The athletics competition at the Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games concluded with a burst of excitement as two nail-biting mixed relay races unfolded, resulting in victories for Nigeria and Guyana, both achieving Commonwealth Youth Games record times.
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In the 4×100 meters relay, a mere 0.09 seconds separated the top three teams. Nigeria clinched the gold with a time of 42.68, followed closely by England who secured the silver in 42.71. The host nation, Trinidad and Tobago, secured the bronze with a time of 42.77. This race showcased the fine margins that make these athletes exceptional.
The 4×400 meters relay also provided an edge-of-the-seat spectacle, with Guyana triumphing and claiming the gold in a time of 3 minutes 22.07 seconds. England put up a fierce fight, finishing just 0.22 seconds behind to secure the silver, while Australia secured the third position with a time of 3 minutes 26.23 seconds.
Nigeria experienced a successful evening, securing victories in both 200 meters finals. Faith Okwose led the charge in the women’s race, clocking an impressive 23.36 seconds to secure the gold, narrowly beating compatriot Justina Eyakpobeyan by 0.11 seconds, a feat reminiscent of her 100 meters victory. LaNica Locker of Antigua and Barbuda secured the bronze with a time of 23.56 seconds.
Samuel Ogazi showcased his prowess, winning the men’s 200 meters gold in 21.22 seconds. He held a tight lead, surpassing Scotland’s Dean Patterson by 0.23 seconds and England’s Rusciano Thomas-Riley by 0.37 seconds.
The last night of competition saw a triple triumph for Kenya. Jospat Sang Kipkirui secured the gold in the 3,000 meters final with a time of 8 minutes 3.65 seconds, closely followed by Andrew Kiptoo Alamisi, his compatriot, just 0.70 seconds behind. Uganda’s Victor Cherotich secured the third spot with a time of 8 minutes 19.31 seconds.
Nancy Cherop of Kenya dominated the women’s 3,000 meters, recording a time of 9 minutes 7.15 seconds. The runner-up, Financia Chekwemoi of Uganda, finished 18.52 seconds later, while England’s Eliza Nicholson secured third place, crossing the finish line at 18.85 seconds behind.
Kenya’s Kelvin Koech Kimutai secured gold in the men’s 800 meters with a time of 1 minute 50.14 seconds. England’s Miles Waterworth took second place in 1 minute 52.21 seconds, with Scotland’s Caleb McLeod securing the bronze in 1 minute 52.83 seconds.
Phoebe Gill of Australia emerged victorious in the women’s 800 meters, setting a Commonwealth Youth Games record of 2 minutes 2.30 seconds. India’s Asha Kiran Barla secured second place, trailing by 2.69 seconds, followed by Fleur Cooper of Australia, 3.56 seconds behind.
The Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games concluded with Australia securing two golds on the last day of athletics. The event showcased the exceptional talent and moments of intense competition, leaving a trail of record-breaking achievements and thrilling performances.
Team Nigeria competed at the Games that were held in Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago, with 25 athletes aged between 14 and 18 years.
