Springer, Hinckson and Austin back to lead Team Guyana at CARIFTA Games

Mar 18, 2026 Sports

Kaieteur Sports – Guyana will head into this year’s CARIFTA Games in Grenada with a blend of proven talent and emerging prospects, as returning standouts Tianna Springer, Athaleyha Hinckson, and Malachi Austin headline a competitive national squad aiming to make its mark on the regional stage.

The Games are set for April 4–7 at the Kirani James Stadium in St. George’s, where Guyana will be looking to improve on last year’s showing in Trinidad and Tobago, which yielded five medals; one gold, one silver, and three bronze.

Springer, one of Guyana’s most reliable junior quarter-milers, who now competes at the University of Georgia, returns in the Girls U20 category to contest the 400m, an event she has dominated at the regional level.

Springer, Hinckson and Austin back to lead Team Guyana at CARIFTA Games

From left: Athaleyha Hinckson, Kaidon Persaud, Malachi Austin and Tianna Springer.

A former U17 champion who successfully transitioned to the higher category, Springer will be aiming to defend her title.

Known for her strong finishing speed and calm execution, she remains a cornerstone of Guyana’s medal hopes, both individually and in the relays.

Hinckson, also competing in the Girls U20 division, will line up in the 100m and 200m. Widely regarded as one of Guyana’s most explosive young sprinters, she has shown steady improvement over the past year, particularly competing for Louisiana State University (LSU).

On the boys’ side, Austin, who also competes at LSU, returns in the U20 category with responsibilities across the 400m and both the 4x400m and mixed 4x400m relays.

His versatility and endurance make him one of Guyana’s most valuable assets, particularly in championship environments where tactical awareness is critical.

In the Girls U17 division, Angela Jeffery will contest the 100m and 200m, leading a promising group of young athletes.

Tianna Springer will return to defend her U20 400m title.

She is joined by Olivia Solomon, who takes on the demanding 400m and 800m double, events that require both speed and stamina.

The Boys U17 squad features depth across multiple disciplines. Omari Welch will compete in the 100m and long jump, while Malique Kendall lines up in the 100m and 200m. Middle-distance responsibilities will be carried by Jerrel Campbell (400m, long jump), Jermaine Shepherd (800m, 1500m), and Bryson Anderson (800m).

In the field, Keimal Gishard will compete in both the triple jump and high jump, while Nathaniel Samaroo is entered in the shot put and discus, ensuring Guyana’s presence across key field events.

At the Under-20 level, Onesi Dunn and Gordon Thompson will contest the 100m, while Tishaun Easton and Dequan Farrell are set for the 200m. Farrell will also double in the 400m alongside Austin, adding depth to the one-lap event. Javon Roberts will represent in the 800m and 1500m, while Kaidon Persaud takes on the javelin and Ebo McNeil the 1500m and 5000m.

Relays are expected to play a pivotal role in Guyana’s medal ambitions.

The U20 4x400m team, anchored by Austin and Farrell, could be a strong contender, while the mixed 4x400m relay, featuring Austin, Persaud, Springer, and Akela Dover, adds further promise. Sprint relay teams across both age groups also provide additional opportunities.

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Athaleyha Hinckson, CARIFTA Games, Kaidon Persaud, Malachi Austin, Tianna Springer

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