Triathlon association seeks funding for largest Carifta team ever

The Jamaica Triathlon Association (JTA) has named its largest-ever team to compete at the Carifta Triathlon and Mixed Relay Championships, with 26 athletes set to represent the island at the eighth staging of the regional event in Bermuda from October 24 to 25.

The contingent comprises nine triathletes and 17 aquathletes competing across various age groups, marking a significant milestone for the sport locally and reflecting the continued growth of triathlon and aquathlon in Jamaica.

The record contingent reflects the JTA’s deliberate focus on broadening its athlete pipeline, particularly through aquathlon, while continuing to develop athletes for the transition to triathlon. JTA President Stacey Halsall-Peart said the association’s growth strategy began taking shape following last year’s Carifta campaign in Tobago.

“Last year we took office right before Carifta. With a brand new executive, the learning curve was steep, but we took a small team to Tobago and we did well. This year, the emphasis is on recruiting new athletes, starting with aquathletes, many of whom will progress to triathlon in preparation for Jamaica’s hosting of Carifta 2027 at the beautiful Dreams Rose Hall Hotel.”

Selection for the Bermuda championships followed the JTA’s July 19 Carifta Trials, where athletes competed against published selection standards benchmarked to Carifta performance times. The trials served as the sole qualifying event for the 2026 national team.

The event also received race-day hydration support from LASCO.

With the team now selected, preparations have shifted into high gear. The athletes have been participating in a structured training programme as they prepare for the demands of regional competition.

According to Natasha Cameron, the athletes have been engaged in an 11-session mandatory Sunday training block since the team was selected, with each session building progressively on the last.

“We started first with swim-bike-run ‘bricks’ to help the athletes become comfortable with racing through the transitions and running off the bicycle while fatigued. We then progressed to longer-distance simulations, so that by the time we get to Bermuda, the Carifta distances feel manageable. The goal is to make sure there are no surprises on race day, and that the athletes arrive prepared for what they will face,” Cameron explained.

She continued, “Twenty-six athletes on one team is a milestone for triathlon in Jamaica. Our focus now is simple – arrive in Bermuda prepared, race with discipline, and represent our country well.”

Cameron will serve as national coach, guiding the contingent through its final preparation, travel and competition, while Noelle Brown has been appointed team manager.

The JTA has acknowledged the support of the Jamaica Olympic Association, the Sports Development Foundation and Advanced Integrated Systems for their continued assistance with the Carifta programme.

However, with the association sending its largest contingent to the championships to date, the cost of travel, accommodation and race entry has also increased significantly. Administrators are therefore continuing to seek sponsorship and partnership support to help ensure that all 26 selected athletes can make the trip to Bermuda and represent Jamaica at the regional championships.

The upcoming championships will provide Jamaica’s young triathletes and aquathletes with another opportunity to test themselves against regional competition, while continuing the country’s push to expand its presence in the sport.