Kingston in front

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

An interesting battle is brewing between Kingston and two-time defending champions St Andrew at the 28th staging of the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA)/Sagicor National Primary, All-Age and Junior High Schools Athletics Championship at the National Stadium.

Kingston, seeking only their second hold on the title, lead the standings following the completion of seven finals with 70 points, entering today's final day of the two-day meet. St Andrew are two points adrift on 68 points and are followed by Portland (41), St Elizabeth (22) and Westmoreland (21).

The meet got off to a fantastic start, as three records were eclipsed on the opening day.

Kiona Bradshaw of St Andrew established a new mark of 10.14m to capture the girls' shot put open. Renae Medley of St Andrew, who finished second, had beaten the old record mark of 9.74m set last year by Althea Russell, only to see Bradshaw go even further. Portland's Seedera Wint claimed the bronze medal with her throw of 8.58m.

Bradshaw, 15, of Windward Road Primary and Junior High, was delighted with her performance.

"I feel real good, I just listened to what my coach said and went out there and execute," a beaming Bradshaw said.

record-breaking act

John Mills standout athlete, Medley, was not to be denied, however, as she returned later in the afternoon to shatter the girls' high-jump record. Medley cleared 1.68m to better the 11-year-old mark of 1.58m set by Aneka Samuels. Portland's Kenesha Beckford, 1.45m, was second, while Chantelle Downer of Kingston, 1.40m, was third.

Kingston got in on the record-breaking act through Aaron Thompson in the boys' long jump open, as his leap of 6.32m bettered the old mark of 6.19m set back in 2007 by Davian Wint. Travis Riley, also of Kingston, claimed silver with his jump of 6.03m, while third went to Jovayne Davids of St Thomas (5.92m).