The weekend of April 7 -10th 2023 saw SPIRE track and field student athletes performing at the 50th Carifta Games in Nassau, Bahamas.

The Carifta Games are well-known in the world of track and field. It is a high-profile event that has seen World Record holders compete early on in their careers. In fact, it is considered by some to be an event that can often lead an athlete to the Olympics. Before competing in The Olympic Games themselves, track and field Olympians: Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake, Shelly Ann Fraser and SPIRE’s own Kerron Stewart all previously competed at the Carifta Games. 

This competition illustrates the dedication of SPIRE’s student athletes. To participate in this event, athletes must be the best of the best in their respective event. SPIRE had not just one, but two international students who qualified and competed.

Kadia Rock, who was competing for Barbados, and Ajani Daley, who was competing for Antigua and Barbuda both ran in the 200M dash. There they both qualified for the semi-finals, with both athletes earning personal best running times in their respective races. Rock also ran in the 4X400, where her team earned 2nd place. In the 100M final, Daley placed 4th and set yet another personal best, raising the bar even higher for himself.

Kerron Stewart, Sprints Head Coach at SPIRE, accompanied Rock and Daley to Nassau and shared, “To be able to represent your country at the Carifta Games is very special to every junior athlete. I am very proud of Kadia and Ajani, they both went out and preform at a high level. I am super excited for the future of the SPIRE track and field program.”

This is an extremely elite event for these young athletes to compete in, and their commitment to their sport is shown clearly in their skill level, drive, and competitive spirit. Both of these young athletes made their home countries and SPIRE proud.