The ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs) has always been an event steeped in tradition, but for a few first-time visitors, this year’s competition was an unforgettable experience that offered more than just athletic performances.
Dr. Trevor Dixon, a native Jamaican and the CEO of the JahJah Foundation, along with his son Jahmal, made their first-ever appearance at Champs. Dr. Dixon, who now serves as an emergency medicine physician at Jacobi Medical Centre in New York, left Jamaica at a young age, and despite his deep roots in track and field, he had never set foot inside the National Stadium—until now.
“Growing up in Christiana, Manchester, I was surrounded by track and field at my local primary school,” said Dr. Dixon, reflecting on his Jamaican upbringing. “But I never imagined that one day, I would be here watching the incredible athletes at Champs. This feels like a blessing, especially since my son is here to share it with me. It’s like a dream come true.”
Dr. Dixon shared that he hadn’t originally planned on attending Champs, but when he realized that it was taking place during his son’s spring break, he knew he had to come. He was particularly excited by the strong presence of schools from the country, like Holmwood Technical, Edwin Allen, and Manchester High, which he said felt like his own potential educational path had he not migrated to the US.
He also emphasized how track and field offers immense opportunities for young Jamaicans, both locally and internationally. “Track and field has been a gateway for many Jamaicans to better their lives. It’s a chance to go abroad and create a future, and that’s something I want my son to experience as well.”
Joining Dr. Dixon in his exploration of the Champs magic was Chris Goodwin, an athletics scout from the United States who had traveled to Jamaica for the first time. Goodwin is part of a team from Kansas State University, scouting potential talent for American colleges.
For Goodwin, the competition was an eye-opening experience. He had heard much about Jamaica’s rich track and field culture, and he was thrilled to witness it firsthand. But it wasn’t just the races that caught his attention. “The warm hospitality of the Jamaican people really stands out,” he said. “I’ve been told about the food, the athletes, and the people, and everything has lived up to the hype. It’s been such a privilege to be surrounded by such amazing individuals.”
Goodwin also had the advantage of being guided by Jamaican Olympian Clive Pullen, who not only assisted in the scouting efforts but also helped him navigate the cultural nuances of the island. “Clive Pullen embodies the spirit of Jamaica—friendly, caring, and welcoming,” Goodwin said. “The people here have lived up to everything I was told. It’s incredible how sport can bring people together like this.”
With their combined experiences, both Dr. Dixon and Goodwin left Jamaica with not only a deeper appreciation for the talent on display but also a renewed understanding of the power of sport to unite people from all corners of the world.
