The Tribune

ANOTHER track and field season has come to an end with the Roadrunners Track & Field Club blazing their way through an epic performance at the annual AAU Club Championship in Orlando, Florida.

Known for hosting the fastest and fiercest youth from national and international destinations, the AAU Championships is a great way for athletes to test their mettle against international athletes and to close out their season with peak performances.

The AAU Championships is also a great way for athletes to gain exposure and prepare themselves for international competition, especially the ones that are looking to make national teams.

What is also great is that it is very inclusive of younger talent, allowing the younger athletes to participate in any event of their choosing, including the longer races like the 800 metres and 1500 metres that are often excluded from certain age divisions at local meets.

Out of 221 entrants and teams, the Roadrunners club came in an impressive 42nd place beating out over 80% of the competition.

For some of the athletes, it was their first time travelling and many of them are celebrating new personal bests and other personal achievements.

In the female divisions, the club secured three finalists - A’karee Roberts, Tamia Taylor and Chyanne Hepburn.

A’karee Roberts won three gold medals in the 800m and 1500m and along with her team, secured 1st place in the 4x400m.

Tamia Taylor finished 6th place overall in the 400m and also won gold with her team in 4x400m.

Chyanne Hepburn took 2nd place in the 400m and along with her relay team, came in 4th place in the 4x400m.

The overall scores for the club in the female division:

Age 8 under girls 14 of 26

Age 11 girls- 20 of 44

Age 12 girls- 32 of 45

Age 15-16 girls- 8 of 48

The club’s male division boasted two finalists - Shawne Ferguson and Ashley Demeritte.

Shawne Ferguson placed 5th overall in his 100m and 100m hurdles respectively and 6th in the 200m. He along with his team placed 5th in the 4x100m.

Ashley Demeritte competed as a finalist in the 800m and secured 5th place along with his team in the 4x100m.

The overall male division scores are as follows:

Age 10 boys- 33 of 36

Age 13 boys- 25 of 48

Age 14 boys- 47 of 50

Age 15-16 boys- 40 of 49

Head coach Dexter Bodie and his assistant coaches are proud of what the athletes were able to accomplish at this competition.

“It is always a win when athletes can travel, acclimate to different temperatures, environments and time schedules and still be able to execute during competitions both mentally and physically.

“Unlike local meets, you never know what the other competitors are capable of, so it is always a surprise and a delight seeing the athletes take on the competition and face these challenges with 100% of their abilities.”

Bodie is also very proud of his assistant coaches and the endless amount of hard-work they put in to see the athletes come this far.

“Their dedication to planning and commitment to each individual athlete’s goals is impressive and inspiring,” he said.

After the team’s successful week of competition, they closed out with a bit of fun together at Orlando’s various theme parks.

The coaches and the athletes put in a lot of hard work over the past season and enjoyed some much-needed relaxation.

The athletes’ hard year of work will be honoured at the club’s annual awards and presentations banquet later on this year.

The Roadrunners Track and Field Club is looking forward to greater things in the next 2023/2024 season when practice sessions resume in the fall.