In a remarkable showcase of talent and determination, thirteen athletes from the St. Croix Track Club competed in the Association of Youth/Junior Athletics (AAJI) Championships Finals on May 10, 2025, delivering a record-setting performance that earned them a total of 13 medals—5 gold, 4 silver, and 4 bronze.
This year marked the largest contingent of qualifiers from the St. Croix Track Club to ever compete at the AAJI Championships. Ranging in age from 14 to 22, the athletes faced off against fierce regional competition in Ponce, Puerto Rico and rose to the occasion with personal bests, dramatic finishes, and exceptional displays of athleticism.
Leading the St. Croix delegation was Safiya Prasad, who delivered a pair of commanding performances. She clinched gold in the 400m hurdles with a time of 68.61 seconds, and, showing impressive endurance, won gold in the 800m just 45 minutes later with a time of 2:26.83 in the 14/15 age group.
Also turning heads was Juvante’ Hurst, who displayed both speed and determination. In a stunning comeback, Hurst surged from fourth place to first in the final 90 meters of the 200m sprint, clocking a time of 23.35 seconds to earn gold. Although his time beat the current record of 24.57 seconds, it will not be recognized due to an illegal windspeed of +2.8 m/s. Hurst also claimed silver in the 400m with a time of 53.66 seconds, rounding out a stellar showing in the 14/15 division.
In the field events, Isaiah Benjamin delivered a gold-winning performance in the high jump, clearing 1.80 meters in the 16/17 age group. His battle for the top spot came down to the wire, highlighting his competitive resolve.
Faith Eatmon also stood out on the track, taking home gold in the 400m (60.29 seconds) and silver in the 200m (26.73 seconds) in the 14/15 age group.
Other strong performances came from:
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Aminah Prasad, who earned bronze in the 200m (26.63 sec) in the 14/15 age group.
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Jordan Vaughn, who secured silver in shot put (13.68m) and bronze in javelin (33.78m) in the over-19 division.
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Jah’Quan Creque, who won silver in the 100m (11.15 sec) and bronze in the 200m (22.75 sec) in the 16/17 division.
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Wilfredo Concepcion, who earned bronze in javelin (39.89m) and placed 6th in shot put (9.88m) in the 18/19 category.
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Kahlan Beaupierre, who finished 4th in javelin (38.76m) and 8th in shot put (9.44m) in the same age group.
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Emanuel McIntosh, who came 6th in the 100m (12.18 sec) in the 14/15 age group.
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Jahleya George, who placed 7th in shot put (6.48m) in the 18/19 division.
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Charlise Gomez, who came 7th in the 200m (27.63 sec) and 8th in the 100m (13.60 sec) in the 14/15 age group.
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Sarai Morris, who placed 7th in the 400m (67.22 sec) in the 16/17 category.
“It's great to see these young athletes performing at such a high level and setting new standards in their respective events!” read a statement from the St. Croix Track Club. The organization also extended thanks to its supporters for their continued role in helping local youth develop their athletic talents.
The full results are available at FinalLapTiming | AAJI.
For more information or to support the club, contact Keith A. Smith Sr. at 340-277-1123.
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