as the championship itself.
Kingston College, the defending champions, have enjoyed recent dominance, leveraging their depth and well-rounded squad to assert themselves as the team to beat. However, with renewed vigor, Calabar is looking to reclaim its former glory and put an end to KC’s reign.
The anticipation of this clash has injected fresh energy into the championship atmosphere.
If Calabar’s title push succeeds, it will mark a triumphant return to dominance; if KC withstands the challenge, their legacy will only grow stronger.
Still, Champs is more than just a rivalry between two storied schools, Champs is a cultural phenomenon that has shaped the lives of thousands of young athletes while fueling the island’s dominance on the global athletics stage.
For over a century, Champs has provided a platform for high school athletes to showcase their talent, many of whom go on to represent Jamaica at the highest levels of international competition. The event has produced global icons such as Usain Bolt, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson-Herah, and Yohan Blake, among others. It also serves as a stepping stone for student-athletes to secure scholarships and professional contracts, offering opportunities for higher education and career advancement both locally and abroad.
Perhaps most importantly, Champs is an inspiration to the youth of Jamaica. It shows young boys and girls that hard work and dedication can lead to success, regardless of their socioeconomic background. The stories of athletes overcoming personal struggles to achieve greatness serve as motivation for many, reinforcing the idea that talent, coupled with discipline, can open doors to limitless possibilities.
In a nation where track and field is more than just a sport but a way of life, the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships remain a cherished institution.
