Springer, Austin, Roberts headline AAG’s 23-member Carifta Games squad

The quartet (from left) of Tianna Springer, Narissa McPherson, Malachi Austin, and Javon Roberts will lead team Guyana at the 2024 Carifta Games
The quartet (from left) of Tianna Springer, Narissa McPherson, Malachi Austin, and Javon Roberts will lead team Guyana at the 2024 Carifta Games

The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) has selected a 23-member team of U-20 and U-17 athletes to represent the Golden Arrowhead at the upcoming Carifta Games slated for March 30th–April 1st in Grenada at the Kirani James Stadium.

Among the 23 are some familiar faces, a few of whom have already tasted success at the Carifta Games, the likes of Tianna Springer, Javon Roberts, and Malachi Austin, while others boast experience, having competed at last year’s edition of the games.

The team was selected following three days of trials (February 3rd, 17th, and 18th) at the National Track and Field Centre at Edinburg on the West Coast of Demerara.

The team will be accompanied by two coaches (male and female), team manager Thelson Williams, and a physiotherapist, Akeem Stewart.

Meanwhile, Keith Campbell, the Vice President of the AAG and Chairperson of the AAG’s Records and Registration Committee, noted that they were tasked with selecting the squad. According to Campbell, the committee met immediately after the third and final day of the Carifta Trials, and they initially came up with 19 athletes. “The list was presented in a short meeting to the coaches, and they were unanimous with the list that we came up with.”

He also revealed that there was a further meeting with the AAG council, and two coaches were invited; “the list was revised, and a further four were added to the initial 19.”

Campbell thanked the National Sports Commission and the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) for their support and expressed hope that the “collaboration with those two entities would continue” as AAG has been doing well. He pointed out that last year, the AAG, through its athletes, hauled in 76 international medals, a feat unparalleled by any other sport association. (Michelangelo Jacobus)

The full contingent is listed below:

U-20 Females

Tianna Springer: 400m, 200m, 4x400m, 4x400m Mix

Charissa December: 400m Hurdles, 4x400m

Attoya Harvey: 800m, 1500m, 3000m, 4x400m, 4x400m Mix

Narissa McPherson: 400m, 4x400m, 4x400m Mix

Nalicia Glen: 100m, 200m

 

U20 Males

Jaheel Cornette: 100m, 200m

Javon Roberts: 800m, 1500m, 4x400m, 4x400m Mix

Malachi Austin: 200m, 400m, 4x400m, 4x400m Mix

Rodell Green: Long Jump, Triple Jump

Jamal Sullivan: 800m, 1500 m, 4×400 m, 4×400 m Mix

Robert Marcus: Long Jump, Triple Jump

Danielson Gill: 400m, 4x400m, 4x400m mix

 

U17 Females

Athaleyah Hinckson: 100m, 200m

Esther McKinnon: 1500m, 3000m

Akilla Blucher, 1500m

Keneta Fraser: Long Jump, 100m, 200m

Marissa Thomas: 400m, 800m

 

U17 Males

Duel Europe: Long Jump, Triple Jump

Skylar Charles: 100m, 200m

Kaidon Persaud: 400m, 800m

Ezekiel Millington: 100m, 200m

Ryan Joseph: Long Jump, Triple Jump

Nathaniel Samaroo: Shot Put, Discus Throw