Jamaica's strong CARIFTA squad named

The trio of Natoya Goule, Shericka Jackson and Jazeel Murphy, all double winners last year, head Jamaica’s team named yesterday for this year’s CARIFTA Games in Cayman Islands from April 2 to 5.



Goule, who is undefeated in her five years at the region’s premier junior track and field meet in the 800 and 1500 metres, heads the list of 19 Under-20 girls announced in a 70-member squad.



Jackson, last year’s Under-17 200 and 400-metre double winner, is the leader for the 15 Under-17 girls while a lot is expected of last year’s Under-17 double sprint champion Murphy, the first Under-17 athlete to run under 21 seconds at CARIFTA.



Also in the squad is Daneille Dowie, the World Youth 400-metre hurdles silver medalist, who was a second place finisher last year behind teammate Nikita Tracey.



This time, however, she will face favourite Ristananna Tracey, the sister of Nikita.



Traves Smikles, winner of the discus bronze medal winner at last year’s World Youth, is also in the squad.



Jamaica’s 70-member squad along with 11 officials will depart on April 1 and returns on April 6.



Jamaica secured their 25th straight hold on the Carifta title in St Lucia last year by amassing 67 medals to top the standings 39 gold, 15 silver and 13 bronze.