Over thirty Caribbean athletes just punched their tickets to the 2026 NCAA Championship in Eugene, Oregon — and some of the performances to get there were absolutely elite. From record-breaking sprints to booming throws, Caribbean athletes showed up and showed out across both the East and West Regionals. Whether you follow Caribbean athletics closely or you’re just a track and field fan looking for standout performances, this list has something for you. Here are the Top 10 Caribbean performances from the 2026 NCAA Regional Championships, counting down from 10 to 1.
This video highlights the top 10 Caribbean performances from the 2026 NCAA Regional Championships. Where more than 30 athletes qualified for the NCAA Championships in Eugene. Standout performances include Dejanea Oakley’s meet-record 49.48 in the 400m, Jaiden Reid’s Cayman Islands 200m national record, and Shenese Walker’s impressive 100m victory. Featuring athletes from Jamaica, Barbados, the Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Cayman Islands, the countdown showcases the Caribbean’s growing dominance in collegiate track and field ahead of the NCAA Championships.
#10 — Keyshawn Strachan | 76.00m Javelin | West Regionals
Country: Bahamas | University: University of Nebraska
Keyshawn Strachan had a tough day overall at the West Regionals, but he made his first throw count. On his opening attempt, the Bahamian javelin thrower launched the implement 76 meters to place second overall and book his spot at the NCAA Championship.
Don’t let the ranking fool you — Strachan heads to Eugene as a legitimate podium threat in the event.
#9 — Layla Haynes | 2:00.75 800m | East Regionals
Country: Barbados
Women’s 800-meter running in the Caribbean has found a new star, and that star is Layla Haynes of Barbados. The 1:59.38 runner ran a competitive race at the East Regionals and posted a 2:00.75 to qualify for her first-ever NCAA Championship.
A new face on the biggest stage — Haynes is one to watch in Eugene.
#8 — Apalos Edwards | 16.65m Triple Jump PB | West Regionals
Country: Jamaica | University: Kansas State University
Apalos Edwards is no stranger to this stage. The Jamaican Triple Jumper is considered a veteran in the NCAA due to his consistency over the years—and at the West Regionals, he delivered once again.
Edwards cut the sand at a Personal Best of 16.65 meters to advance to the NCAA Championship. That mark puts him squarely in the conversation to mount the podium in Eugene.
#7 — Michelle Smith | 54.71s 400mH | East Regionals
Country: US Virgin Islands | University: Georgia
Michelle Smith is finding her form this season in the 400-meter hurdles, and the East Regionals showed just how close she is to her absolute best.
Smith stopped the clock at a Season’s Best of 54.71 seconds—just 0.15 seconds off her National Record of 54.56 seconds. Here’s what her NCAA Championship picture looks like:
- She enters Eugene as the second-ranked athlete in the event
- She sits behind American Akala Garrett of South Carolina, who has run 53.87 seconds this season
- A sub-54 run is well within reach
#6 — Ralford Mullings | 64.51m Discus | West Regionals
Country: Jamaica | University: University of Oklahoma
Jamaican men are getting better in the Discus Throw, and Ralford Mullings has proven that fact many times in his career. At the NCAA West Regionals, Mullings had two solid throws of three attempts, with his best mark landing at 64.51 meters to win and book his ticket to Eugene.
#5—Adaejah Hodge | 22.09s 200m | East Regionals
Country: British Virgin Islands
Adaejah Hodge has been having the time of her life in the 200 meters this season—she went into the East Regionals undefeated, and she left the same way.
Hodge ran a strategic race, navigating the curve beautifully before pushing to the line in 22.09 seconds to punch her ticket to Eugene. And that wasn’t even the full story of her day—earlier, she ran 10.90 seconds to also advance in the 100 meters.
A double qualifier, and still undefeated. Hodge is a must-watch in Eugene.
#4 — Demario Prince | 13.22s 110mH | West Regionals
Country: Jamaica | University: Baylor University
Demario Prince has been one of the most consistent 110-meter hurdlers in the NCAA this season, and he saved one of his best performances for the West Regionals.
Prince ran a gutsy race to win in 13.22 seconds and advance to the NCAA Championship. He also brought his Jamaican countryman Jerome Campbell (University of Arkansas) along for the ride—Campbell ran 13.42 seconds to qualify as well.
Two Jamaicans in the 110-meter hurdles final at the NCAAs. That’s a big deal.
#3 — Shenese Walker | 10.88s 100m | East Regionals
Country: Jamaica | University: Florida State University
Jamaica’s Shenese Walker has been putting together one of the most consistent 100-meter seasons in the NCAA this year, and she backed it up when it mattered most.
The Florida State senior ran a competitive race to win the East Regional 100-meter in 10.88 seconds. Walker heads to Eugene firmly in the conversation for the NCAA title — and she looks hungry for it.
#2 — Jaiden Reid | 20.01s 200m (Cayman Islands NR) | East Regionals
Country: Cayman Islands | University: Louisiana State University
Jaiden Reid has been a record-breaking machine for LSU this season, and the East Regionals were no different. In the 200-meter, Reid ran a fiery race and crossed the line in a national record of 20.01 seconds—just narrowly missing the sub-20 barrier.
And just like Hodge, it was a big day across the board. Earlier that same day, Reid ran 10.05 seconds to also advance in the 100-meter—another double qualifier who is going to be a must-watch in Eugene.
#1 — Dejanea Oakley | 49.48s 400m (Facility & Meet Record) | East Regionals
Country: Jamaica | University: Georgia
Number one, and it isn’t close. 400-meter running in Jamaica has now become even hotter with Georgia senior Dejanea Oakley—and her performance at the East Regionals was something else entirely.
Here’s how her day unfolded:
- Round 1: A controlled 50.60 seconds to cruise through
- Round 2: Separated from the field early, motored away to a Facility and Meet Record of 49.48 seconds
That run makes Oakley the overwhelming favorite heading into Eugene. If she runs anywhere close to that form on championship day, the 400-meter title is hers to lose.
Looking Ahead: Eugene, Oregon — June 10–13
The 2026 NCAA Championship is shaping up to be a landmark moment for Caribbean track and field. From Strachan’s javelin to Oakley’s dominant 49.48, Caribbean athletes are not just competing at this level—they are winning.
The future of Caribbean athletics is being written right now on American college tracks, and it is absolutely electric. Keep your eyes on Eugene from June 10th through 13th.
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Which Caribbean performance from the NCAA Regionals impressed you the most? And who are you backing to win at the NCAA Championship in Eugene? Drop your picks in the comments below—let’s talk tracks! Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated about our new articles!
