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Springer’s ‘three-peat’ Gold highlights Guyana’s opening day at CARIFTA Games
– Austin silver, Harvey bronze on Day One
By Rawle Toney
Kaieteur Sports- Tianna Springer’s U20 400m gold medal was the standout performance for Guyana on the opening day of the 2024 CARIFTA Games in Trinidad and Tobago.
While Malachi Austin secured silver in the U20 400m and Attoya Harvey claimed bronze in the Girls U20 1500m, the day truly belonged to Springer.
Tianna Springer bagged her third-consecutive 400m gold at the CARIFTA Games, winning the Girls U20 finals. (PHOTO: News Room/Jeremy Jagroop)
The Hasely Crawford Stadium erupted as a large contingent of Guyanese supporters celebrated, waving the Golden Arrowhead proudly, when Springer crossed the line in 53.07s to win her third-consecutive CARIFTA Games gold in the 400m.
Springer took control of the race from the sound of the starter’s gun. From the commentators to the spectators, everyone at Hasely Crawford knew that the girl from the Village of Plaisance would dominate.
Malachi Austin claimed bronze in the Boys U20 400m finals. (PHOTO: News Room/Jeremy Jagroop)
In her signature style, Springer sprinted the final 100m and celebrated as she crossed the line, signaling “three” with her fingers, highlighting her third straight 400m victory at the CARIFTA Games.
Springer clocked an impressive 53.07s, forcing Barbados’ Kadia Rock to settle for silver (53.52s), while Jamaica’s Abrina Wright took bronze (53.78s).
“I dreamed about this moment,” Springer said after the race. “I’m happy that I can make my family and country proud; I’m really proud of myself.”
Meanwhile, Austin, competing in what can only be described as the strangest race of the day, narrowly missed out on another gold in the Boys U20 400m.
At the start of the race, two Jamaican athletes left the blocks but quickly stopped. Austin admitted he believed it was a false start, but it wasn’t until midway through the race that he realized it was business as usual.
Forced to play catch-up, Austin ran a strong 46.54s, finishing just behind Zion Miller of The Bahamas, who won in 46.51s. Trinidad and Tobago’s Dah Shaun Lezama finished third in 47.43s.
Kaidon Persaud, also in the race, finished fifth with a time of 48.26s.
In the Girls U20 1500m, Harvey, one of Guyana’s most decorated CARIFTA Games athletes, secured a bronze medal.
Attoya Harvey takes bronze in the Girls U20 1500m finals on the opening day of the CARIFTA Games. (PHOTO: News Room/Jeremy Jagroop)
Harvey stopped the clock at 4:41.61, finishing behind Jamaica’s Cindy Rose (4:37.95), who took gold, and Sushana Johnson (4:40.83), who earned silver.
In the Boys U17 1500m, Ebo McNeil finished fifth in 4:18.49, while Devon Eastman placed 11th with a time of 4:45.38.
In the U20 100m, Athaleyha Hinckson, the 2024 U17 champion, narrowly missed out on a podium finish, placing fourth in 11.54s.
Ezekiel Millington clocked 10.73s to finish fifth in the Boys U17 100m final.
GUYANESE ATHLETES ROBBED
Meanwhile, Guyanese athletes were denied a likely medal opportunity after team officials failed to register the 4x400m Mixed Relay team.
Pundits had tipped Guyana to win, or at the very least be the team to beat, given their status as defending champions and CARIFTA Games Record Holders.
At the 2024 CARIFTA Games, Guyana’s 4x400m Mixed Relay team set a new event record, clocking 3:23.51 with strong performances from Malachi Austin, Narissa McPherson, Dhanielson Gill, and Tianna Springer.
However, team officials missed the registration deadline at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, resulting in Guyana’s disqualification from the event.
The CARIFTA Games continues today and will conclude tomorrow.
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