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By Samuel Peters
The Antigua and Barbuda National Athletic Championships will take place this weekend, July 12-13, 2025, at the YASCO facility, promising an exciting showcase of local athletic talent despite the absence of some key international competitors.
Speaking on the Good Morning Jojo Sports Show on Friday, event organizer, Kesswin Anthony indicated that for the first time in five years, the men’s 100-meter event will crown a new national champion, as defending champion Cejhae Greene will not be competing this year. Greene, who trains in Jamaica with the MVP track club, is dealing with minor injuries as his body adjusts to the new training environment. Similarly, women’s standout Joella Lloyd who recently broke the national record at the NCAA championships will miss the championships due to a shin splint issue.
Despite these notable absences, the championships will feature compelling competition.
Organizers expect approximately 150 athletes to compete, including seniors complemented by juniors, with under-17s and under-20s running in open categories. The event will also cater to youth categories including under-11s, under-13s, and under-15s.
In the men’s 100 meters, Ajani Daley, who has run 10.2 this year, and Dwayne Fleming, with a 10.5 season best, are among the top contenders. The field also includes Kasiya Daley, the defending 200-meter national champion who won that title at just 17 years old last year.
The women’s sprints will feature Geolena Dowdye, Lanica Locker along with Allysa Daley, who has already run 11.5 this season, along with Tyra Fenton.
While athletes don’t need to compete at Nationals to represent the country at World Championships, the meet serves as crucial selection for the NACAC Open Championships in the Bahamas. Three athletes—Daley, Locker, and Dowdye—have already been selected for the Pan American Under-23 games based on world rankings.
Registration closes on Sunday, July 6th, with extended registration available on Monday, July 7th.
The championships will feature heats and finals format, with timed heats determining advancement to finals.
Admission is set at $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under, with children under 5 entering free. This year, organizers are offering a $50 premium entry option allowing access to the finish line area, where patrons can purchase food and drinks separately, replacing the previous all-inclusive VIP package.
The event is sponsored by Cool and Smooth, Caribbean Alliance, Flow, and Hadeed Motors, with Flow providing timing services and additional stand coverage. The championships promise to deliver competitive athletics and serve as an important stepping stone for athletes preparing for international competitions later in the year.
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