CHAMPS
A CONSISTENT PASSION
THE YEAR 2017 came with the usual excitement associated with Jamaica’s largest and most grand sporting event, the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships. But in addition to the thrill, there was also drama that filled the air, and the school with most dramatic tale that year was Kingston College.
The Ugandan middle- and long-distance runner, Aryamanya Rodgers, joined the KC fold and the controversial addition had rivals fuming, as it meant the boys from North Street had what they needed to get over hump and win the competition. He would go on to place second in the 1500m finals. But in almost poetic fashion, the plot would thicken when KC’s Collin Rowe was disqualified after a tussle with Calabar ’s Javon Taye Williams in the Class 1 boys’ 800 final.
We all know what happened next. ‘Rabalac’ would go on to win the competition and bring home another title to Red Hills Road. Whether you accept it or not, t his is why we l ove Champs.
Controversy aside, there is virtually no margin for error and the slightest mistake or mishap can cost your favourite school the competition. Calabar ended on 317 points, three ahead of Kingston College’s
314 points while on the girls side Edwin Allen, smashed all comers with 304.5 points, separating themselves from Hydel by more than
50 points, nabbing their fourth consecutive title and their fifth overall.
For five day, the
National
Stadium will be filled and school pride will be at its highest. There will be drums, singing and pure joy for an event that truly speaks to our love of track and field. Champs is the biggest stage for many of the athletes that compete and the passion, grit and energy we enjoy over the five days involves months of training. Each race has own story, from the preliminary round to the finals we are constantly on the edge of our seats just waiting for that nail biting finish. Each year we are put in a trance and captivated by the Champs fever, school colours fly high in the streets, and the debates commence. The arguments are created and the deliberation takes centre stage at offices, shops and bars – who will win? It’s an annual discussion that never gets old and is a testament to our quality on the international stage. Our Champs craving is unending and can never be satisfied, but it is this relentless hunger and drive that has kept one of Jamaica’s oldest competition vibrant, current and alive in the hearts of thousands. Many hold the opinion that Edwin Allen and Calabar will retain their title, but with two days remaining the margin for error has dwindled, and life is never yet without a sense of irony.
So lean forward for a better view while at the National Stadium or tell your coworker to be quiet as you tune your radio for the latest point standings and results, and relish all the competition has to offer, drama included. its