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Ninvalle hails ‘Golden Generation’ after CARIFTA success
Kaieteur Sports – A proud chapter in Guyana’s athletics journey continued to unfold on Tuesday as a section of the nation’s CARIFTA Games team returned home to a warm reception at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, following a historic outing in St George’s.
Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, alongside Vice Chair of the National Sports Commission, Cristy Campbell, led the official welcome, greeting athletes, coaches, and support staff who were met by proud parents and well-wishers eager to celebrate their achievements.
Guyana concluded the 53rd CARIFTA Games with an impressive six medals (four gold, one silver, and one bronze) matching the nation’s best-ever gold medal haul at the prestigious junior championships, following their outings in 2017, 2019 and 2024.
Director of Sports Steve Ninvalle (centre left), AAG President Amanda Hermonstine (centre) and NSC Director Cristy Campbell (centre right) along with team members and officials on arrival home.
Addressing the gathering, Ninvalle extended congratulations on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, including Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. and Minister within the Ministry Steven Jacobs.
He underscored the pride felt across the country, noting that the team’s accomplishments were even more commendable given the size of the contingent.
“With such a small contingent, we would have been able to equal the most amount of gold medals we would have ever had at the CARIFTA Games,” Ninvalle remarked, highlighting the efficiency and quality of the team’s performances.
According to Ninvalle, the NSC and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, notes the continued progress in the leadership of Amanda Hermonstine, president of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG).
The Director of Sport also assured the athletes and officials of continued governmental backing, pointing to the steady progress made under the leadership of the Athletics Association of Guyana.
He pointed out that the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport remains committed to strengthening its partnership with the association to further elevate the sport locally.
Campbell echoed similar sentiments, joining Ninvalle in commending the athletes for their discipline, dedication, and representation of the Golden Arrowhead on the regional stage.
Both officials noted that Tuesday’s reception was only a preliminary gesture, as the team is returning in phases, with a larger, more formal celebration being planned in honour of their achievements.
On the track, Guyana’s performances were nothing short of outstanding.
The country’s most emphatic statement came in the Mixed 4x400m relay, where Tishawn Easton, Akeela Dover, Malachi Austin, and Tianna Springer delivered a breathtaking run of 3:20.79.
The quartet not only won gold but also shattered Guyana’s previous CARIFTA record of 3:23.51, set in 2024 in Grenada, underlining their dominance in the event.
Springer was equally brilliant in individual competition, storming to victory in the Girls’ U20 400m in 52.47 seconds.
The University of Georgia freshman extended her unbeaten CARIFTA streak in the event, capping a remarkable junior career that has seen her transition seamlessly from U17 champion to multiple-time U20 gold medallist.
Austin, who is also a freshman at Louisiana State University (LSU), produced a fitting farewell to the CARIFTA stage, powering to gold in the Boys’ U20 400m in 46.01 seconds.
Having improved on last year’s silver medal performance, Austin’s win confirmed his status as one of Guyana’s premier quarter-milers, who would’ve also won gold in the event in 2024.
The final gold medal came courtesy of Olivia Solomon, whose electrifying run in the Girls’ U17 800m brought Guyana’s campaign to a memorable close.
Clocking a personal best time of 2:10.76, Solomon finished comfortably ahead of her competitors, delivering a commanding performance that symbolised the depth of emerging talent within the programme.
Guyana’s medal tally was further strengthened by Jermaine Shepherd, who captured silver in the Boys’ U17 1500m, and Javon Roberts, who claimed bronze in the Boys’ U20 1500m.
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