Karim Murray
Age: 21
Event: 200m & 400m
School: Clemson University
Highlight: Competed at the 2021 NACAC championships
Because of COVID you don’t know if you’re going to compete or not. But when you’re at a certain level, you just have to keep moving forward.
It’s something new for me, so I’m kind of excited because I’m not used to running indoors, so it’s a long season ahead. The ultimate goal is the Olympics in Paris (in 2024).
Jaden Francis
Age: 18
Event: 200, 400 & 800m
School: University of South Florida
Highlight: Competed at back-to-back CARIFTA Games
(2018-2019)
This track season is a little different for me since it is my first collegiate season. I will be competing in a newer event, which is very exciting. I only ran [the] 800m twice last season but [I] have been training for it more this season.
My plans are to prove to myself all that I am capable of and capitalise on every opportunity. I also want to enjoy every bit of my first collegiate season. In terms of meets, COVID has changed my mindset to be one where I look forward to every single meet. Every meet is a new opportunity.
Davonte Howell
Age: 17
Event: 100m
School: IMG Academy
Highlight: Took gold in the 100m at the 2021 Inter Secondary Sports Day with a personal best time of 10.81 seconds.
I’m going into indoor season on January 14 [and] that’s in Virginia so my training is towards more sprinting.
I have talked to my coach at IMG about competing at CARIFTA this year, so the plan is to come back down to Cayman in March so that we can compete in the CARIFTA trials here.
Lacee Barnes
Age: 22
Event: Shot put & discus
School: The University of Texas at San Antonio
Highlight: National record holder in shot-put (14.7m) and discus (51.52m)
This year is an exciting year for athletics and particularly myself. I will be competing in my last season as a collegiate athlete with hopes to pursue my sport at an elite level after the completion of my second degree in May.
My main focus is the Commonwealth Games which will be held this summer in Birmingham, UK. This meet can be seen as a jumpstart for many promising athletes and my goal is to qualify and perform at my highest level, in shape and form and, most importantly, mental.
My eyes will be on the World Championships held in Oregon as well. To make that meet will be an added bonus to my career. However, for sooner plans, I’m excited to end my collegiate career with a bang.
As team captain, I have intentions to lead my team to a conference title and make my first appearance at NCAA Nationals. I am confident with these plans seeing that I have support from my beloved Cayman Islands and family.
Shalysa Wray
Age: 22
Event: 200m & 400m
School: Kansas State University
Highlight: Competed at the 2020 Olympics
Last year, I felt as though it was an eye-opener for me. A lot of the things that I did, I would have to say I didn’t expect, and I am grateful that I was able to break records from my school and run personal best after personal best.
This upcoming season, I know I’m going to do very well. I somewhat opened my season a few weeks ago (at the Junior Pan Am Games) with a personal best; so, it goes to show that I am on the right track.
I am way stronger and faster than I was last season, so I know I’m going to do great. The Commonwealth Games, the World (Athletics Championships) and [Central American and] Caribbean Games, I am really looking forward to all of them.
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