The Caribbean’s top youth and junior athletes began their quest for glory at the 2026 CARIFTA Games at the Kirani James Stadium in Grenada, with Jamaica setting the early pace after a dominant opening day.

Jamaica dominates early

Jamaica’s strength across track and field was evident as they secured 7 gold medals on day one.

On the track, Shameika McLean won the Girls U-17 400m in 52.47s, while Jason Pitter (47.47s) and Diwayne Sharpe(47.89s) secured a one-two finish in the Boys U-17 400m.

Sprint gold also came from Kai Kelly in the Boys U-17 100m (10.37) and Shanoya Douglas in the Girls U-20 100m (11.13).

In the field, Joshua Patrick led a one-two finish in the Boys U-17 triple jump (14.59m) ahead of Talshawn Edwards, while Joseph Salmon (65.38m) and Kamari Kennedy secured another one-two in the Boys U-20 discus.

Joel Morgan added to the tally with victory in the Boys U-20 1500m, and Jamaica also finished second in the mixed 4x400m relay.

Trinidad and Tobago claims double gold

Trinidad and Tobago secured 2 gold medals on the opening day.

Nyla Kerr won the Girls U-17 1500m in 4:43.6, overtaking defending champion Oshea Cummings on the home stretch.

In the field, Seannah Parsons captured gold in the Girls U-20 triple jump with a mark of 13.12m, improving significantly from her 7th place finish in 2025. Léane Alfred took silver (12.91m), while Mélodie Peux claimed bronze (12.57m).

Trinidad and Tobago also secured a one-two finish in the Girls U-17 1500m, while picking up several other medals across sprint and field events, including bronze from Tessica Laurence in the girls pole vault.

Guyana strikes relay gold

Guyana delivered one of the standout performances of the day, winning the mixed 4x400m relay in a record time of 3:20.78. Jamaica finished second, while Bahamas took bronze.

Guyana also dominated the U-20 400m events, with Tianna Springer retaining her title and Malachi Austin winning the Boys race.

Regional highlights

Host nation Grenada celebrated gold through Deshawn Smart in the Boys U-17 javelin.

Saint Lucia claimed gold in the Girls U-17 high jump through Destinee Cenac, while Naya Jules added silver in the girls pole vault. Denzel Phillips earned bronze in the U20 discus throw.

Martinique’s Naima Caprice won gold in the pole vault, while Cayman Islands secured gold and bronze in the Girls U-17 shot put through Gabriella Linton and Kaliah Haye.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Tyra Fenton captured gold in the Girls U-17 100m (11.30) and bronze in the 400m (52.62s).

Bermuda’s Miles Outerbridge delivered a historic performance, breaking his country’s national 100m record twice on his way to gold in 10.21.

Medal tally (selected Day 1 highlights)

• Jamaica – 7 gold, 7 silver, 2 bronze (16 total)
• Guyana – 3 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze (5 total)
• Trinidad and Tobago – 2 gold, 4 silver, 7 bronze (13 total)
• Bahamas – 0 gold, 5 silver, 5 bronze (10 total)
• Grenada – 1 gold, 0 silver, 2 bronze (3 total)
• Saint Lucia – 1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze (3 total)
• Barbados – 1 gold, 1 silver, 0 bronze (2 total)
• Cayman Islands – 1 gold, 0 silver, 1 bronze (2 total)
• Antigua and Barbuda – 1 gold, 0 silver, 1 bronze (2 total)
• Martinique – 1 gold, 0 silver, 1 bronze (2 total)
• Bermuda – 1 gold, 0 silver, 0 bronze (1 total)
• French Guiana – 0 gold, 1 silver, 0 bronze (1 total)