Kaliah Haye, at just 13 years old, secured gold for Cayman in the U17 girls discus throw, making her the youngest ever to earn a gold medal in CARIFTA field events.
Haye told the Compass after her feat at the games in Trinidad and Tobago, “It feels amazing and honestly a little unreal. I just wanted to do my best. But to come away with the gold … is something I’ll never forget.”
She added, “It inspires me to keep pushing myself, to train harder and to aim even higher. I know this is just the beginning.”
Although she felt some pressure in the beginning due to most of her competitors being older than her, she didn’t let that break her composure.
She said, “I also saw it as a chance to learn and prove my ability as I also knew that I had the highest personal best going into the competition. I also saw it as an opportunity to show that age doesn’t limit ability. Once I got into the competition, I focused on staying calm and doing what I trained to do.”
Gabriella Linton, also 13, who was the first to medal for Cayman in the 2025 games, securing gold in the girls U17 shot put, is just 18 days older than Haye.
Haye’s parents, Tawana Lawrence Haye and Winston Haye, are very proud of her recent accomplishments, and both echoed how hard she works.
Tawana Lawrence Haye told the Compass, “Watching her stand on that podium, gold medal in hand, was one of the most emotional moments of my life. It’s not just about the win; it’s about all the hard work, the late evenings, the discipline, and the sacrifices she has made. To see her efforts rewarded on such a big stage was overwhelming in the best way.”
Winston Haye said, “Kaliah is an amazing daughter who works hard both in her academics and also in her track-and-field programme.”
He described the in-person experience of watching his daughter compete as “nerve-racking” but also “simply amazing”. He admitted that he was unable to sit and was not even able to record any of her throws.
Tawana Haye was unable to attend in person due to work commitments, but she experienced her fair share of emotions, nonetheless.
“My heart was racing every time she stepped into the [discus] circle. I was praying, cheering, and trying not to cry all at once,” she said.
Kaliah Haye started track and field when she was a young child at Just For Kids Preschool. She said she has always loved sports and it has always been a part of her life. However, she realised that discus was different, in a good way.
“I really enjoyed the discus throw, which I started at 11 years old. Once I started discus, I felt like I found something special that I wanted to stick with,” she said.
“The power and technique involved in discus,” are two aspects that Haye said she enjoys about the event.
She added, “It’s not just about strength. It’s about timing, control and focus.”
Her parents confirmed that they’ve seen a significant growth in Haye’s confidence and discipline through her involvement in track and field.
“Track and field has helped Kaliah grow not just as an athlete, but as a young woman,” they said.
“She’s more focused, organised and self-assured. Even when she’s not training, that discipline carries over into her academics and personal life. It’s been beautiful to watch her come into her own.”
They also shared that the sacrifices they’ve made as a family has “all been worth it”.
“My hope is that with God’s grace, one day her name is associated with the world record,” her father said.
Stanley Goodridge, Haye’s track-and-field coach, who introduced her to discus, has been a “huge influence” for her.
She said, “He believes in me and pushes me to improve every day.”
She also recognised the endless support that her parents give her, which has contributed to her success.
She added, “My track club, other family members and friends have also extended great support.”
Goodridge told the Compass, “Kaliah has a lot of promise, and can easily be one of the best throwers in the world when she matures. I was very impressed at how focused she was during [the] competition, it being her first CARIFTA.”
Haye hopes to grow tremendously in the sport.
“I want to continue improving in discus and represent the Cayman Islands at even higher levels, like the World Youth Championships and maybe one day the Olympics,” she said.
“In life, I want to keep growing as a person, do well in school, and inspire other young athletes to believe in themselves.”
Her parents shared some advice in hopes of encouraging other parents whose children are showing talent and interest in sports.
“Encourage them to put God first in everything they do and support them wholeheartedly. Be their biggest cheerleader and their safe space,” they said.
“It’s not always easy, and the path isn’t always smooth, but your encouragement and presence mean everything. Also, let them enjoy it, help them stay passionate and balanced. The medals and accolades are wonderful, but the journey and the growth are the real rewards.”
Winston Haye added that being present for your children when they train and compete is extremely important.
“You being there means the world [to them],” he said.
