Multi-talented 12-year-old athlete Shakobi Gittens led Barbados to third overall in the Under-13 boys’ pentathlon rankings at the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) Age Group Championships on Sunday in the Dominican Republic.
Gittens, a student at The Lodge School, placed fourth individually with 2 990 points, while teammate Shamari Roach finished ninth on 2 865. The duo combined for 5 855 points over two days of competition.
A mixed Under-13 quartet of Gittens, Sarama James, Shamari Roach and Rejada Hinds also won the silver medal in the 4×100 metres relay in 51.08 seconds.
In the Under-13 girls’ pentathlon Hinds placed 12th overall (2 436 points), while compatriot James was 18th (2 190).
In the Under-15 division, Leemiah London and Jazara Lavine placed ninth (3 656 points) and eleventh (3 539) respectively, in the girls’ heptathlon.
Ajani Franklin finished 16th (4 99 points) in the Under-15 boys’ heptathlon, ahead of teammate Azari Edey who was 20th (4 232).
The four, Franklin, London, Lavine and Edey, combined to put Barbados fourth in the mixed Under-15 4×100 metres relay in a time of 48 seconds flat.
The overall combined standings were led by The Bahamas, Jamaica second and Cuba third. (RW)