Muschett’s Douglas happy with Grand Slam opportunity

by

April 07, 2025

Photo

Shanoya Douglas of Muschett High School celebrates winning the girls 200m at the inaugural Grand Slam Track meet in 23.37 seconds at the National Stadium on Saturday.

Reigning Class Two girls double sprint champion Shanoya Douglas said the opportunity for high school athletes to compete at the Grand Slam Track (GST) meet over the weekend was the right move as it gave them a taste of professional track and field.

Douglas was in a league of her own on Saturday as she raced to 23.37 seconds to win the girls exhibition race at GST in the National Stadium.

Douglas, who represents Muschett High, defeated the Class One champion, Jody-Ann Daley of Hydel High, who finished second in 23.95, while Sashana Campbell, also of Hydel, finished third in 24.02.

Speaking after her race, Douglas said she accepted the invitation for school athletes to compete at GST as it allows for her to get a first-hand experience of what it means to compete at a professional senior event.

She also said for the athletes who aspire towards a senior career in athletics, this is a great way for them to understand what they need to aim towards.

"I think the opportunity for us to come here and compete is a great idea," she said. "It gives a good feel of what's it is like to be a pro for those who have the ambitions and the goal of wanting to become a professional track athlete.

"So for those of us coming out of school, it gives us a feel of what that will be like and what we can expect," she added.

NERVOUS, YET EXCITED

Douglas explained she was nervous, yet excited to compete at the meet after seeing how the facilities were set up for the athletes.

Having already competed at Champs throughout her junior career, she was confident she could give a brilliant performance on the Grand Slam stage.

"To be honest, when I was in the call room and saw how in there was set up and stuff, I was a bit nervous but I was not nervous like I was afraid but more like excited, nervous because I was really excited to compete."

UP NEXT

For Douglas, her next big meet will be at the Carifta Games to be held in Trinidad and Tobago from April 19 through to April 21.

Douglas, the defending girls U20 200m champion, will be hoping she can defend her title and looks to be in brilliant form ahead of the regional competition.

"I'm feeling very dope. This will be my third [Carifta Games] so I want to see if it will be like the other two so I'm very excited to compete."

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com