EMANUEL Archibald ignited the track at the Athletics Association of Guyana’s Senior Track and Field Championships with a new record in the Men’s 100m.
Archibald exploded out of the blocks, clocking a sensational 10.09 seconds to shatter the decade-old mark of 10.12 seconds set by Adams Harris in May 2014. Noelex Holder (10.23s) and Revon Williams (10.40s) finished a creditable second and third, respectively.
While falling just shy of the Olympic qualifying time of 10.00 seconds for Paris, Archibald’s performance marks a significant leap forward. His previous season best stood at a respectable 10.13 seconds. He will have another chance to grab the Olympic standard at the Aliann Pompey Invitational Meet on June 22.
The opening day wasn’t a one-man show, with several other athletes delivering impressive performances.
Women’s 100m: Jasmine Abrams dominated the final in 11.18 seconds, leaving Juvonna Cornette (11.32s) and Athaleyha Hinckson (11.49s) trailing in her wake.
Men’s 400m: Fresh off his CARIFTA Games success, Malachi Austin stormed to a commanding victory in 47.70 seconds. Simeon Adams (48.90s) and Lennox Douglas (49.09s) rounded out the podium.
Women’s 400m: Olympian Aliyah Abrams cruised to a comfortable win with a time of 52.01 seconds, showcasing her experience over Kenisha Phillips (52.51s) and Deshana Skette (52.81s).
Distance runners also displayed remarkable stamina:
Men’s 10,000m: Royston Fordyce edged out Cleveland Thomas in a close race, clocking 34 minutes, 45.41 seconds to claim gold.
Women’s 5,000m: Attoya Harvey showcased her dominance, winning in 20 minutes, 25.89 seconds, a significant lead over Donnel Fraser (21:12.61s) and Jelesa Wright (21:42.29s).
Men’s 1,500m: Matthew Gordon secured the gold medal in 4 minutes, 06.17 seconds, while Attoya Harvey continued her winning streak in the Women’s 1,500m with a time of 5 minutes, 09.14 seconds.
Field events provided their own set of thrills:
Men’s Javelin: Though slightly off his season best, national record holder Leslain Baird secured gold with a throw of 70.20m, surpassing Tremaine Beckles (60.54m) and Jemaine Simmons (58.87m).
Women’s Triple Jump: Natrena Hooper maintained her dominance, leaping 12.05m to claim the gold medal. Leoni Adams (11.90m) and Amrist Hector (11.18m) followed closely.
The Guyana Defence Force also flexed their muscle, claiming the top two spots in the Men’s 10,000m, and sweeping both the Men’s and Women’s 4x100m relays.
