Immaculate elated about first, second finish in Class Four

On Wednesday's second day of competition at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships, the Immaculate Conception High pair of Kayla Johnson and Naje Brown pulled off a major surprise by finishing first and second, respectively, in the Class Four 100 metres final.

It was the first time Immaculate had finished first and second in a track event at Champs.

Johnson won in 11.97 seconds, with Brown second in 12.20 in what was regarded as a massive upset, putting away the likes of Hydel High's Gabrielle Morgan and Mount Alvernia High's Giana Murray, who ended third and fourth, respectively, with both crossing the line in 12.24.

Immaculate's head coach, Franz Ford, was elated about the history-making feat.

"To God be the glory. We actually saw that coming but not like the way in which it happened," said Ford. "It was a good boost for the team, but the girls were already focused coming into the championships," he stated.

Ford said that both girls were motivated by the performances earlier in the day by two of their throwers.

"They were excited from early in the afternoon as the team got on the scoreboard with the efforts of Class Two shot putter Toniann Bryan and Class One discus thrower Maja Henry," said Ford.

Bryan finished sixth in the Class Two shot put with a personal best of 13.19 metres to pick up three points, while there was also a personal best for Henry in the Class One discus with a seventh-place finish for two points.

According to Ford, the job is not yet finished.

"Great achievement so far from the girls, but the job is not yet finished, as the coaching staff will ensure that the girls remain focused for the remainder of the championships," he concluded.