Jamaica continued its commanding dominance of Caribbean junior athletics, topping the medal table for the 40th consecutive year at the 53rd CARIFTA Games, which concluded on April 6, 2026, at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium.
Jamaica amassed a total of 71 medals, including 28 gold, 27 silver and 16 bronze, comfortably finishing ahead of regional rivals.
Trinidad and Tobago secured second place with 35 medals (9 gold, 11 silver, 15 bronze), followed by The Bahamas in third with 30 medals (8 gold, 12 silver, 10 bronze). Barbados placed fourth with 17 medals (6 gold, 3 silver, 8 bronze), while Guyana rounded out the top five with six medals—four gold, one silver and one bronze.
Guyana’s Golden Impact
Despite a smaller overall tally, Guyana’s performance was highlighted by an impressive four gold medals, signaling strong individual excellence. Among the standout performances was Olivia Solomon, who captured gold in the Under-17 girls’ 800 metres, contributing to Guyana’s podium success.
The result underscores Guyana’s continued progress at the junior level, with athletes demonstrating the ability to compete and win against the region’s best.
Jamaica’s Continued Supremacy
Jamaica’s dominance was once again evident across multiple disciplines, including sprints, hurdles, field events and relays. The team closed the championships with strong relay performances and record-breaking runs, reinforcing its status as the Caribbean’s athletics powerhouse.
Sprint star Shanoya Douglas was among the standout performers, delivering record-breaking performances and leading Jamaica’s charge on the track.
Regional Competition Intensifies
While Jamaica remains firmly at the top, the competition for the remaining podium positions continues to intensify. Trinidad and Tobago and The Bahamas maintained strong medal hauls, while Barbados and Guyana demonstrated growing depth and competitiveness.
The CARIFTA Games, established in 1972, remain the region’s premier junior athletics competition, featuring Under-17 and Under-20 athletes and serving as a pipeline for future international stars.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 results highlight both continuity and change—Jamaica’s enduring dominance on one hand, and the steady rise of smaller nations like Guyana on the other. As regional athletics continues to evolve, performances at CARIFTA remain a key indicator of future success on the global stage.
