‘I had to be strong’ - Cedricka Williams shakes off nerves for Champs glory, discus record for Holmwood

Holmwood Technical High School's Class Two discus thrower Cedricka Williams became the first record breaker at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships. A heave of 47.04m gave her the gold medal ahead of Edwin Allen High School's Damali Williams (43.72m) and Camperdown High School's Britannie Johnson (42.32m) who picked up silver and bronze, respectively.

Williams, who came to the Championships as the overwhelming favourite to win the event after also breaking the Class Three record in 2019, produced her winning effort on her final throw and removed the previous record of 46.69m set by former Vere Technical High School thrower Marie Forbes in 2018.

Williams, who had fouls on her first and fifth attempts, was elated with her performance.

"I fouled my first throw as I was very nervous, but I told myself that I had to be strong because a lot of people were depending on me," she said. "I put all my effort in my last attempt and when I saw the result, I was very excited as it was a special moment for me.

"I want to thank all my fans who have supported me over the years, and also my coach who has dedicated his time to help me for that special moment."

Her coach, Dwight Jones, described the win as overwhelming.

"The plan coming to Champs for her was to break the record, and getting it on the last attempt was a nervous wait, but she got the job done and I am grateful," he said. "She is a hard and dedicated worker and is also very disciplined. What she did today (Wednesday) will surely help to lift the spirit of the team for the remainder of the Championships."

Jones says Williams' focus is now on the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya, in August.