Foga Road High salutes track stars

It was a day of celebration yesterday at Foga Road High in Clarendon, as the school recognised the outstanding performances of its athletes, especially Shameika McLean and Paul Henry, who both struck gold in the Class Two girls 400 metres and Class One boys 400m, respectively, at the 2026 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships (Champs).

McLean, in her first year in Class Two, captured the one-lap event in a personal best 52.22 seconds. She also went on to win the Under-17 400m at the Carifta Games in 52.47, breaking the 2018 record of 53.19 set by Megan Moss of The Bahamas. In doing so, she became the first Under-17 athlete at the Games to go under 53 seconds in the event. McLean, who also ran the anchor leg on Jamaica's winning Under-17 4x400m team, is now the country's fastest junior athlete in the event.

Henry also delivered a standout performance, capturing the Class One 400m in a personal best 46.20. He later represented Jamaica at the Carifta Games where he won silver medals in both the Under-20 mixed relay and the 4x400m.

There was a celebratory motorcade through May Pen where the athletes were warmly received by cheering supporters who lined the streets of the town.

Head coach Milton Sergeant expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the school and wider community.

"Today was all about celebrating our athletes, who did an excellent job at Champs. We took 11 athletes to the championships, and four made it to the finals. We could have done even better, but our boys' medley relay team was unfortunate to be disqualified for a false start," said Sergeant.

"I am extremely proud of the team, especially Shameika and Paul. I am particularly pleased with Paul's performance, as while Shameika was the favourite, Paul went into Champs with an injury. He had to adjust his strategy and still managed to produce a personal best," he added.

He noted the significance of the community's support.

"Seeing the support from the teaching staff, ancillary workers, parents and the wider community was amazing. What touched me most was seeing the teachers and students of May Pen Primary, Shameika's former school, stopping what they were doing to join the celebrations as the motorcade passed," he said.

Both athletes expressed gratitude for the recognition.

"It is amazing to see everyone who came out to support us. I feel really good, and this is great motivation going forward. I want to big up my coach and principal Orrette Wallace, who made this possible," said McLean, who is now focused on making Jamaica's team to the World Under-20 Championships.

"My job is not finished. I am looking forward to making the national team to compete at the World Under-20 Championships," she added.

Henry also praised the support he received.

"It is an overwhelming feeling seeing the support we got today -- teachers, students and well-wishers showing their love. A big thank you to the teachers, coach Sergeant and principal Wallace for making this happen," he said.

"I am looking forward to representing my country at the World Under-20 Championships, and I am already focusing on Champs 2027. I want to do something special next year and definitely go after the Class One 400m record," Henry said confidently.