Barbadian athletes are heading off to take on the world.
CARIFTA gold medallists Akela Jones and Jerrad Mason lead the charge to the World Youth Championships in Lille, France.
Jones, the Under-17 girls’ champion in the long jump, produced 6.16 metres at the National championships on Sunday and remains in the IAAF top lists. Mason has recently fallen off the list, but will meet the much-needed competition which could help him to go under his best of 1:51.79 which shattered the CARIFTA record.
Also of note is Daley Carter, the first octathlon competitor to be making the trip since Shane Brathwaite stunned the world and became Barbados’ first world champion back in 2007.
They left the island yesterday afternoon and will take part in a one-week camp prior to competition from July 6 to 10.
Meanwhile, two-time defending champions Barbados will be represented by another eight junior athletes at the Central American and Caribbean Age Group Championships which will be held in the British Virgin Islands this weekend.
Ramarco Thompson, Mario Burke and Jalisa Burrowes were in the team two years ago, and are back stronger than ever. They are joined by Tiana Bowen, Cristanna McConney, Christopher Taitt, Ryan Vickers and Danielle Scantlebury.
They leave the island tomorrow. (SAT)
World Youth Team: Akela Jones (long jump), Sonia Gaskin (800M), Shakera Hall (100MH), Deon Hope (100M, 200M), Jerrad Mason (800M), Daley Carter (Octathlon), Charles Greaves (long jump), Kion Joseph (400MH), Tramaine Maloney (400MH), Maureen Dottin (manager), Gabriel Burnett (coach).
CAC Age Group Team: (Under-13) Tiana Bowen, Cristanna McConney; Christopher Taitt Ryan Vickers. (Under-15)Â Jalisa Burrowes, Danielle Scantlebury, Ramarco Thompson, Mario Burke, Angela Jackson (manager), Elroy Agard (coach).
