Destinee Cenac, just 16 years old, captured a brilliant gold medal in the Under-17 Girls’ High Jump final at the CARIFTA Games 2026 held at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium. Cenac soared over the bar at 1.72 m, setting a personal best and standing atop the podium in a dramatic field event on the opening day of competition.
Her winning clearance of 1.72 m marked a satisfying redemption from last year’s CARIFTA meet, where she narrowly missed medalling. This time, Cenac came prepared — passing the lower heights confidently and delivering decisive clearances at 1.60 m, 1.66 m and then at 1.69 m before sealing the title with her best mark of the day.
Cenac’s golden jump not only secured precious early points for Team Saint Lucia but also brought pride to her nation, showcasing the continued rise of young talent in Caribbean field events. The performance drew widespread applause from spectators and fellow competitors alike.
In the same competition, Stefvanco Henry of Jamaica took silver with a 1.69 m clearance, and Shania Mottley of Barbados picked up bronze, also at 1.69 m on countback.
Cenac entered the 2026 CARIFTA Games already on form, having qualified with a strong performance at regional trials earlier in the season. Her qualification jump of 1.65 m in Martinique hinted at her readiness to challenge for medals this year.
Speaking after her victory, the young Saint Lucian said the goal heading into the season was clear: to improve on last year’s result and deliver her best when it mattered most. Her clean series through multiple heights and personal best on grand stage showed that focus turned into execution.
The CARIFTA Games remain the Caribbean’s premier youth track and field competition, often featuring future world and Olympic stars. Cenac’s victory places her among the region’s most promising young jumpers and signals a bright future for Saint Lucia in athletics beyond its traditional sprint strength.
As the meet continues, all eyes will be on her next performances — and whether this golden moment becomes the first of many in her athletic journey.