In what could be described as another memorable chapter in the rich history of the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Championships at Kingston's National Stadium, former high school track stars Daniel England and Anneisha McLaughlin-Whilby were honoured with the first-ever GKMS Western Union Icon Award, presented by title sponsors GraceKennedy Money Services.
Throughout his high school career, England, who was popularly known as “The Little Warrior”, ran undefeated over the 400m and lost only once in the 200m during his four years representing Calabar High School leading them to titles in 1988, 1989 and 1990. His only loss came at the hands of St Jago’s Donovan Powell, the elder brother of former 100m world record holder Asafa Powell.
England’s legacy at Calabar remains unparalleled and he expressed his heartfelt gratitude upon receiving the prestigious award. "It is an honour to be recognized," he remarked, his voice tinged with emotion. "It was a pleasure. I thank God. I thank Herb McKenley, I thank the Calabar Old Boys for supporting me over the years and I just appreciate it. I am feeling overwhelmed. It was an exciting moment and I am just glad to be here and to be able to know what I did in the past has some value for the future."
Boasting a similar legacy that featured 19 gold medals throughout her illustrious high school career during which she set many records, one of which still stands today, McLaughlin-Whilby’s incredibly versatile talents in the 200m and 400m led Holmwood Technical to girls’ titles in 2003, 2004 and 2005 and laid the foundation for the school’s nine consecutive championships.
Her Class 3 400m record of 52.52 set in 2001 still stands today after more than two decades.
In her final year, McLaughlin-Whilby defeated one Shelly-Ann Fraser to win the Class 1 100m dash to end her high-school career on a winning note.
Equally moved by the recognition, she shared her surprise and joy at being bestowed with the iconic award. "It was a big surprise. I really thought I was here to do medal presentations but I am very appreciative and very happy that my achievements have been recognized," she expressed, her gratitude evident in every word. "I am very proud of all that I did in high school. I still have a record at champs but this is an addition and I am very appreciative.”
As McLaughlin-Whilby spoke, her twin daughters, already showing signs of following in their mother's legendary footsteps, added a touch of poignancy to the moment. "They actually are (following in her footsteps). They had sports day today and they finished first and second," she proudly declared, embodying the spirit of athletic excellence that runs in the family.
Gabriel Heron, Head of Business Transformation at GraceKennedy Money Services, underscored the significance of honouring Jamaica's sporting icons. "I must give kudos to the team because it goes back to our GraceKennedy mantra 'We Care'," he affirmed while speaking exclusively to Sportsmax.TV. "And in really thinking through the concept, we came up with how can we show and give respect to individuals who really laid the foundation for Boys and Girls Championships."
Heron emphasized the importance of recognizing the legacy and contributions of athletes like England and McLaughlin-Whilby in shaping Jamaica's sporting heritage. "This whole idea of nation-building surrounding the championships, this element of it is a part of it," he stated. "It’s showing the history that we must always be grateful and show support for the individuals that laid the foundation.
“For the persons who were in the audience, you could see that there was a strong connection and the memory that it would have recalled seeing Daniel England flashing around the bend, seeing Anneisha with her hair bouncing around the bend, those kind of memories come back to us and also reinforces the history of Champs and where we’re coming from as well.
“And as a company we really revel in that and we should be proud of those moments and we should always and consistently recognize our sports icons in all facets of life and this was a critical moment.”
Leighton Levy is a journalist with 28 years’ experience covering crime, entertainment, and sports. He joined the staff at SportsMax.TV as a content editor two years ago and is enjoying the experience of developing sports content and new ideas. At SportsMax.tv he is pursuing his true passion - sports.
Honouring Hubert Lawrence: Jamaica Observer’s Paul Reid accepts Jesse Abramson Award on behalf of late colleague
In a poignant moment during Saturday’s final day of 128th edition of the Penn Relays, veteran sports journalist Paul Reid accepted the prestigious Jesse Abramson Award on behalf of his late friend, brother, and colleague, Hubert Lawrence. The ceremony, tinged with both celebration and remembrance, highlighted Lawrence's unparalleled contributions to track and field journalism and his lasting impact on the sport.
"It's an absolute honour to receive the Jesse Abramson Award for excellence in track and field journalism on behalf of Hubert Lawrence," expressed Reid, who was the first Jamaican sports journalist to receive the award in 2010.
"This award was long overdue given Hubert's outstanding body of work, particularly at the Penn Relays, which he covered for over 25 years. Hubert would have cherished this moment, especially witnessing Excelsior's historic win after nearly 60 years."
Excelsior High School won the Championship of America High School Boys 4x100m in a time of 40.45. It was the first time they were winning the event since they last claimed victory in 1967.
Reid's emotional words encapsulated the deep bond shared with Lawrence, who passed away suddenly on February 23, 2024. The Penn Relays marked a poignant occasion for both friends, whose coverage of the event spanned more than three decades. "He (Lawrence) would have pulled up a long list of statistics and facts," Reid remarked in reference to Excelsior historic win. "It was surreal standing there on the infield during the ceremony as I had missed my award in 2010 because I had no idea that I was being awarded and was busy working at the time. Hubert leaves a massive legacy and he is missed every day, especially at track and field meets."
The decision to honour Lawrence posthumously was prompted by Irwin Clare of Team Jamaica Bickle, a longstanding supporter of Jamaican and Caribbean athletes at the Penn Relays.
"With his untimely passing, we felt this was an extremely appropriate time to honour someone who had such a profound impact on track and field in Jamaica and at the Penn Relays," remarked Aaron Robison, the meet director of the Penn Relays. "Hubert was universally respected and admired, not only by athletes and coaches but also by the entire media fraternity. His integrity and dignity in reporting earned him admiration from all quarters of the sport."
Lawrence's legacy transcended journalism, resonating deeply with athletes and coaches who held him in high regard for his professionalism and genuine passion for track and field.
The posthumous recognition underscores the enduring influence of his work and the profound loss felt by the athletics community. As Reid stood on the infield, accepting the award, the void left by Lawrence's absence was palpable, a testament to the indelible mark he made in the world of sports journalism.
In honouring Hubert Lawrence with the Jesse Abramson Award, the Penn Relays celebrated not only a remarkable journalist but also a cherished friend and colleague whose legacy continues to inspire and resonate within the track and field community.
KC wins third straight Championship of America 4x400m title at Penn Relays; JC wins 4x800m
Kingston College made it three Championship of America 4x400m titles in a row with a comfortable win in the event on the third and final day of the 128th Penn Relays at Franklin Field in Philadelphia on Saturday.
Their quartet of Antonio Forbes, Amal Glasgow, Roshawn Lee and Marcinho Rose combined to run 3:11.86 to win ahead of Excelsior (3:12.94) and Bullis School (3:13.10).
Elsewhere, Jamaica College won their second Championship of America 4x800m relay in three years.
Their team of Nellie Amberton, Samuel Creary, Rasheed Pryce and Kemarrio Bygrave produced a time of 7:42.37 to win ahead of St. John’s College (7:44.66) and Central Bucks West (7:45.99).
Excelsior leads Jamaican 1-2-3 in Championship of America High School Boys 4x100m at Penn Relays
Excelsior High emerged victorious in the Championship of America High School Boys 4x100m on the third and final day at the 128th Penn Relays at Franklin Field in Philadelphia on Saturday.
Their quartet of Ryeem Walker, Damor Miller, Malike Nugent and Lennon Green combined to run 40.45 to secure the school’s first win in the event since 1967.
Kingston College (Daniel Clarke, Yourie Lawrence-Clarke, Nyrone Wade, Marcinho Rose) were second in 40.53 and Herbert Morrison (Ky-Mani Hemmings, Tavaine Stewart, Chance Segree, De Andre Daley) completed a Jamaican 1-2-3 with 40.56 in third.
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