Latest update June 1st, 2026 12:37 AM
Hinckson, Austin, Springer land CARIFTA Gold on day one
Athaleyha Hinckson powers crossed the finish line to win the Girls U17 100m finals at the CARIFTA Games ahead of Jamaica’s Adora Campbell. (News Room photo)
By Rawle Toney
Kaieteur Sports – Gold rained down upon Guyana on the opening day of the 51st edition of the CARIFTA Games, courtesy of Tianna Springer, Malachi Austin, and Athaleyha Hinckson.
The Kirani James Stadium in St. George’s, Grenada, illuminated with excitement as Springer, last year’s CARIFTA Games U17 400m champion, demonstrated why she was the fastest in the Americas and the Caribbean in 2023, seizing victory in the U20 event with a blazing time of 52.31 seconds.
At just 16 years old, Springer now boasts the fastest 400m time in the world this year among U18 athletes, eclipsing the USA’s Skylar Franklin time of 52.53 seconds on March 22.
In Grenada, Springer left Jamaicans Abigail Campbell (52.85s) and Shanque Williams (53.03s) in her wake as they settled for second and third place, respectively.
Another Guyanese athlete, Narissa McPherson (54.72s), had to settle for fifth place in the event.
Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle and NSC Commissioner Christy Campbell along with Tianna Springer and Malachi Austin after winning their 400m event at the CARIFTA Games
After the race, Springer expressed her confidence in her ability to win another CARIFTA Games Gold, attributing her performance to her diligent training.
She eagerly anticipates the upcoming 200m event, which commences today.
Meanwhile, for Austin, boasting the fastest time in the qualifiers, spectators witnessed his unwavering determination as he flawlessly executed his run, crossing the finish line in a Personal Best time of 46.35 seconds.
In a stunning display, Austin, the silver medallist in last year’s Youth Commonwealth Games’ 400m, surged ahead vigorously on the final turn, overtaking Jamaica’s Marcinho Rose (46.59s), relegating the pre-race favourite to second place, while Joshiem Sylvester (46.93s) of Grenada settled for third.
Over in the 100m event, Hinckson stood as Guyana’s only representative in any of the finals, as Jaheel Cornette, Nalicia Glen, Keneta Fraser, and Ezekiel Millington all ended their participation in the event during the qualification round.
Hinckson had finished seventh place in last year’s U17 Girls 100m finals at the CARIFTA Games in The Bahamas, and since then, she had been determined to return to the regional spectacle for redemption.
With Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle and National Sports Commission (NSC) Commissioner Christy Campbell observing from the stands, Hinckson accomplished more than just redemption.
As the starter’s gun reverberated, Hinckson exploded out of the blocks, grabbing an early lead during her drive phase.
Despite Jamaica’s Adora Campbell closing in, Hinckson found another gear, successfully fending off the challenge to cross the finish line in 11.44 seconds.
Campbell’s time of 11.52s saw her finishing in second place, while Aniya Nurse of Barbados claimed her country’s only medal on the opening day of the esteemed event, finishing third with a time of 11.76s.
“finished seventh last year, I was determined to win this race,” Hinckson asserted following her victory.
The determined sprinter now shifts her focus to the 200m event scheduled for today.
Reflecting on the outstanding performances of Guyanese athletes on the first day, Ninvalle commended their efforts and offered special recognition to the medallists.
Ninvalle conveyed congratulations to the athletes for their remarkable performance on behalf of the Government of Guyana, with special acknowledgment to the office of Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr.
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