Long-jumper Anthony Chin Jr., one of 15 track-and-field athletes representing the Cayman Islands at the 2025 CARIFTA Games, is looking to beat his best mark at this year’s competition.
For Chin and his coach, intense and increased trainings with a focus on speed work and pushing harder in the gym have been a priority in preparation for the upcoming games.
Chin recognised that, although there is no guarantee to win a medal, he did feel hopeful. “I feel like I can do something at CARIFTA,” he said, as he moves from the U17 to U20 group.
With a bronze-winning leap of 6.48 metres at the 2023 CARIFTA Games in Bahamas, and just off the podium at 6.91m last year in Grenada, both as an U17, Chin hopes to achieve a 7.30m jump this time around in the U20 category, which would be a personal best. “It’s a hard goal, but I feel like I can manage to do it. I can pull it off.”
Chin, who has been named team captain, told the Compass. “It’s not just about me; it’s about us as a team, so obviously encouraging my teammates and making them put their best foot forward,” is one of his main goals at the games.
He described the opportunity to represent Cayman once again as a blessing. “I always say that I’m proud to be a Caymanian and it’s nice to represent your country.”
Chin also hopes to put his name out there and put Cayman on the map.
Accompanying the squad are Cayman Athletics team manager Scimone Chin, co-manager Paula Dawkins, team coach Kenrick Williams and massage therapist Dwayne Williams.
This year’s games will be held in Trinidad & Tobago from 19-21 April at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
