St. Lucia’s Fastest Put the Nation on Notice at Explosive Track Championships

The 2026 National Individual Track & Field Championships produced explosive sprint performances, breakout stars and emotional moments of inclusion as Saint Lucia’s fastest athletes battled for national supremacy over two action-packed days at the Soufriere Mini Stadium.

The June 20-21 championships, hosted by the St. Lucia Athletics Association (SLAA), saw national standout Jady Emmanuel stamp her authority on the women’s sprints, blazing to victory in the 100 metres in 11.62 seconds before Darla Dupres responded by capturing the women’s 200m title in 25.07 seconds.

The men’s sprint finals delivered one of the championship’s defining moments when Shelton St. Rose powered to an outstanding 10.41-second victory in the 100m, cementing his status among the island’s premier sprinters. Veteran Lenyn Leonce later proved experience still counts, storming to victory in the men’s 200m in 21.54 seconds.

Middle-distance runner Benique Man emerged as one of the competition’s biggest winners, completing an impressive double by capturing both the men’s 800m and 1500m titles in commanding fashion. Maiya Landers claimed gold in the women’s 800m, while Clerissa Placide topped the women’s 1500m. Neah Mortley and Donson Stanley also secured long-distance honours in the women’s 3000m and men’s 5000m respectively.

The relay events kept spectators on their feet as Pacesetters Athletics Club sprinted to victory in the women’s 4x100m relay and added the mixed 4x100m title, while Sprint Tech Athletics Club narrowly edged SP Survivors Athletics Club to win the men’s 4x100m. SP Survivors showcased their depth by dominating the longer relays, winning the women’s, men’s and mixed 4x400m events.

One of the championship’s most inspiring moments came through the participation of Para athletes from Foyal Club Martinique, highlighting the growing commitment to inclusive athletics. Kloran Perricaud completed a double in the women’s Para 100m and 200m, while Ijany Norden captured both men’s Para sprint titles.

SLAA President Dora Henry praised the standard of competition and the continued growth of athletics in Saint Lucia.

“The championships showcased the tremendous talent, resilience and dedication of our athletes, coaches, officials and clubs. The performances over the weekend demonstrate that athletics in Saint Lucia continues to grow from strength to strength,” Henry said.

She also commended the participation of the visiting Para athletes, describing it as a powerful reflection of the association’s commitment to ensuring athletics remains accessible and welcoming to everyone.

The championships marked the conclusion of Saint Lucia’s athletics season, leaving the association optimistic that the performances witnessed in Soufriere will serve as a springboard for even greater success in the years ahead.

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