By EZRA STUART in Grenada
Debutant Jayden Walcott put a silver lining on Barbados’ campaign as medals continue to be as hard to get at the 51st CARIFTA Games as a new National Stadium.
Walcott, competing in his first CARIFTA at the Kirani James Stadium here yesterday, secured a silver medal in the Under-17 Boys’ shot put when he pushed the iron ball to a personal best of 15.37 metres.
The 14-year-old Combermere fourth former from Maycocks Terrace in St Lucy, put behind him a strange start when the shot slipped from his grasp and landed a mere 8.75 metres.
He kept improving as the event went on, putting 13.53 metres, 11.70 and 13.71 before he came up with his life-time best effort on his fifth attempt.
The event was won by Jamaican Javontae Smith with a new CARIFTA Games’ record put of 18.80 metres. Jaylen Stuart (15.28) of The Bahamas gained the bronze medal.
Walcott’s effort and a bronze by Under-20 Boys’ long jumper, Teon Haynes, who leapt 7.32 metres in the morning session, brought Barbados’ medal haul to a meagre three – one silver, two bronze – after two days of competition. (EZS)
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