It was the best of times in the worst of times. Amongst all of the chaos surrounding Covid-19, the Roadrunners Track and Field Club rallied together to close out this year’s 2021 season with a bang.

The club travelled to Orlando, Florida to make its annual appearance at the AAU Club Championship held this year at the Satellite High School stadium in Satellite Beach, Florida.

With a contingent of 21 athletes, the Roadrunners set out to compete against thousands of athletes from all over the United States as well as Cuba, Jamaica and Puerto Rico.

In the end, the club was able to place 66th overall out of 234 participating teams.

Most notable is the club’s 12 year old girls division which placed 5th overall out of 42 teams participating in this division. Roadrunners under 12 girls convincingly won the gold in the 4x100m running 52.83 in the prelims and 53.15 in the finals.

This latest victory solidifies the team’s undefeated status as they close out the season with an unbeaten record both locally and abroad. These girls, known amongst the club as the Fantastic Four, also won a silver medal in the 4x400m relay in a time of 4:25.03. The team members are Caitlyn Smith, Tamia Edwards, Jasmine Thompson, and J’Kaiyah Rolle.

Other top eight award winners:

Ronald Simon 5th - 8 under Boys 800m (2:59.97)

J’Khaiyah Rolle 5th -12 G Long jump (4.63m)

Arielle Thompson 8th - 9G 1500m (6:19.08)

Jasmine Thompson 8th - 12G 400m (1:03.72)

Caitlyn Smith 7th - 11G 100m (13.94)

Relays:

14 Girls: 5th 4x100 (51.69) , 4th 4x400 (4:11.93)

Athletes Raeyah Taylor and Trent Ford participated in both the shot put and discus competitions. Both athletes placed amongst the top 12 and were able to throw personal best distances in each event.

Amongst those achieving personal best times is Leckecia Lewis, who was commended on a well-run 1,500m as well as participating for the first time in the 3,000m racewalk.

Head coach Dexter Bodie travelled along with assistant coaches Krysten Black, Edvania Missick, Stephanie Stubbs, Sara Mackey and Jenero Knowles, who helped to ensure health safety and peak performances.

The coaches are proud of what the athletes of the Roadrunners club were able to accomplish during a time of fear and uncertainty.

Being able to compete on the international stage after months of confinement was a breath of fresh air. It gives the kids hope that despite what is happening, accomplishing their track and field goals is still possible and they are ready to train harder than before in the upcoming 2021/2022 season.