If you’ve attended a Jamaican high school, you’ll know that the annual Inter-Secondary School Boys & Girls Athletic Championship is one of the most exciting times to be a Jamaican high schooler. Even if your high school doesn’t have the stellar track team to compete with the best of the best track and field student athletes, you will find a school to cheer on.

To add to the excitement, Champs is said to be the scouting grounds for US and Canadian college recruiters, who are usually in search of the next best track and field sensations to enrol in their collegiate sports programs. These reruiters attend Champs, scout talent and entice these talented kids with fully funded scholarships and other amazing perks. While there are some schools that have consistently reigned supreme at this highly competitive national track and field phenomenon, there’s been talks locally that 2023 will be a defining year for female track stars. This claim is being made because there are some female student athletes from non-traditional track schools that have been doing well throughout this season and are expected to do even better at Champs.

Here are five young ladies to watch at Champs 2023 which will be held from March 28 to April 1.

1. Serena Cole

She’s been dotted as a “gamechanger” for the Class 1 Girls 100m race and the Class 1 Girls Long Jump. Serena, who represents Edwin Allen High School, is respected for holding the World Under 20 Championships silver medal in the 100m. She’s also a two-time World Under 20 Champion. Sports analysts are predicting that she will outdo her current season’s best of 11:18 seconds at Champs.

2. Alana Reid

Her spectacular performance at Champs 2022 makes her a female student athlete to watch in 2023. Alana, who represents the Hydel High school, led her fellow track mates and secured an impressive victory in the Class Three Girls 200m race on the final day of Champs 2022. She’s a World Under 20 Championships bronze medallist with a personal best of 22. 95 in the 200-metres and it is being predicted that she can certainly set national records in 100 and 200-metres races at Champs 2023.

3. Mickayla Gardener

Her track coach at Wolmer’s High School for Girls is expecting an incredible sweep for Mickayla in both the 100m and 200m races. Her recent show of athletic prowess at the 2023 staging of Sprint Fest, where she finished in 24.67 seconds to place second in section two, is a clear indicator that she’ll be a hot competitor at Champs.

4. Alexis James

This young speedster from Petersfield High School will definitely create some upset in not only the 100m hurdles but also the 100m dash. She is a World Under 20 Championship silver medallist with a current season best of 11: 24 seconds in the 100m and 13: 38 seconds in the 100m hurdles.

5.Onanda Lowe

This long jumper from Immaculate Conception High School is certainly expected to keep tongues wagging during the long jump finals. She placed third at Sprint Fest in January 2023 and is definetely hungry to leave her mark when Champs kicks off at the National Stadium.

You don’t want to miss out on the action at the 2023 Inter-Secondary School Boys & Girls Athletic Championships. When you feast your eyes on the incredible performance of these girls, you’ll feel assured that Jamaica’s track and field future is more than promising.

Which student athlete are you watching this season? Comment below. While you’re at it, subscribe to listsja.com so that you’re the first to be notified when we publish a fresh list on your favourite topics.