Initial CARIFTA Games Athletics Qualifiers Announced

The Powerade Classic, a developmental track and field meet hosted by the St. Kitts-Nevis Athletic Association (SKNAA) on Sunday, January 19th, 2025, at the Nevis Athletic Stadium, served as a springboard for young athletic talent and a crucial stepping stone towards the upcoming 2025 CARIFTA Games. The meet, sponsored by Powerade, offered a diverse range of events, providing athletes with the opportunity to showcase their skills in various disciplines, including throwing events like shot put and javelin, jumping events such as high jump and long jump, and track events ranging from the explosive sprints of the 100m and 200m to the more demanding 400m and the endurance-testing 3000m. This comprehensive array of events catered to athletes with different strengths and specializations, fostering a competitive environment for all participants. The Powerade Classic not only provided a platform for individual achievement but also played a significant role in identifying and preparing athletes for regional competitions.

The highlight of the Powerade Classic emerged in the U17 Female Shot Put event, where 14-year-old Kezia Phillip, a student of Gingerland Secondary School and a member of the Phase Track Club, etched her name in St. Kitts and Nevis athletics history. With a powerful throw that sailed 10.56 meters, Kezia surpassed the qualifying standard of 10.50 meters for the 2025 CARIFTA Games, scheduled to be held in Trinidad in April. This remarkable achievement marked Kezia as the first athlete from St. Kitts and Nevis to secure qualification for the prestigious regional games, signifying a proud moment for the nation and highlighting the effectiveness of the development initiatives undertaken by the SKNAA and local track clubs like Phase Track Club. Kezia’s personal best throw not only secured her spot in the CARIFTA Games but also underscored her potential to excel on the regional stage.

The significance of Kezia’s qualification extends beyond personal accomplishment. It signifies the growing strength and development of athletics in St. Kitts and Nevis. Her success serves as an inspiration to other aspiring athletes, demonstrating the possibilities that exist within the local sporting landscape. Kezia’s journey, nurtured by the support of her school, Gingerland Secondary, and honed by the training she receives at Phase Track Club, exemplifies the collaborative effort required to cultivate athletic talent. Her achievement is a testament to the dedication and commitment of her coaches, mentors, and the overall athletic infrastructure within St. Kitts and Nevis.

The SKNAA, in its role as the governing body for athletics in the nation, plays a pivotal role in fostering athletic development and providing opportunities for athletes to compete and excel. The Powerade Classic, as one such initiative, serves as a vital component of the SKNAA’s developmental strategy. By organizing and hosting such events, the SKNAA creates a competitive environment that allows athletes to test their abilities, gain experience, and strive for higher levels of performance. The Powerade Classic, specifically, offered a valuable platform for athletes to prepare for the rigors of regional competitions like the CARIFTA Games, providing a crucial stepping stone in their athletic journeys.

Kezia Phillip’s qualification for the CARIFTA Games represents a promising start for St. Kitts and Nevis in the upcoming regional competition. Her achievement underscores the potential for further success and highlights the importance of sustained investment in athletic development programs. The support provided by sponsors like Powerade plays a crucial role in enabling the SKNAA to organize and execute events like the Powerade Classic, providing athletes with the necessary opportunities to showcase their talents and further their athletic careers. The success of the Powerade Classic, as demonstrated by Kezia Phillip’s qualification, reinforces the importance of such developmental meets in nurturing young talent and preparing them for higher levels of competition.

Looking ahead to the 2025 CARIFTA Games in Trinidad, Kezia Phillip carries the hopes and aspirations of St. Kitts and Nevis. Her performance will not only reflect her individual capabilities but also serve as a measure of the progress made in the development of athletics within the nation. The experience gained at the Powerade Classic and the continued support from her coaches and the SKNAA will undoubtedly play a crucial role in her preparation for the challenges that lie ahead. Kezia’s journey serves as an inspiration and a symbol of the potential that lies within the young athletes of St. Kitts and Nevis, highlighting the continued growth and development of athletics within the nation.