Hurdling into history

Despite admitting to pre-race nerves, Jamaica’s Marquies Page delivered a record-breaking performance to lead his country’s medal charge at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, claiming the nation’s first gold medal of the Games.

Page stormed to victory in the boys’ 110-metre hurdles final in a personal-best (PB) 12.95 seconds, finishing comfortably ahead of Shinjie Chen of China, who clocked 13.40 for silver, and Enrique Bosch of South Africa, who secured bronze in 13.45.

Reflecting on his achievement, the young Jamaican could hardly hide his delight.

“National record, Youth Olympic record, massive PB: very happy.”

Page said that while the conditions and timing of the competition presented challenges, he entered the race determined to leave with both victory and a personal best.

“It’s difficult to race in November. Very happy with a personal best. At the start, I was really aiming for that win and a PB and crossing the line first,” he said.

The hurdler admitted he felt some anxiety before the final but managed to stay composed when it mattered most.

“I was a bit nervous, but I never let that get to me too much. It was all a bit hectic, but I managed to execute my race properly,” Page said.

“There will always be nerves, but I just got to do what I got to do, really,” he added.

Page’s victory spearheaded a productive day for Jamaica, which collected three medals in track and field. Kamari Kennedy earned silver in the boys’ discus with a personal-best throw of 66.31 metres, while Xhaevion Kelly also secured silver in the boys’ shot put with a personal-best mark of 19.34m. Jamaica’s three medals were its first of the Games.

The discus competition was won by Yahya Sawaby of Egypt with 68.23m, while Henrico Souza of Brazil captured shot put gold with 19.79m.

For Page, however, the significance of becoming Jamaica’s first gold medallist in Dakar was not lost.

“It’s a great feeling, very great. It means a lot to me,” he said.

The teenager also believes his success is only the beginning.

“It’s a lot of responsibility to compete for Jamaica. There are a lot more gold medals in the future. I will be better,” Page declared.

And after conquering the hurdles field, Page offered a memorable answer when asked what he would take away from his experience in Dakar.

“The heat, it’s very hot. Hotter than Jamaica, by far,” he joked.