2014 Carifta Games Thread: Sat.19th to Mon.21st April, Martinique (Videos added)

[Flex]

Machel Cedenio in Carifta 68
By Kwame Laurence (Express).

Five reigning Carifta champions are among 68 athletes selected to represent Trinidad and Tobago at the April 19-21 Carifta Games, in Martinique.

Machel Cedenio will defend his boys’ under-20 400 metres title, and Akeem Marshall will do the same in the boys’ under-20 5,000m event.

Three 2013 under-17 gold medallists will compete in the under-18 category this year. For the first time, the regional junior track and field championships will have under-18 competition, in keeping with the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) practice.

Jeminise Parris, the girls’ under-17 300m hurdles champion, has been selected for duty in the girls’ under-18 100m hurdles and 400m hurdles events. Chelsea James, a two-time girls’ under-17 shot put winner, will compete in the under-18 shot put and discus. And Andwuelle Wright, the 2012 and 2013 boys’ under-17 long jump gold medallist, is listed for action in the under-18 long jump.

The T&T team for Carifta 2014 also includes talented sprinters Jonathan Farinha and Adell Colthrust, England-based middle-distance runner Nicholas Landeau, and javelin thrower Shakeil Waithe, who is training in Cuba with Olympic champion Keshorn Walcott and shot putter Cleopatra Borel.

TEAM T&T

Boys’ under-20—Jonathan Farinha, Micah Ballantyne, Machel Cedenio, Asa Guevara, Ashton Gill, Nicholas Landeau, Akeem Marshall, Jevon Joseph, Ruebin Walters, Aaron Lewis, Kenejah Williams, Shakeil Waithe, Aaron Enill, Kevin Roberts, Victor Isaac, John Mark Constantine, Jamal Bridges, Theon Lewis, Nathan Farinha

Girls’ under-20--Aaliyah Telesford, Kayelle Clarke, Zakiya Denoon, Shirnell Ettienne, Ayoka Cummings, Elia Nero, Akila McShine, Antonia Attale, Marielle Pierre, Portious Warren, Chuntal Mohan, Tsai-Anne Joseph, Janae Alexander

Boys’ under-18--Adell Colthrust, Akanni Hislop, Corey Stewart, Kashief King, Jacob St Clair, Terry Frederick, Jeremiah Hamilton, Renaldo Marshall, Dwight St Hillaire, Che Richards, Andwuelle Wright, Omari Benoit, Edson Moses, Tyriq Horsford, Chad Richards, Joash Huggins, Keivonne Alexander

Girls’ under-18--Jael Ferguson, Jenea Spinks, Jeminise Parris, Renee Stoddard, Thyla-Marie Scott, Je-Risa James, Shaiann Charles, Chelsea James, Ayana Glasgow, Meriah Freeman, Khemani Roberts, Asha James, Anya Akili, Alisha St Louis, Akidah Briggs, Kadesha Prescott, Nikita Paul, Jada Barker, Anika Wolfe

Officials--Dexter Voisin (manager), Paul Voisin (assistant manager/coach), Lester Osouna (head coach), Reynold Porter-Lee (coach), Charles Joseph (coach), Kelvin Nancoo (coach), Anna-Lee Walcott (coach), Wendell Williams (coach), Robin Brereton (coach), Wade Franklyn (coach), Kerron Browne (coach), Lucretia Warner-Burns (chaperone), Abeyola Akowe (chaperone), Zephyrinus Nicholas (physiotherapist), Jason Pilgrim (massage therapist), Kurlin Smith (massage therapist), Dr Israel Dowlat (team doctor)

[Socapro]

Cedenio among 67 for Carifta Games
Published: Friday, March 21, 2014 (T&T Guardian)

Olympic athlete Machel Cedenio is among five T&T athletes who will defend their titles at the 43rd Carifta Games which will be held from April 19-21, in Fort de France, Martinique.
 
The National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) also included four other gold medallists from last year in a 67-member team. They are Jeminise Parris (400m hurdles), Chelesa James (shot put), Andwelle Wright (long jump) and Akeem Marshall (5000m). The team was announced yesterday, four days following the two-day Carifta trials held at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port-of-Spain.
 
The group, one of the largest contingent selected for the Carifta Games will compete in Under-18 and Under-20 age divisions as opposed to Under-17 and Under-20 groups competed in prior editions. Seventeen officials have also been selected.
 
Other medalists from last year’s team that will make the trip include Shaiann Charles, Che Richards and Ruebin Walters. A charter has been organised by the NAAA for an April 17 departure at 10 am, before a return on April 22, at 12.10 pm. The cost of a ticket per person is $5,200.
 
 
T&T TEAM (NB: Last Year's 2013 Carifta Games Gold Medalists Highlighted)
 
Girls—Under-18 Jael Ferguson, Janea Spinks (100m, 200m), Jeminise Parris (100m hurdles, 400m hurdles), Renee Studdard, Thyla-Marie Scott (400m), Je-Risa James (discus), Chelsea James (discus, shot put), Ayana Glasgow, Meriah Freeman (heptathlon), Khemani Roberts (high jump), Asha James (javelin), Anbya Akile (long jump, high jump), Alisha St Louis (long jump, triple jump), Akidah Briggs (shot put, javelin), Kadesha Prescott (triple jump); Jenea Spinks, Jael Ferguson, Nikita Paul, Jada Barker, Anya Akili, Alisha St Louis (4x100 relay pool), Renee Studdard, Thyla-Marie Scott, Anika Wolfe, Je-Risa James, Jeminise Parris, Anya Akili (4x400 relay pool).
 
Girls—Under-20 Aaliyah Telesford (100m), Kayelle Clarke (100m, 200m), Zakiya Denoon (200m), Shirnell Ettienne, Ayoka Cummings (400m), Elia Nero (800m, 1500m), Akila McShine (100m hurdles), Antonia Attale (400m hurdles), Marielle Pierre (discus, shot put), Portious Warren (shot put, javelin) and Chuntel Mohan (PFNJ); Aaliyah Telesford, Kayelle Clarke, Zakiya Denoon, Tsai-Anne Joseph, Janae Alexander, Akila McShine (4x100m relay pool); Shirnell Ettienne, Ayoka Cummings, Tsai-Anne Joseph, Zakiya Denoon, Kayelle Clarke, Antonia Attale (4x400m relay).
 
Boys—Under-18 Adell Coltrust (100m), Akanni Hislop (100m, 200m), Corey Stewart (200m), Kashief King, Jacob St Clair (400m), Terry Fredericks, Jeremiah Hamilton (800m), Renaldo Marshall (3000m), Dwight St Hillarie (400m hurdles), Che Richards (long jump, triple jump), Andwelle Wright (long jump), Omari Benoit, Edson Moses (high jump) and Tyriq Hosford (javelin); Adell Coltrust, Akanni Hislop, Chad Richards, Joash Huggins, Tyriq Hosford, Andwelle Wright (4x100m relay pool); Kashief King, Jacob St Clair, Keivonne Alexander, Corey Stewart, Terry Fredericks, Dwight St Hillaire (4x400m).
 
Boys—Under-20 Jonathan Farinha, Micah Ballantyne (100m, 200m), Machel Cedenio, Asa Guevara (400m), Ashton Gill (800m, 1500m), Akeem Marshall, Jevon Joseph (5000m), Ruebin Walters, Aaron Lewis (110m hurdles, 400m hurdles), Kenejah Williams (discus, shot put), Shaquille Waithe, Aaron Enile (javelin), Kevin Roberts, Victor Isaac (octathlon); Johnathan Farinha, Micah Ballentyne, John-Mark Constantine, Jamal Bridges, Aaron Lewis, Ruebin Walters (4x100m relay pool), Machel Cedenio, Asa Guevara, Theon Lewis, Nathan Farinha, Reubin Walters, Aaron Lewis (4x400m relay pool)

[Socapro]

So considering the athletes in our Carifta team above in their various events, who do you guys reckon are our definite and best medal chances during the upcoming 2014 edition of the Carifta Games in Martinique and who are their biggest rivals from Jamaica or the other Caribbean countries taking part?

PS: Here is link to the official 2014 Carifta Games website: http://www.carifta2014.fr/en/

[Socapro]

http://www.carifta2014.fr/en/programme/

Saturday April 19th

SCHEDULES                                   RACES                                                     COMPETITION

9H00   100m Hurdles Heptathlon Girls (1)   Discus U-20 Boys Final High Jump U-18 Girls Final Javelin U-18 Boys Final
9H10   100m Octathlon Booys (1)   
9H20   100m U-18 Girls Heats   
9H35   100m U-18 Boys Heats   
9H45      High Jump Heptathlon Girls (2)
Long Jump Octathlon Boys (2)
9H50   100m U-20 Girls Heats   
10H05   100m U-20 Boys Heats   
10H20   400m U-18 Girls Semis   
10H35   400m U-18 Boys Semis   
10H50   400m U-20 Girls Semis   
11H00      Shot Put U-18 ans Girls Final
11H05   400m U-20 Boys Semis   
16H30   100m U-18 Girls Semis   Shot put Heptathlon Girls(3)
Shot put Octathlon Boys (3)
Triple Jump U-18 Boys Final
16H40   100m U-18 Boys Semis   
16H50   100m U-20 Girls Semis   
17H00   100m U-20 Boys Semis   
AWARDS CEREMONY   
17H30   1500m U-18 Girls Final   Shot Put U-20 ans Girls Final
17 H 40   1500m U-18 Boys Final   
17 H 50   1500m U-20 Girls Final   
18 H 00   1500m U-20 Boys Final   High Jump U-20 Boys Final
18 H 15   400m U-18 Girls Final   Long Jump U-20 Girls Final
18 H 25   400m U-18 Boys Final   Discus U-18 Girls Final
18 H 35   400m U-20 Girls Final   
18 H 45   400m U-20 Boys Final   
18 H 55   400m Octathlon Boys (4)   
19 H 05   200m Heptathlon Girls (4)   
19 H 30   100m U-18 Girls Final   
19 H 40   100m U-18 Boys Final   
19 H 50   100m U-20 Girls Final   
20 H 00   100m U-20 Boys Fina

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Sunday April 20th

SCHEDULES                                   RACES                                                     COMPETITION

9H00   110m Hurdles Octathlon Boys (5)   Long Jump Heptathlon Girls (5)
9H10   400m Hurdles U-18 Girls Semis   Shot Put U-18 Boys Final
9H20   400m Hurdles U-20 Girls Semis   
9H30   400m Hurdles U-18 Boys Semis   
9H45   400m Hurdles U-20 Boys Semis   
10H00   800m U-18 Girls Heats   
10H15   800m U-18 Boys Heats   
10H30   00m U-20 Girls Heats   High Jump Octathlon Boys (6)
10H45   800m U-20 Boys Heats   Javelin Heptathlon Girls (6)
11H00   200m U-18 Girls Heats   
11H10   200m U-18 Boys Heats   
11H20   200m U-20 Girls Heats   
11H30   200m U-20 Boys Heats   
16 H 00    4 x 100m U-18 Girls Semis   High Jump U-18 Boys Final
Long Jump U-18 Girls Final
Javelin Octathlon Boys (7)
16H15   4 x100m U-18 Boys Semis   
16H30   4 x100m U-20 Girls Semis   
16H40   4 x100m U-20 Boys Semis   
AWARDS CEREMONY   
17H00   400m Hurdles U-18 Girls Final   
17H15   400m Hurdles U-20 Girls Final   Javelin U-20 Boys Final
17H30   400m Hurdles U-18 ans Boys Final   Triple Jump U-20 Girls Final
Pole Vault open Boys Final
17H45   400m Hurdles U-20 Boys Final   
18H00   200m U-18 Girls Semis   
18H10   200m U-18 Boys Semis   
18H20   200m U-20 Girls Semis   
18H30   200m U-20 Boys Semis   
18H40   800m Heptathlon Girls (7)   
18H55   1500m Octathlon Boys (8 )   
AWARDS CEREMONY   
19H15      Long Jump U-20 Boys Final
Discus U-20 Girls Final
19H25   3000m Girls Open Final   
19H50   3000m U-18 Boys Final   
20H15   4 x 100m U-18 Girls Final   
20H25   4 x 100m U-18 Boys Final   
20H35   4 x 100m U-20 Girls Final   
20H45   4 x 100m U-20 Boys Final

[Socapro]

Monday April 21st

SCHEDULES                                   RACES                                                     COMPETITION

9 H 30   100m Hurdles U-18 Girls Semis   Javelin U-18 Girls Final
High Jump U-20 Girls Final
9 H 45   100m Hurdles U-20 Girls Semis   Long Jump U-18 Boys Final
10 H 00   110m Hurdles U-18 Boys Semis   
10 H 15   110m Hurdles U-20 Boys Semis   
10 H 30   4 x 400m U-18 Girls Semis   
10 H 40   4 x 400m U-18 Boys Semis   
10 H 50   4 x 400m U-20 Girls Semis   
11 H 00   4 x 400m U-20 Boys Semis   
16 h 00   100m Hurdles U-18 Girls Final   Javelin U-20 Girls Final
Triple Jump U-18 Girls Final
Shot Put U-20 Boys Final
16 H 10   100m Hurdles U-20 Girls Final   
16 H 25   110m Hurdles U-18 Boys Final   
16 H 35   110m Hurdles U-20 Boys Final   
AWARDS CEREMONY   
17 H 00   800m U-18 Girls Final   
17 H 10   800m U-18 Boys Final   
17 H 20   800m U-20 Girls Final   
17 H 30   800m U-20 Boys Final   
AWARDS CEREMONY   
18 H 00   200m U-18 Girls Final   Triple Jump U-20 Boys Final
18 H 10   200m U-18 Boys Final   Discus U-18 Boys Final
18 H 20   200m U-20 Girls Final   
18 H 30   200m U-20 Boys Final   
18 H 40   5000m U-20 Boys Final   
AWARDS CEREMONY   
19 H 30   4 x 400m U-18 Girls Final   
19 H 40   4 x 400m U-18 Boys Final   
19 H 50   4 x 400m U-20 Girls Final   
20 H 00   4 x 400m U-20 Boys Final   
AWARDS CEREMONY

[jai john]

we should comnent like the americans and the british when we refer to our athletes ...so I am looking for great things in carifta from Reuben Walters in the 400 metres hurdles who trains with the World Champion Jehue Gordon at Memphis Pioneers track Club. Johnathan Farinha is another to watch and he trains under former national 100 and 200 metres champion Charlie Joseph out in Arima at Abiline Wildcats. Jeminese Parris Carifta under 18 hurdles champion also trains with world champion Jehue gordon under CAC coach of the year Dr Ian Hypolite at mamphis Pioneers. that sort of thing. 

[Aviator]

Lmao@ Jai John

[Socapro]

Carifta athletes impress at 13th Falcon Games
Published: Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Clayton Clarke (T&T Guardian)

Several of T&T’s Carifta Games hopefuls rounded into form ahead of next week’s Carifta Games in Martinique with personal best performances.
 
Reigning two-time Carifta gold medallist Chelsea James (Tobago Falcons) signalled she is ready for the region’s premier meet for young athletes with a personal best throw in the girls under-18 shot put and discus events.
 
On the first day of the 13th annual THA/Blink B Mobile Falcon Games at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on Saturday, James improved her mark in the shot to 15.38 metres. Her previous best of 15.19 was recorded in a gold medal performance at the Secondary Schools Championships on March 18.
 
James, 16, returned to attain a new standard in the discus with a distance of 41.61 metres eclipsing the 40.24 achieved in winning the Tobago Schools title on February 12.
 
The Signal Hill Secondary School fifth former won the girls under-17 shot put titles at the 2012 and 2013 Carifta Games improving the record on each occasion and will be going for more gold in Maritnique.
 
Akidah Briggs (Toco Titans) produced her best mark ever in the girls under-18 javelin, winning with 38.86, (5cm) better than her previous best achieved at the Carifta trials on March 16.
 
Asha James (Zenith) took the runner up spot (35.61m). Briggs won bronze in the Carifta girls under-17 event in 2011 and silver in 2012. Both are TTO’s representatives in the event in Martinique. Briggs was also second on James in the shot put (14.18).
 
Tyriq Horsford (Zenith) improved his mark in the boys under-18 javelin with a third round effort of 62.21 to take the top spot. Horsford’ four legal efforts (56.63, 59.29, 62.21 and 57.40) were better than his club-mate Vondel Joseph who was second with 54.47.
 
Defending boys under-20 5000 metres champion Akeem Marshall (Toco Titans) lowered his pb to 15:52.67 when he finished second in the men’s run which took the field 12 and half times over the 400 metres track. Matthew Hagley (TTDF) took the top spot (15:48.65).
 
Akanni Hislop (Zenith) sped a new personal record in the boys under -18 100 metres sprint getting to the line in 10.76 (+0.1) with Carifta team-mate Joash Huggins (Dovers) in second (11.09).
 
In the heats Hislop was even quicker stopping the clock at 10.73(+2.8 ). World Junior and Youth semifinalist Reubin Walters equalled his pb in winning the boys under -20 110m hurdles.
 
The Memphis Pioneers cleared the ten barriers in 13.66 metres to match the mark he established in winning bronze at last year’s Carifta Games in the Bahamas. Aaron Lewis (Zenith) was second, also in a pb of 14.01. Walters and Lewis will represent TTO in boys under-20 110m and 400 hurdles in Martinique.
 
Another Memphis athlete Jeminise Parris took the girls under-18 100m hurdles in 13.88 seconds to match the personal best clocking she did at the Carifta trials on March 15.
 
On the first day the St Francois Girls College student secured the 400m hurdles and will seeking a similar double in Martinique.
 
Akoya Cummings (Neon Trackers) produced a strong finish to take the women’s 400m in a pb of 55.86 passing the American duo of Najah Floyd (56.00) and Chana Powel-Vinson (56.17) in the last 80m.
 
Defending Carifta boys under 20 400m Machel Cedenio (Simplex) skipped the meet while boys under 20 javelin hopeful Shaquille Waithe (Rebirth) is currently training in Cuba with Olympic men’s javelin champion Keshorn Walcott.
 
Fourteen-year-old sprint wonder Adell Colthrust (Southern Athletics) did not compete in an individual event.
 
Trinidad and Tobago will be represented by 68 athletes at this year's Carifta Games. The team will have its final meeting on Tuesday April 15 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium from 8am before heading out to Martinique on Thursday April 17.
 
The Carifta Games begin on Friday April 18 with the Opening Ceremony to be followed by three days of action from Saturday April 19 to Monday April 21.
 
The national contingent will be seeking to improve on its 20 medal haul at the 2013 edition in the Bahamas and better the record 40 medals won at the 2010 Carifta Games in the Cayman Islands.

Click link below to view athletes performances and full official results from the recent Falcon Games:
2014 Falcon Games Sat.12th to Sun.13th April: HCS, PoS (Race Videos Posted)

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CARIFTA Preview - Quarter mile journey
By Noel ‘Bravo’ Francis, Special to TrackAlerts.com
April 16th 10:42am

The resurgence in quarter-mile running in the Caribbean is well underway with Bahamas, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago leading the way. As the CARIFTA games approaches, we now look at some exciting prospects in this feature.

Under-20 Boys 400m

Trinidad & Tobago’s Machel Cedenio is without doubt the class athlete in this event. He has won 400m titles in the Under-17 and Under-20 age group over the years. Cedenio is the defending champion in this event after a thrilling victory over rising star Javon Francis of Jamaica and Stephen Newbold of Bahamas. His winning time of 45.93 seconds remains his personal best.

At the T&T trials, Cedenio won comfortably in 46.27 seconds with his typical late burst in the home straight. His multi-talented teammate Asa Guevara who is also a fine hurdler will provide Cedenio with good support. Guevara finished fifth last year in the finals, and ran 47.49 seconds at the T&T trials to book his spot in this event.

The Trinidadians should receive stiff competition from one of Jamaica’s most promising quarter-milers this season, Nathon Allen. Allen announced himself to Jamaican track fans at the CARIFTA trials with a blazing run covering the one-lap event in a personal best of 46.11 seconds. Two weeks later Allen came a respectable second (46.16) in that amazing race where Javon Francis (45.00) obliterated Usain Bolt’s Class 1 400m record (45.35).

Allen’s St. Jago High School teammate Ivan Henry ran 46.54 for second at the trials, however, he faded badly to last at ‘Champs’ in 48.51 seconds. He might have to prove his race sharpness in training to get the nod over Marco Doodnaughtsingh or the multi-talented Okeen Williams.

Bahamas traditionally have good quarter-milers; however, the times at the Bahamas trials were not flattering. Therefore, Janeko Cartwright and Kelson Pierre will need to bring their ‘A’ games to be amongst the medals. Sadly, Jerrad Mason one of Barbados’ best quarter-milers will be missing after false starting at the trials triggering his omission from the team. Will Cedenio close out his illustrious CARIFTA career in glory? It should be a great final like last year.

Under-18 Boys 400m

World Youth Champion at 400m Martin Manley is set to dominate this field. Manley was a double winner (200m/400m) in the Under-17 category at CARIFTA last year and has a personal best of 45.89 seconds over 400m. He coasted to victory at the Jamaica CARIFTA trials in 46.51 seconds and despite not competing over that distance at ‘Champs’ seems to be in good condition to run very fast.

Manley’s teammate Nathaniel Bann (47.24 PB) if passed fit could provide Jamaica with the silver medal. Jamaica also has another quality quarter-miler in Nigel Ellis who ran (47.45) at the CARIFTA trials who is more than capable to provide support for Manley if selected.

Last year fans witnessed a great Under-17 400m final when Kinard Rolle of Bahamas ran a blistering 350m before the tactical Martin Manley who silenced a vociferous home crowd overhauled him to win in 47.72 seconds.

It is not certain if Rolle who got silver in 48.05 will only be doing relay duties this year, as Henri Deluze (47.94) and Samson Colebrooke (48.69) who performed on the day at the trials could represent Bahamas instead. Other possible finalists for this event should come from, Jason Yaw of Guyana with a 47.76 personal best, Kashief King (48.41) of T&T and Bajan quarter-miler Ramarco Thompson who ran a personal best of 48.34 earlier in the season. 

Under-18 Girls 400m

This event is shaping up to be a cracker. Exciting Bajan runner Sada Williams who dominated the 200m/400m at the Barbadian Secondary Schools comes to the games with high credentials. She easily won the trials in 54.99 seconds and a few weeks later established a new record (54.04) in the Under-20 section of the Barbados Secondary Schools Championships. She won both events by almost two seconds and will get some real competition at the CARIFTA games to test her pedigree.

Jamaica’s Tiffany James will certainly test Williams’ readiness in this event. James, who won the 400m Under-17 CARIFTA title last year before going on to claim bronze at the 2013 IAAF World Youth Championships, is in spanking form this season. She defeated a quality field to win the CARIFTA trials in 53.76 seconds and followed with an outstanding victory in the pressure-filled atmosphere at ‘Champs’ in 54.19 seconds. Both Williams and James are champions and probably hate to lose which makes for a very exciting showdown for track fans in this event.

A few returning finalists from the Under-17 category could spice up this event. Bahamian pair Doneisha Anderson who won bronze and sixth place finisher Shaquana Dorsette must not be underestimated. Dorsett won the Bahamas CARIFTA trials in 54.79 beating Anderson.

Tarika ‘Tinker Bell’ Moses of British Virgin Islands last year’s silver medal winner who survived an injury scare at the trials has been selected. Jamaica’s other entrant should be newcomer Taqece Duggan who finished second to Tiffany James at the CARIFTA trials in 54.73 and at ‘Champs’ in the Class 2 final in 54.70. Who will it be, Williams or James?

[Socapro]

T&T at Carifta Games 2014: Boys Under 20 preview
Preview of Team T&T at the 33rd Carifta Games
Fort de France,Martinique
Fri April 18 to Mon April 21
Sportscoretobago.com
 
BOYS UNDER 20
 
100m
Jonathan Farinha is one of contenders for gold. Despite competing in his first serious 100m competition when he lined up at the Carifta trials he scorched the track at the Hasely Crawford Stadium with a barely wind aided (2.2) 10.18. The Abilene Wildcats will be looking to win T&T’s first medal since 2008 when Joel Dillon was third and this country’s first gold since Darryl Brown’s victory at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in 2003. Farinha is better known for his 200m running with his lanky, long strides. However, could he did what world record holder Usain Bolt did at the 2008 Beijing-defy the odds that tall men can excel at the 100m? Farinha’s path to gold is certainly not a given on as defending champion Zharnel Hughes of Anguilla and Jevaughn Minzie (Jamaica) who ran 10.12 and 10.16 to finish one-two at the Jamaican High School Championships. The national selectors may have a hard task choosing T&T’s other representative in the event as Micah Ballantyne beat John Mark Constantine for second at the Carifta trials 10.64 to 10.72 but Constantine sped to 10.56 in the semifinals.
 
2013-7th Constantine (10.72). Semis-11th Ayodelle Taffe 10.82
National junior record: Darryl Brown 10.01 (2003)
Carifta record: Yohan Blake (JAM) 10.11 (2007)
Last T&T winner: Darryl Brown (2003)
 
200m
Farinha is expected to feature among the medals in this his favored event. The Queens Royal College student will be aiming to improve on his sixth place in last year’s finals. The 2013 World Youth fifth place finisher will no doubt be looking to add gold to the under 17 title he won in 2012. The Arima resident will be hoping to put T&T on the top of podium since Marc Burn’s win in the Bahamas in 2002. Farinha will be joined by club-mate Asa Guevera who clocked 21.14w at last’s weekend’s Falcon Games.
 
2013-bronze- Jereem Richards 20.69 w, 5th Farinha 21.03
National record: Darryl Brown 20.41 (2007)
Carifta record: Usain Bolt (JAM) 19.93 (2004)
Last T&T winner: Marc Burns (2002)
 
400m
Machel Cedenio is the overwhelming favorite to take retain his title after his grabbed gold one year ago producing a strong finish to clock 45.93. The Simplex athlete qualified for Martinique taking the Carifta trials title in 46.27. Since his trials victory Cedenio has been training in the US preparing for his title defence. Guevera would be aiming to improve on his fifth place finish last year and join Cedenio on the podium.
 
2013-gold Machel Cedenio 45.93, 5th Asa Guevera 47.93
National record- Renny Quow 45.74 (2006)
Carifta record-Kirani James (GRN) 45.02 (2010)
Last T&T winner: Cedenio (2013)
 
800m
Nicholas Landeau will be looking to follow in the footsteps of Mark London and return the title to T&T after London’s triumph in 2013. The 2010 boys under 17 1500 and 3000m champion has been based in the UK for the past two years and spent some time training in Kenya among some of the world’s best distance runner. The Air Bon Sonics competitor will have rely on his over distance strength to win T&T’s third gold in a row and seven in the last nine years. Ashton Gill is making his Carifta debut. The Cougars athlete’s speed could ensure he gets a medal.
 
2013-gold Mark London 1:51.34
National record-Jamaal James 1:47.00 (2009)
Carifta record: Kenroy Levy (JAM) 1:48.95 (1987)
Last T&T winner: London (2013)
 
1500m
Landeau’s chances for gold is stronger in this event and showed his readiness by clocking 3:57.69 at the Falcon Games. The Belmont Boys Secondary graduate will be looking to double as London did last year. Gill is T&T’s other competitor.
 
2013-gold Mark London 4:01.07, 7th Akeem Marshall 4:12.65
National record-Garvyn Nero 3:47.56 (2009)
Last T&T winner: London (2013)
 
5000m
Akeem Marshall will be going for his second gold after taking last year’s race in a tactical run. The Toco Titan runner prepared for Martinique with a pb of 15:52.67 at the Falcon Games. Jevon Joseph could be T&T’s other entrant.
 
2013-gold Akeem Marshall 16:49.96
National record-Quintin John 14:58.46 (1991)
Carifta record: Kemoy Cambell (JAM)14:34.34 (2010)
Last T&T winner-Marshall (2013)
 
110m hurdles
Ruebin Walters was one of several Carifta bound athletes who set personal bests at the Falcon Games. The Memphis Pioneers clocked 13.66 to match the time he ran to take bronze in 2012. Walters will be aiming to to win gold for T&T since Jehue Gordon in 2010. The CAC Junior champion will be looking to break Gordon’s Carifta record of 13.41. Aaron Lewis set pb of 14.01 behind Walters last weekend and will have to dip below 14 seconds to content for medal.
 
2013-bronze Ruebin Walters 13.66, 7th Christian Hoodboyce 14.67
National record-Jehue Gordon 13.41 (2010)
Carifta record: Gordon 13.31
Last T&T winner: Gordon (2010)
 
400m hurdles
Walters took bronze in 2013 and will fancy his chances of moving up on the podium. He will be joined by Lewis in the one lap race.
 
2013-bronze Walters 52.31
National record: Jehue Gordon 48.26 (2009)
Carifta record-Gordon 49.76 (2010)
Last T&T winner-Gordon (2010)
 
Shot put
Kenejah Williams is competing in his fifth Carifta Games and will be looking to strike gold. The Tobago Falcon athlete was sixth in 2013 and will rely on the competition to bring out his best as he has been hardly test on the local scene.
 
2013-gold-Hezekeil Romeo 18.66, 6th Kenejah Williams 16.15
National record-Robert Collingwood 18.99 (2009)
Carifta record-Ashinia Miller (JAM) 19.47 (2011)
Last T&T winner:Romeo (2013)
 
Discus
Williams will be looking to add gold in this event following his victory at the under 17 level in 2012.
 
2013-6th Micah McNish 47.11, 8th Kenejah Williams 46.90
National record: Quincy Wilson 62.95 (2010)
Carifta record: Chad Wright (JAM) 63.11 (2010)
Last T&T Winner: Quincy Wilson (2009)
 
Javelin
Shaquille Waithe looks set  to challenge Olympic champion Keshorn Walcott’s Games record of 77.59 following his 72.15 performance at the Carifta trial. The lanky Rebirth thrower has been training with Walcott and will no doubt want to improve on his fifth place finish in 2013.
 
2013:-6th Shaquille Waithe 54.90
National record-Keshorn Walcott 84.58 (2012)
Carifta record-Walcott 77.59 (2012)
Last T&T winner: Walcott (2012)
 
Heptathlon
Kevin Roberts will be aiming at becoming this country’s first ever winner in this event since 2000. Roberts and Victor Isaac took gold and silver at the 2012 CAC Juniors in El Salvador.
 
2013:dnf Roberts
Carifta record-Maurice Smith (JAM) 5623 (1999)
Last T&T winner: Allan Mitchell (2000)
 
4x100m
Farinha, Constantine and Ballantyne will lead this country’s charge and will want to improve on the silver won in 2010, 2011 and 2013. The quartet warmed up clocking 40.21 at the Falcon Games.
 
2013-silver 40.36
National record:-39.17 (2002)
Carifta record-Jamaica 39.43 (2003)
Last T&T winner: 2005
 
4x400m
Cedenio and Guevera were on last year’s team which lost out to Jamaica as the two teams went under the games record of 3:07.10 (3:05.68 to 3:06.23). The last two times T&T were contenders for gold (2007 and 2013) the Jamaicans came up with record runs. This time around the clash could produce yet another record but with T&T coming out on top.
 
2013-silver 3:06.23
National record-3:05.70
Carifta record-Jamaica (3:05.68) 2013
Last T&T winner- 2000.
 
Look forward to the Girls Under 20 preview......

[Socapro]

TT CARIFTA team leaves for Martinique
By JOEL BAILEY Thursday, April 17 2014 (T&T Newsday)

DEXTER VOISIN is simply expecting the best from the 68 Trinidad and Tobago athletes, who will be participating in the CARIFTA Track and Field Championships in Martinique, from Saturday until Monday.

The Trinidad and Tobago contingent are expected to leave for the French-speaking island at 10 am today.

Voisin, the team manager, stated in a telephone interview yesterday, “basically, because of the nature of this meet being a developmental meet in the NAAA programme, we expect the athletes to go there and do their best, based on their preparation they have been going through for the past couple months.

“Once they go out there and perform to their best, then in terms of medals, then we’ll be very satisfied,” he continued.

The team will feature a few performers who have copped gold in previous CARIFTA meets, including 2013 boys Under-20 400-metre champ Machel Cedenio, Akeem Marshall (2013 boys Under-20 5,000m champ), Jeminise Parris and Chelsea James.

“We have Machel Cedenio,” said Voisin. “We have in our midst a veteran in CARIFTA, Nicholas Landeau. This will be his fifth trip to the CARIFTA Games. He migrated to London a year ago and he is also one of the athletes that will be expected to lead the contingent.”

Other athletes tipped to lead the way are javelin thrower Shakeil Waithe and sprinter Jonathan Farinha. “Based on the preparation that we’ve been doing for the past three weeks, they are expected to lead the team,” Voisin noted.

[A.B.]

Accept no spin from the spinners, post-Games.

The ONLY team that is supposed to beat us at Carifta, in any year, ever, is Jamaica.

If Bahamas or any other country does, it will indicate a continued decline (the one they seem to think doesn't exist, despite declining medals every single year for about five years). Last year we were third, as I recall.

[Socapro]

Accept no spin from the spinners, post-Games.

The ONLY team that is supposed to beat us at Carifta, in any year, ever, is Jamaica.

If Bahamas or any other country does, it will indicate a continued decline (the one they seem to think doesn't exist, despite declining medals every single year for about five years). Last year we were third, as I recall.

Full agreement. I just checked and from a high of 40 medals in 2010 we have declined every year since to a total of just 20 last year with 8 golds.

I think we should be targeting a total of 40 medals at 2014 Carifta Games (or at least half of Jamaica's target total) with hopefully at latest 15 to 20 of those medals being gold.
Do you think this target is realistic given our Carifta T&F Team athletes personnel this year?

Below are the Medal stats for JA, T&T and Bahamas at Carifta over for the last 6 years.

Carifta Medal table 2013
Rank   Nation   Gold   Silver   Bronze   Total
1    Jamaica   29   25   15   69
2    Bahamas   8   10   13   31
3    Trinidad and Tobago   8   2   10   20
4    Barbados   4   14   2   20
5   Guadeloupe/ Guadeloupe   3   1   1   5

Carifta Medal table 2012
Rank   Nation   Gold   Silver   Bronze   Total
1    Jamaica   34   25   19   78
2    Bahamas   14   14   12   40
3    Trinidad and Tobago   6   9   7   22
4    Barbados   2   2   13   17
5   Guadeloupe/ Guadeloupe   2   2   2   6

Carifta Medal table 2011
Rank   Nation   Gold   Silver   Bronze   Total
1    Jamaica   32   23   11   66
2    Barbados   9   8   11   28
3    Trinidad and Tobago   8   12   9   29
4    Bahamas   8   11   11   30
5   Guadeloupe/ Guadeloupe   3   1   2   6

Carifta Medal table 2010
Rank   Nation   Gold   Silver   Bronze   Total
1    Jamaica   363)   22   141)3)   72
2    Trinidad and Tobago   12   16   12   40
3    Bahamas   6   10   13   29
4    Barbados   3   7   8   18
5    Grenada   2   0   2   4

Carifta Medal table 2009
Rank   Nation   Gold   Silver   Bronze   Total
1    Jamaica   39   15   13   67
2    Trinidad and Tobago   9   10   10   29
3    Barbados   4   9   8   21
4    Saint Lucia   4   2   0   6
5    Bahamas   3   17   8   28

Carifta Medal table 2008
Rank   Nation   Gold   Silver   Bronze   Total
1    Jamaica   29   25   15   69
2    Trinidad and Tobago   10   10   10   30
3    Bahamas   8   3   12   23
4    Barbados   7   10   9   26
5   Martinique/ Martinique   5   3   6   14

========================================

Medal Totals Since 1990
Rank   Nation   Gold   Silver   Bronze   Total
1    Jamaica   726   506   327   1,559
2    Trinidad and Tobago   157   197   206   560
3    Bahamas   129   208   238   575
4    Barbados   121   155   183   459
5   Martinique/ Martinique   69   85   109   263

[Socapro]

CARIFTA PREVIEW - Around the Bend
By Noel "Bravo" Francis, Special to TrackAlerts.com
April 15th 10:41am

As we continue our countdown feature towards the CARIFTA games, we now look at a few of the exciting half-lap showdowns.

Under-20 boys 200m

This event will feature a number of athletes who are all capable of running below 21 seconds. Last year’s silver medallist Jevaughn Minzie from Jamaica is a different beast this year and will be going for the gold medal that has been eluding him for years.

Minzie registered two fast times at ‘Champs’, a personal best of 20.37 in the semi-finals and 20.50 seconds to win gold. His more illustrious teammate, World Youth Champion Michael O’Hara is seeking redemption after missing last year’s games and placing third at ‘Champs’. He ran a personal best of 20.60 in the semi-finals at ‘Champs’ and 20.86 for the bronze medal running out of lane eight. Jamaicans felt disappointed by last year’s results in this particular event, as Odail Todd another strong medal hopeful did not finish the race. Both Minzie and O’Hara are determined to restore pride this year.

Trinidad & Tobago’s Jonathan Farinha, a fifth place finisher to O’Hara at the World Youth Championships last year in Ukraine, is an improved sprinter and could challenge the Jamaicans for the gold medal. Bajan sprinter Levi Cadogan who ran a personal best of 20.72 seconds to win the Barbados CARIFTA trials could pose a serious challenge for his more fancied opponents.

Additionally, an exciting yet humble Bahamian sprinter in Steven Gardiner has emerged on the scene this year. Gardiner established a new Bahamian national junior record of 20.68 seconds and could make a lasting impression at the CARIFTA games. His amazing feat is special for the mere fact that he resides in a remote part of the island in Bahamas that does not have a proper running facility. The exposure at the games will be very good for Gardiner. Who will wear the crown in this big 200m showdown? Will Zhanrnel Hughes of Anguilla run the double?

Under-18 Boys 200m

Jamaica has a number of talented sprinters to choose from for this half-lap event. Martin Manley the Under-17 200m champion at CARIFTA last year has been lowering his times almost every time he steps on the track. He posted an impressive personal best of 20.57 seconds at ‘Champs’ in the Class 1 200m semi-finals and ran 20.73 in the finals for silver. His high school teammate and the CARIFTA trials winner, Chad Walker has the ability to crack 21 seconds.

Whilst the exciting Jhevaughn Matherson who ran 20.97 seconds to win the Class 2 title at ‘Champs’ is in the Jamaican squad and available for selection. Raheem Chambers another fine sprinter with a personal best of 21.19 seconds is also eligible. Some Caribbean countries would love to have a selection quandary like this.

Impressive Bajan sprinter Mario Burke, last year’s silver medallist behind Manley is one of the few athletes in this age group capable of preventing Jamaica from claiming the top two spots. Burke who won the Barbados CARIFTA trials in a fast 21.17 seconds will relish the Jamaican challenge to go faster than his personal best of 21.06 seconds. Bahamian sprinters Keanu Pennerman and Kinard Rolle have a never say die attitude and will be running flat out for a medal. Let us hope they do not hurt themselves in the process.

Under-20 Girls 200m

The talented Shaunae Miller of Bahamas and Shericka Jackson of Jamaica both ran under the previous record last year in this event. Miller established a new mark of 22.77 seconds that I believe might stand for some time. Both Miller and Jackson have graduated from CARIFTA, which has left this event wide open this year. Carmiesha Cox the bronze medallist from last year is also absent. Trinidad & Tobago’s Kayelle Clarke a returning finalist who was sixth last year must be confident of winning a medal this year. Clarke won this event at the T&T trials running 23.64 seconds into a negative (-1.6) headwind.

However, Jamaica will pose the biggest threat and the country’s head coach can choose any two from the wonderful trio in Kedisha Dallas, Saqukine Cameron and Jonielle Smith who are all capable of winning medals in this event. Dallas was fifth in the Under-20 200m final last year, and finished second at this year’s trials in 24.03 seconds. After running 23.75 in the semi-finals, she registered 23.95 seconds in the finals at the Inter-Collegiate Track & Field meet racing into a negative (-3.7) headwind.

Cameron won the Jamaica trials in 23.44 seconds and was second at ‘Champs’ in 23.58 to Jonielle Smith. On her day, Cameron is a fantastic athlete but can be inconsistent at times. Despite a lukewarm display at the CARIFTA trials, Smith bounced back in convincing fashion at ‘Champs’ winning the Class 1 event in 23.45 seconds into a negative (-2.7) headwind. She could force the selection panel to enter her in the event based on her championship mettle and current form. Jamaicans are confident in the decision-making capabilities of the management team. 

Under-18 Girls 200m

Jamaica’s Natalliah Whyte last year’s Under-17 sprint double champion should feature prominently is this event. She has been in tremendous form this season winning the big 200m races at the CARIFTA trials and ‘Champs’. At the Boys & Girls Championships, she ran an impressive 23.82 seconds in the semi-finals and cruised to 24.30 in the finals into a strong headwind after her main challenger Shauna Helps had false started.

Two of Whyte’s main competitors in this event are last year’s Under-17 200m silver medallist Jenae Ambrose of Bahamas and fourth place finisher Nelda Huggins of the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Huggins clocked 24.65 seconds into a negative (-2.4) at the BVI trials and is usually a competitive finalist at the CARIFTA games.

Barbadian newcomer Sada Williams could steal the show if nerves do not overcome her. She won the Bajan Under-18 trials in 24.38 seconds easily dismissing the challenge of Tristan Evelyn. However, it was her stunning 23.61 seconds display at the Barbados Secondary Schools Championships two weeks later, which makes her a serious contender for the gold medal. I hope Guyana’s Tirana Mitchell who collected bronze last year in the Under-17 200m event has fully recovered from an injury picked up last season.

Apart from Whyte, Jamaica has enough firepower to challenge for two of the top spots. Whyte’s Jamaican teammates Shellece Clark and Shanice Reid are two quality athletes. Clark who placed second at the trials in 24.46 seconds would be seeking redemption this year after her shocking false start in the Under-17 200m finals last year.

The tall and determined Reid who was second to Whyte at ‘Champs’ in 24.45 seconds running into a (-2.7) negative breeze is also a fierce competitor. Will the Bajan Williams triumph in her first CARIFTA games? A nice battle in the home straight looms. I am really looking forward to this race. 

Look out for more previews

[Deeks]

Accept no spin from the spinners, post-Games.

The ONLY team that is supposed to beat us at Carifta, in any year, ever, is Jamaica.

If Bahamas or any other country does, it will indicate a continued decline (the one they seem to think doesn't exist, despite declining medals every single year for about five years). Last year we were third, as I recall.

I totally agree. I was so disappointed in last year performance. Then that 3 ladies race without a Trini girl particpating. That was totally ridiculous.

[Socapro]

Carifta Games Preview - Relays Fever
By Noel 'Bravo' Francis, Special to TrackAlerts.com
April 18th 1:49am

Over the last six years, the Caribbean has dominated sprint relays and featured prominently in the mile relays at the senior level on the international stage. Today we feature some of the most intense junior rivalries in the Caribbean that will come head-to-head at the CARIFTA games (selected events).

Under-18 Boys 4x400m

Jamaica won all but two relay events at the CARIFTA games last year. The setbacks came in the boys Under-17 4x400m and the girls Under-20 4x100m finals. The new boys’ Under-18 category will see the retention of most team members with a few additions. Bahamas ran a brilliant race in front of their home crowd last year to win the Under-17 4x400m relay ahead of Barbados and Jamaica.

The three countries lock horns again this year and another exciting 4x400m showdown is likely. The Bahamian squad is the same from last year and very confident of winning the gold, likewise Barbados who have the same quartet. However, it is my view that things will be different this year with a much stronger Jamaican unit seeking revenge.

I cannot see a scenario where Jamaica will make the same mistake of using the two best runners (Martin Manley and Jaheel Hyde) on the first two legs and a middle distance runner like what happened last year with Jauavney James on anchor ever happening again. Unless injury forced that decision last year at the last minute, it was a shocking team arrangement evidenced by a disastrous run. This year there should be no such confusion as Jamaica’s head coach can choose a super quartet from Nathaniel Bann, Martin Manley, Nigel Ellis, Jaheel Hyde and Duran Crooks. This team should start as favourites and any running order should win by some distance and erase the bitter memory that still lingers among some Jamaican fans. 

Bahamas will not surrender easily and should provide a spirited challenge throughout. Whilst a Bajan quartet that includes Rivaldo Leacock, Ramarco Thompson, Michael Nicholls and Mario Burke could run below 3:15.00 and collect a medal.

Under-20 Girls 4x100m

Bahamas captured this event last year in 44.77 seconds winning by almost a second over runners-up Barbados. Many persons expected a classic showdown between Bahamas and Jamaica; however, it failed to materialize as Jamaica’s second and third leg runners could not successfully complete the baton exchange. This year will see a few changes in all the teams and a massive showdown is expected. The Bahamians have retained Devynne Charlton and Kieanna Albury from the winning quartet. Makeya White and Loushanya Neymour could form the other half of the team. Barbados might struggle to find a competitive team this year.

Jamaica with a possible quartet of Saqukine Cameron, Jonielle Smith, Kedisha Dallas and Chanice Bonner in running order will be seeking redemption. Although she did not compete in the sprints at the Jamaica CARIFTA trials, this writer feels the long striding Claudette Allen is one of the most impressive backstretch runners who could add depth to the squad. She has done extremely well for her school Edwin Allen in four record-breaking 4x100m races this season. At the end of this article, please watch video of Allen outstanding run at ‘Champs’ 2014. If Allen is eligible for selection, Jonielle Smith could replace Bonner on anchor. Will Bahamas defend their title against the odds?

Under-18 Boys 4x100m

I expect this super Under-18 Jamaica quartet to not only win convincingly but also run as fast as the fastest Under-20 team at the games. Despite retaining three members of the winning Under-17 4x100m team, only Raheem Chambers is likely to be included on the team this year. The team has four outstanding speed merchants and if the baton goes around smoothly, a sub 40 seconds clocking is highly possible. The battle for silver and bronze should be very close between Barbados and Bahamas for a second year running. Do not miss this event and remember these Jamaican names Waseem Williams, Chad Walker, Jhevaughn Matherson and Raheem Chambers.

Under-20 boys 4x400m

Last year Jamaica won this event with the outstanding Javon Francis on anchor. Francis after collecting the baton in third place ran past T&T’s Machel Cedenio and Bahamian Andre Colebrooke to take Jamaica to the title and a new record 3:05.68. The departure of three key members (Francis included) from the Jamaica team effectively makes this encounter a lot closer this year among the countries. T&T with a squad that includes Machel Cedenio, Asa Guevara, Theon Lewis, Ruebin Walters, Aaron Lewis and Nathan Farinha looks very strong.

Jamaica despite fielding a brand new team this year is still capable of defending its title. The team should come from a pool that includes Nathon Allen, Ivan Henry, Marco Doodnaughtsingh, Okeen Williams, Marvin Williams and Jevaughn Minzie.

Both Jamaica and T&T dipped under the previous record 3:07.10 last year, Jamaica won in 3:05.68 and T&T got silver in 3:06.23. I expect both countries to go very close to those times in what could be a super final. Bahamas will be competitive in the initial stages, however, they lack the necessary firepower this year to challenge the top two in the latter stages.

Under-20 Boys 4x100m

Last year Bahamas, just like Jamaica, in the female section failed to finish this relay that was highly touted between the two countries. Trinidad & Tobago last year’s silver medal winner is likely to field a quartet consisting of Jonathan Farinha, Micah Ballentyne, John-Mark Constantine and Jamal Bridges. This team can pose a strong challenge to the Bahamians and Jamaicans. Last year T&T led the field in the home straight before Jamaica overtook them, courtesy of a blazing anchor leg run from Odail Todd. 

Bahamas will be seeking redemption after last year’s disaster. They have retained two members from last year in Cliff Resias and Ian Kerr. Deedro Clarke and Steven Gardiner two exciting prospects should join them to make a formidable unit. However, it is my view that a Jamaican quartet in the following running order will be very difficult to beat: 1) Raheem Robinson, 2) Michael O’Hara, 3) Tyler Mason and 4) Jevaughn Minzie. Track fans are in for a treat as bragging rights are at an all-time high.

Conclusion

Jamaica is set to retain its CARIFTA title in the French island of Martinique on April 21, 2014. Bahamas has always expressed its intention of dethroning Jamaica and the same objectives are on the table this year. Some Jamaicans feel it is a desire, which is easier said than done. The fans argue that Jamaica has not lost a CARIFTA games since 1985 and their stocks of quality athletes does not seem to be depleting anytime soon.

Last year Bahamas won 31 medals in total, whilst Jamaica’s gold medal tally of 29 almost cancelled out Bahamas’ overall count. Jamaica went on to win officially 69 medals overall inclusive of 29 gold, 25 silver and 15 bronze. Therefore, the fans believe the margin of quality athletes and performances from Jamaica at this time are much wider than some persons are willing to accept.

I hope to see an injury free and exciting 2014 CARIFTA games. Good luck to all the athletes.

Claudette Allen on the second leg for Edwin Allen

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/CsngO3DpyjA" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/CsngO3DpyjA</a>

[Socapro]

2014 Carifta Games March Pass: Caribbean Delegations in 2014 Carifta Games March Pass
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/ghSu864kFyI" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/ghSu864kFyI</a>

Machel Cedenio wants to defend his 400m title
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/7TFOdbUh-ZI" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/7TFOdbUh-ZI</a>

Machel Cedenio of Trinidad and Tobago wants to defend his 400m Under20 boys title here at Carifta Games 2014 in Martinique. Interview courtesy of Trackalerts TV.

[Socapro]

Time to ‘bleed’
Cedenio, Farinha bid for Carifta honours
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Apr 18, 2014 at 8:19 PM ECT

Machel Cedenio and Jonathan Farinha will fly the flag for Trinidad and Tobago on the opening day of the Carifta Games, in Fort de France, Martinique, today. Cedenio will bid to retain his boys’ under-20 400 metres title, while Farinha battles for honours in the boys’ under-20 100m dash.
Reigning century champion Zharnel Hughes clocked 10.12 seconds to strike gold at the Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships, in Jamaica last month. However, the Anguillan hurt his hamstring and opted out of the 200m final.
Farinha, who clocked a wind-assisted 10.18 at Carifta trials, is sure to be a contender for precious metal in today’s boys’ under-20 100m event. Hughes, though, if fit to compete, will undoubtedly be the favourite for gold. But, as National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) president Ephraim Serrette noted, medals are earned on the day of the event.
“If somebody runs a time in Boys’ Champs, they need to come and run that time in Martinique because we all start over at zero. So you don’t go in with this fear that somebody would have done 10.1 or 20-point or whatever. ‘’Based on the results coming out of the trials we had and the other events--even up to last weekend at Falcon Games-- I think the athletes are well prepared. We should see a better showing of the team.’’
At Carifta 2013, in Bahamas, T&T earned eight gold medals, two silver and ten bronze to finish third.
‘’This is the largest team we’re taking outside of Trinidad and Tobago,’’ said Serrette. ‘’We started off with 69. We’re now at 67. Two athletes got injured.’’
Serrette added that on Tuesday, Jehue Gordon, T&T’s reigning world champion in the men’s 400m hurdles, gave the Carifta team a motivational speech. ‘’He held court with the young athletes. And I remember his last words: ‘You need to bleed red, white and black’’’.
Chelsea James will bid for a hat-trick of titles today when she competes in the girls’ under-18 shot put. Also wearing T&T colours will be middle-distance runner Nicholas Landeau. The England-based athlete bids for honours in the boys’ under-20 1500m.
Among the other standouts on the T&T team are defending boys’ under-20 5,000m champion Akeem Marshall, 2013 girls’ under-17 300m hurdles gold medallist Jeminise Parris, two-time boys’ under-17 long jump champion Andwuelle Wright, and thrower Shakeil Waithe. At the Carifta trials, Waithe produced a big 72.15 metres throw to win the boys’ under-20 javelin.

[Socapro]

James, Cedenio to lead TT at Carifta
Saturday, April 19 2014 (T&T Newsday)

DEFENDING girls under 17 shot put champion and record holder Chelsea James will spearhead Trinidad and Tobago’s campaign on the opening day of the 43rd annual Carifta Games at the Pierre Aliker Municipal Stadium in Fort de France, Martinique today.

James will compete in the girls under 18 shot put finals at 11 am. The Signal Hill Secondary fifth form student warmed up for this year’s Games with a personal best throw of 15.38 at last weekend’s Falcon Games. The Tobago Falcons thrower will be going for her third straight gold after she took the 2013 girls under 17 crown with a games record of 14.48 metres. Akidah Briggs will also represent TT in the event and could medal after she threw a personal best of 14.98 to beat James at the Carifta trials. James will have a busy day when she returns to the field at 6.25 pm for the girls under 18 discus finals and again will be one of the favorites for gold.

James established a new personal best of 41.61 at the Falcon Games. Last year’s bronze medallist Shaian Charles will also be contender for gold.

Boys under 20 Carifta champion Machel Cedenio will also defend his title later today. Cedenio took the 2012 title in the Bahamas by finishing strongly to take the gold medal in a personal best of time of 45.93, outdipping Jamaican Jevon Francis and home town favourite Stephen Newbold of the Bahamas.

The 18-year-old Simplex sprinter qualified for this year’s Carifta meet with a time of 46.27 at the Carifta trials in March. The lanky Presentation College/San Fernando student has been training in the US since his victory at the trials. The boys under 20 400m heats are set for 11.05 am with the finals carded for 6.45 pm. Asa Guevera is this country’s other entrant. The 2012 World Junior bronze medallist will be looking to improve on his fifth place in last year’s finals.

Jonathan Farinha will bid for gold in the boys under 20 100m. The Queen’s Royal College student won the event at the Carifta trials in a wind aided time of 10.18. However, there are reports that he has been recovering a leg injury. The heats of the boys under 20 100m are set for 10.05 am with the semis (5 pm) and the finals (8 pm). Micah Ballantyne will be vie for gold.

The first medal for TT could come in the first final of the day the boys under 20 discus where Kenejah Williams will be this country’s representative. Williams will be seeking to gold and improve on his eight place finish in 2013. The Tobago Falcons athlete won the boys under 17 title in 2011.

UK-based distance runner Nicholas Landeau will be seeking to end his Carifta campaign with a gold. The 2011 Boys under 17 1500m and 3000m champion will contest the boys under 20 1500m finals carded for 6.00 pm.

The Bemont Boys Secondary graduate fine tuned his preparation taking the men’s 1500m crown at the Falcons Games in 3:57.69. Trials winner Ashton Gill will make his Carifta debut.

[Socapro]

T&T’s James, Cedenio hunt gold on opening day
Published: Saturday, April 19, 2014
Clayton Clarke (T&T Guardian)

Defending two girls Under-17 shot put champion and record holder Chelsea James will spearhead T&T’s campaign on the opening day of the 43rd annual Carifta Games at the Pierre Aliker Municipal Stadium in Fort de France, Martinique later today. James will compete in the girls Under-18 shot put finals at 11 am. The Signal Hill Secondary fifth form student warmed up for this year’s Games with a personal best (pb) throw of 15.38 metres at last weekend’s Falcon Games. James will be going for her third straight gold after she took the 2013 girls Under-17 crown with a Games record of 14.48.
 
Akidah Briggs will also represent T&T in the event and could medal after throwing a personal best of 14.98 to beat James at the Carifta trials. James will have a busy day when she returns to the field at 6.25 pm for the girls Under-18 discus finals and again will be one of the favourites for gold. James established a new personal best  of 41.61 at the Falcon Games. Last year’s bronze medallist Shaian Charles will also be contender for gold. James said she hopes to better her personal best throws. “This year I am going there just to do my best. My personal best at the Falcon Games really boosted my confidence because I hope to go out there and throw about 16 metres (in the shot put).”
 
Boys Under-20 Carifta champion Machel Cedenio will also defend his title later today. Cedenio took the 2012 title in the Bahamas finished strongly to take the gold in pb of 45.93, outdipping Jamaican Jevon Francis and home town favourite Stephen Newbold of the Bahamas. The 18-year-old Simplex sprinter qualified for this year’s Carifta meet with a time of 46.27 at the Carifta trials in March. The lanky Presentation College/San Fernando student has been training in the US since his victory at the trials. The boys Under-20 400m heats are set for 11.05 am with the finals carded for 6.45 pm. Asa Guevera is this country’s other entrant. The 2012 World Junior bronze medallist will be looking to improve on his fifth place in last year’s final. Cedenio said, “I am going out there and do my best. I am going to try to defend my title, give it my all and have fun.” 
 
The World Youth and Junior finalist added that he may be trying a new race strategy. “Last year’s win was exciting but each year everybody gets better so some of the tactics I used last year may not work this year. So I have to change up my game. I will have to run hard the first part of the race and still come home strong.” Jonathan Farinha will bid for gold in the boys Under-20 100m. The Queen’s Royal College student won the event at the Carifta trials in a wind-aided time of 10.18. However, there are reports that he has been recovering a leg injury. The heats of the boys Under-20 100m are set for 10.05 m with the semifinals at 5 pm) and the final at 8 pm. Micah Ballantyne will be vying for gold. The lanky Abilene Wildcats competitor said all is in place for him to excel.
 
“So far everything has been well. It is just to come out and execute tomorrow (today). I am feeling good. I have not had a chance to run on the track though. I want to go out there with a proper mindset.” The first medal for T&T could come in the first final of the day the boys Under-20 discus where Kenejah Williams will this country’s representative. Williams will be seeking gold to improve on his eighth-place finish in 2013. The Tobago Falcons athlete won the boys Under-17 title in 2011. UK-based distance runner Nicholas Landeau will be seeking to end his Carifta campaign with a gold. The 2011 Boys Under-17 1,500m and 3,000m champion will contest the boys Under-20 1,500m final carded for 6pm. The Bemont Boys Secondary graduate fine tuned his preparation taking the men’s 1,500m crown at the Falcons Games in 3:57.69. Trials winner Ashton Gill will make his Carifta debut. The opening ceremony took place last evening.
 
Schedule
Morning Session
9 am: Girls Open Heptathlon (Meriah Freeman/Ayanna Glascow); Boys Under-20 discus finals (Kenejah Williams); Girls Under-18 high Jump final (Khemani Roberts); Boys Under-18 Javelin finals (Tyriq Horsford)
9.10 am: Boys Open Octathlon (Kevin Roberts/Victor Isaac)
9.20 am: Girls Under-18 100m heats (Jenea Spinks/Jael Ferguson)
9.35 am: Boys Under-18 100m heats (Adel Colthrust, Akanni Hislop)
9.50 am: Girls Under-20 100m heats (Aaliyah Telesford/Kayelle Clarke)
10.05 am: Boys Under-20 100m heats (Jonathan Farinha/Micah Ballyntine)
10.20 am: Girls Under-18 400m semis (Renee Stoddard, Thyla-Marie Scott)
10.35 am: Boys Under-18 400m (Kashef King, Jacob St Clair)
10.50 am: Girls Under-20 400m (Ayoka Cummings)
11 am: Girls Under-18 Shot put finals (Chelsea James/Akidah Briggs); Boys Under-20 400m (Machel Cedenio, Asa Guevera)
5.30 pm: B Under-20 1500m finals (Nicholas Landeau/Ashton Gill)

[Socapro]

Here are three links to follow the 2014 Carifta Games live from Martinique starting this Easter Saturday 19 April from 5pm:

2014 Carifta Games Video Link Martinique 1ère

Watch 2014 Carifta Games Live Stream - Team Jamaica

Watch 2014 Carifta Games Live Video Stream - Plus Chat Box

[Aviator]

Meet Results:

http://www.carifta2014.fr/en/les-resultats/

[Socapro]

Another live link: http://justdwl.net/2014-carifta-games-live-stream.html

[Aviator]

Cedenio wins the 400m in 45.95!!

[D.H.W]

Cedenio wins the 400m in 45.99!!

 

[royal]

Cedenio wins the 400m in 45.99!!

 

I believe its 45.95 . Congrats to him anyway !!!!

[asylumseeker]

Who is de Trini presenting the medals?

[STMB]

Cedenio wins the 400m in 45.99!!

 

I believe its 45.95 . Congrats to him anyway !!!!

Nice victory. Hope unlike last year that this was not his peak performance, so that he can add to the ever improving 400 and 4x400 pool

[Aviator]

Farinha just ran 10.27(+1.7m/s) from lane one for 3rd.