Latest update September 28th, 2026 10:20 AM
A look at the strongest candidates among the juniors
Top junior cyclist Geron Williams, grass track racer Junior Da Silva and middle distance athlete Ricardo Martin are among the top candidates for the Junior Sportsman award, while athletes Alika Morgan and Jevina Straker, Squash players Keisha Jeffrey and Victoria Arjoon and cricketer Shamaine Campbell head the list of contenders for the female slice of the National Sports Commission pie.
Here are some of the reasons why Kaieteur Sport has nominated them to contest for the NSC awards.
Williams- This junior cyclist have been in explosive form for the past two years, transcending that form into the senior ranks as well.
The highlight of last year was his superb riding to clinch the Ministry of Sport / Ministry of Health 5-stage Road Race, beating an impressive field that included riders from overseas in a battling display.
Williams was the most dominant rider on the junior circuit, winning numerous races during the year.
Da Silva- This skilful junior grass track biker had a terrific debut last year where he remained unbeaten throughout.
Because of his outstanding exploits on the track, especially against his junior counterparts, this year could very see Da Silva being tempted to step up against the seniors in what could be some interesting duels.
Martin- His bronze medal return at the Junior Carifta Games must make him a strong choice for the award.
Martin, who hails from the Lethem area, is one of the best middle distance athletes at the junior level locally, but it was his podium finish at the regional Games that stood out last year.
Girls-
Morgan- Since her return from injury, the defending double-awardee has put together a string of outstanding performances, the best of those being her two second place finishes at two of the three legs of the South American 10K Road Race.
In addition to that Morgan has raced unbeaten on the local circuit and is undoubtedly the best distance athlete in the Caribbean, often times winning both the senior and junior categories within the Region.
Those outstanding performances make her the overwhelming favourite for the crown.
Straker- Teammate of Morgan, this petite athlete showed her mettle at last year’s Junior Carifta Games where she battled and beat the mighty Jamaicans en route to the gold medal in the 800 metres.
Her gazelle-like style is a joy to watch and should the Athletics Body have a more vibrant 2010, this could be the year in which she evolves into something special.
The gold medal performance must be ranked as one of the best results for last year in the sport.
Jeffrey- What more could be said of this promising player, who was one of two Guyanese to capture individual titles at the Caribbean Tournament, while she also spearheaded the girls to their fifth title in seven years.
An extremely fit athlete, Jeffrey ended runner-up to Morgan at the 2008 awards, but strong performances last year could sway the judges this time.
Arjoon- Arguably one of the most talented juniors on the circuit, Arjoon successfully defended her U-13 crown at last year’s Caribbean Championships and could find herself in the toss up for the junior crown.
She, too, like Jeffrey played an important role in ensuring that Guyana retained both the girls and overall titles at the Caribbean Tournament.
The judges have their work cut out to select the respective winners.
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