It was a day of celebration yesterday at Foga Road High School in Clarendon as the institution recognised the outstanding performances of its athletes, especially Shameika McLean and Paul Henry, who struck gold in the girls’ Class Two and boys’ Class One 400 metres, respectively at the GraceKennedy ISSA Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs).
McLean, in her first year in Class Two, captured the one-lap event in a personal best 52.22 seconds. She also went on to win the Under-17 400m at the recent Carifta Games in 52.47 seconds, breaking the 2018 record of 53.19 seconds held by Megan Moss of The Bahamas. In doing so, she became the first Under-17 athlete to go under 53 seconds in the event.
McLean, who also ran the anchor leg on Jamaica’s winning Under-17 4x400m team, is now the country’s fastest junior athlete in the event.
Her Champs-winning performance has placed her among the top Under-18 athletes in the world and eighth best among Under-20s.
Henry also delivered a standout performance, capturing the boys’ Class One 400m title in a personal best 46.20 seconds. He later represented Jamaica at the Carifta Games, where he won silver medals in both the Under-20 mixed relay and the 4x400m relay.
Yesterday’s recognition ceremony took place on the school campus, following a celebratory motorcade through the town of May Pen. The athletes were warmly received by cheering supporters who lined the streets in appreciation.
Head coach Milton Sergeant expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the school and wider community.
“Today was all about celebrating our athletes, who did an excellent job at Champs. We took 11 athletes to the championships, and four made it to the finals. We could have done even better, but our boys’ medley relay team was unfortunate to be disqualified for a false start,” said Sergeant.
“I am extremely proud of the team, especially Shameika and Paul, who both won their events. I am particularly pleased with Paul’s performance, as, while Shameika was the favourite, Paul came into Champs with an injury. He had to adjust his strategy and still managed to produce a personal best,” he added.
Sergeant also highlighted McLean’s long-term development.
“Shameika only contested the 400m at Champs as part of her long-term preparation, as we are looking ahead to the World Under-20 Championships,” he said.
He further noted the significance of the community’s support.
“Seeing the support from the teaching staff, ancillary workers, parents and the wider community was amazing. What touched me most was seeing the teachers and students of May Pen Primary, Shameika’s former school, stopping what they were doing to join the celebration as the motorcade passed,” he said.
Both athletes expressed gratitude for the recognition.
“It is amazing to see everyone who came out to support us. I feel really good, and this is great motivation going forward. I want to big up my coach and Principal Orrette Wallace, who made this possible,” said McLean, who is now focused on making Jamaica’s team to the World Under-20 Championships.
“My job is not finished. I am looking forward to making the national team to compete at the World Under-20 Championships,” she added.
Henry also praised the support he received.
“It is an overwhelming feeling seeing the support we got today — teachers, students and well-wishers showing their love. A big thank you to the teachers, Coach Sergeant and Principal Wallace for making this happen,” he said.
Looking ahead, Henry is aiming even higher.
“I am looking forward to representing my country at the World Under-20 Championships, and I am already focused on Champs 2027. I want to do something special next year and definitely go after the Class One 400m record,” Henry said confidently.
