A heavy hush covered the JDF Mini Stadium on Saturday 25 July 2009 as the Engineer Regiment bulldozed all the popular units to construct a win for themselves in the Force Athletics Championships 2009. 

Not having a Military Athletics Championships since 2004, this event was poised to be a competitive one as all eyes were on the Championship Trophy that would not remain with the Second Battalion The Jamaica Regiment (2 JR) for much longer. 

The much anticipated event was a reality and not even the penetrating heat from the sun’s rays could stop the service members from getting a chance to see their favourite athletes.

A must see Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) Jennifer McKenzie, who was the favourite to take the sprint double made her entrance into the stadium as she stepped onto the track to compete in the 200m finals for women. 

At the blast of the gun, athletes from the various units left the starting blocks on heels of fire but half way through the race one could see an imminent upset as Private Trecia Thomas of the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard (JDF CG) sped past McKenzie to win the race in an impressive 29.11 seconds.

With that race out of the way it was time for the male 200 metres.   This race featured
Private Marlon Robinson dubbed ‘JDF’s Usain Bolt’.  As he stepped out on the track the stadium erupted in cheering, anticipating what was to come.   Within 100m in the race he showed his class by going into overdrive to take control of the race and left the remaining athletes fighting for the minor placing.

Another event that drew much anticipation was the 100 metres for women; this however, did not live up to expectation, mainly because of limited competitors.  All eyes however, were focus on WO2 Jennifer McKenzie who again was tipped to win this event. 

She was however again beaten by Lance Corporal Lisa Frazer of the Third Battalion The Jamaica Regiment (3JR (NR)).  She gave McKenzie a run for her money as half way through the race she pulled out her reserve and propelled to victory.

The 100 metres for men was basically finished as it started as ‘JDF’s Usain Bolt’
Robinson ran a convincing 10.28 seconds leaving a trail of dust behind for the remaining athletes to contend with.  Robinson’s plan to take the sprint double on the final day worked out just how he wanted it.

The day was not without drama as an athlete from the JDF CG who lined up for his race left the starting blocks before the starters gun went off.   He had completed about 60 metres before he realized that he was alone. 

The spectators got word to him and he had to return to the starting block.  This was to the delight of the spectators.

The end of the sprint relays gave the long distance runners an opportunity to make their mark on the Championships.   Defending ‘Champion Male Athlete’ Private Joshua Davis, popularly called ‘Man Mouse’, from 2 JR was the crowd-favourite.  However, his title was threatened by aspirants such as Sapper Damion Douglas appropriately nicknamed ‘Kenyan’ of the 1 Engineer Regiment (JDF).

At the end of the 800m and 1500m, ‘Man Mouse’ Davis proved once again that he is a star by outclassing the remaining athletes to retain the title ‘Champion Athlete’ of the Competition.

The Engineer Regiment had very strong contenders in every event and this led to their unprecedented victory, copping the Championship Trophy.

Among the other top awards up for grabs, Private Sherri Collins, from Support and Services Battalion (Sp & Svcs Bn) copped the ‘Champion Female Athlete’ trophy.

Units were placed as follows:

• An Upsetting Win
• JDF Celebrates Armed Forces Day
• Ex-Officers’ Reunion
• The JDF is now on Facebook!
• Battle Of The Regiments
• Chilean Navy Ship crew visits JDF