The second day of the Athletics Association of Guyana’s (AAG) National Senior Championships brought the National Track & Field Facility to life with a series of exhilarating performances on Saturday, particularly in the highly anticipated 100m finals.
In front of an enthusiastic crowd, Emmanuel Archibald of the Police Progressive Sports Club delivered a show-stopping performance, storming to victory in the men’s 100m final with a blistering, wind-assisted time of 9.98 seconds (+2.4 m/s). His impressive run placed him ahead of the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Akeem Stewart (10.11s) and teammate Ezekiel Newton (10.21s), capping one of the most competitive sprints of the day.
Archibald’s win followed a commanding semi-final display where he clocked 10.15s to top his heat, setting the tone for what would be a memorable finale. Joining him in the final were strong contenders from both the GDF and Police camps, with the semi-final rounds seeing standout performances from Shamar Horatio (10.17s), Newton (10.22s), Revon Williams (10.44s), and Noelex Holder (10.44s).
A look at the 100M podium featuring, from left, Akeem Stewart’ Emanuel Archibald, and Ezekiel Newton
On the women’s side, rising sprint sensation Tianna Springer continued her stellar form, clinching gold for the Police club in 11.52 s. Springer edged out GDF’s Tonya Rawlins (11.77s) and Akela Dover of Running Brave Athletic Club (11.82s) in a tightly fought contest that reaffirmed her status as a promising national talent.
Beyond the headline sprints, the day’s events showcased a wide array of athletic prowess across track and field disciplines. GDF’s Simeon Adams captured the men’s 400m title in 48.70s, narrowly ahead of teammate Joshua Lam (49.25s) and Police’s Tishawn Easton (49.95s). In the women’s race, seasoned athlete Aliyah Abrams cruised to victory in 53.73s, followed by GDF duo Keliza Smith and Kenisha Phillips.
In middle-distance action, Matthew Gordon of the Police club claimed the men’s 1500m title with a time of 4:07.02, while Donnel Fraser of Upper Demerara Schools triumphed in the women’s race in 5:40.89.
Field events also delivered standout results. GDF’s Ameka Eastman led a dominant showing in the women’s discus, securing the top spot with a throw of 34.57 m. On the men’s side, Jemaine Simmons ensured another discus victory for GDF with a mark of 42.34 m. Marquez Miggins (Running Brave) and Royston Ross (Team Nice) also earned podium finishes.
In the hurdles, GDF’s Tony Ogle edged out the competition in the men’s 110m event with a 15.01s effort, while teammate Toyan Reymond won the women’s 100m hurdles in a close finish over Police’s Leoni Adams, 16.39s to 16.42s.
The day’s competition concluded with the men’s 4x100m relay, where GDF’s ‘B’ team blazed to victory in 41.60s, powered by smooth baton exchanges and strong anchor legs from Stewart, Newton, Ogle, and Keiron De Souza. Upper Demerara Schools and Police Progressive Sports Club finished second and third, respectively.
As the Championships gear up for their final day, anticipation is high for more standout performances. The Athletics Association of Guyana commends all participating athletes, coaches, and officials for their commitment to excellence and sportsmanship.