Photo: Sasha-Gay Whyte and Britnie Dixon
You will know who they are when you see them, as the sign of champions is written across their faces. Young Britney Dixon and Sasha-Gay Whyte are two of the of the most humble junior track athletes you will come across.
Britnie Dixon’s running style is very distinct, and when she lines up at the start line in the colours of Vere she brings back memories of former star and national record holder Inez Turner and Evette Turner, who represented their alma Mata, Vere Technical well over 25 years ago at Champs.
Dixon the 800(2:12.73) and 1500(4:49.08) metre champion, was 3rd in the 3000 metres (10:28.75) open and was the overall girls’ champion with 24 points at Champs 2014.
She is looking to gain the triple in Class Two, but will have strong competition in all areas. At the Carifta Trails she was beaten by Holmwood’s Chrissanni May in the 800, who is expected to press her in this event again and the 1500m, along with the likes of Spaulding’s Kara Grant, Monefa Green and Taqece Duggan of Hydel and Edwin Allen pair of Ashanni Robb and Jeima Davis.
Holmwood Tech’s, Shanieke Watson will be the athlete to beat in the 3000m open, as she enters the race as the defending champ and has been unbeaten all season.
Sasha-Gay Whyte who is also the champion in 1500 Class Two 2014, will have her hands full in Class One, with the likes of silver medalist in 2014 and Holmwood Team Captain Lisa Buchanan coming for revenge.
Buchannan defeated Whyte in the U20, section for 1500 Girls at Carifita Trials. Other strong contenders will be Latrice McGann of Mavis Bank High, Sashekia Heath Holmwood Tech, Chanice Buchanan (Rusea’s), Derri-Ann Hill (Vere) Janeil Moore (Edwin Allen) Chanti Smith of STETHS and Cameka Witter of STATHS.
The 800m should provide more of a challenge for her as she seeks to improve on her bronze medal from last year. She will have Buchanan, who copped silver last year, as well as STETHS wonder woman Junelle Bromfield (champion 2014), if she decide to run the 800m for her school. Smith, Witter and McGann should also provide a strong test for the 800m title.
Speaking with Yardie Sports after claiming the 800m title in the Digicel Grand Prix Series Whyte said, “I am feeling wonderful, words can’t explain this feeling winning.
“I dont think, I know, I am going take the gold medal at Champs. I am working on the record but am loving the time I am running here and at previous track meet. I will be doing 800, 1500 and 3000m and will look to medal in each,” she proclaimed.
Whyte will do battle with her teammate and Watson in the 3000m open.
But both athletes are well aware that the chances of Vere Technical surpassing last year’s 5th place rest heavily on their shoulders and they will indeed be coming out to stamp their class on champs 2015.
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