Grenada's under-20 4x400m track team set tongues wagging after a scorching performance at the 2024 CARIFTA Games, clocking a time of 3:12.09 to qualify for the final. They were denied a medal finish on April 1st however their performance has reignited a question that has been on the minds of Grenadian track enthusiasts, can this young quartet secure a medal on the world stage?

The World U20 Championships is carded for late August in Lima, Peru. Samuel Green’s 10.52 at Carifta puts him inside the qualification standard for the 100m (10.55s) alongside Joshem Sylvester whose 46.93 to claim bronze in the 400m at Carifta Games 2024 is also inside the 47.65 qualifying standard for the 400m.

This fact has Grenada buzzing about the depth and potential for a 4x400m relay team led by Sylvester alongside teammates Taigon Peterkin, the National U20 Silver medalist, (P.B 47.92), Carifta Under 17 Silver medalist Kemron Mathlyn (P.B 47.96), and Carifta 800m Silver medalist DeÁngelo Brown (400m P.B. 48.18). Besides these four InterCol silver medalist Qwannel Pierre (P.B. 48.85) is another name to watch along with Junior Alexander and InterCol bronze medalist Keelorn Moses.

Getting to the podium at the World U20 Championships, however, is a steep climb. For the past decade, the World U20 Championships podium has been reserved for teams that have dipped under the 3:06 barrier. This means that podium finishes require teams to average 46.50s or better on each leg. Sylvester has already demonstrated his ability to go sub 46 in the 4x400m and with more training and competition, all members of the team may be able to lower their times. Many fans speculate that had there not been that mix-up in the final at Carifta, Team Grenada's finishing time would have been much closer to the 3:10 posted by the 4x400m gold medalists, Team Jamaica.

According to the Grenada Athletics Association's schedule, athletes may have up to three upcoming opportunities to refine their technique before the World U20 Championships’ qualification window closes on August 4th, 2024. These include the GAA Relays scheduled for May 11th, the Whitsuntide Games scheduled for May 18th-19th, and the National Open Championships scheduled for June 22nd. Every extra race chipped away at could be the difference between a podium finish and a valiant effort. In that sense, the Grenada Athletics Association may also be forced to consider sending their young athletes to other regional meets to gain more competitive experience and more opportunities for other athletes to qualify for the World Championships.

Given their showing at the recently concluded Carifta Games, it is certain that a Grenadian team has the talent and potential to make a significant impact on the development of track and field in Grenada and perhaps even add their names to the history books. Whether they can medal at the World U20 Championships will depend on their opportunities and ability to push themselves even further over the coming months. One thing is certain this writer and the rest of Grenada will be watching with bated breath.