Roses in bloom

LIKE A nurtured flower blooming at the right stage, so it has been for Holmwood Technical siblings Jovi and Cindy Rose, who have been in impeccable form ahead of the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships.

Led by the two sisters, 10-time champions, Holmwood — who last won the title in 2013 and dominated with a nine-year streak from 2003 to 2011 — are showing glimpses of their former dominance, especially in the middle-distance events.

Jovi, competing in Class Two, will be looking to defend her 800-metre title and improve on her second-place finish in the 1500 metres. Last year, Jovi was beaten by Vere Technical’s Ashara Frater.

Cindy, on the other hand, will be trying to mine her first gold medal in Class One, after finishing second in the 1500 last year behind Edwin Allen’s Rickeisha Simms, and fourth in the 800.

At the Central Athletics Championships, the sisters showcased their readiness with strong performances. Jovi was second in the Class Two 800 behind Edwin Allen’s Kevongaye Fowler but turned the tables in the 1500, claiming victory in 2:12.72, with Fowler finishing second in 2:13.10.

In Class One, Cindy clocked 2:12.62 in the 800 — just ahead of Hydel’s Taefa Gowe, who finished in 2:12.96. And posted an impressive 4:38.02 to win the 1500.

At the Carifta Trials, the sisters faced off in the under-20 800, with Cindy winning in 2:09.98 and Jovi taking second in 2:10.54.

Cindy also triumphed in the 1500m with a time of 4:43.70.

At the GC Foster Classic, The Gleaner caught up with the duo after they competed in the 400m, where their coach used the race to sharpen their speed ahead of Champs. Jovi finished second in Class Two with 58.15s, while Cindy won the Class One race in 56.58s.

“This is my final year competing at Champs, and I want to leave with special performances in both events while helping my team win the title,” Cindy said after clocking 56.58 seconds to win the Class One 400 metres at the GC Foster Classic.

“I am very confident in winning my events, and I don’t see any of my opponents stopping me from doing so.”

She also had high praise for head coach Dave Anderson.

“Coach Anderson gives us a lot of motivation, and we truly believe in him,” she added.

Jovi, meanwhile, is set for a battle royal in Class Two, renewing her rivalry with Fowler; however, she is confident about reversing that result.

“I know she’ll be coming to try and beat me again, but I’m confident I can get the better of her this time and also continue my dominance in the 1500 metres to secure the double,” said Jovi, she too doing some speedwork in the 400 metres at the GC Foster Classics. Jovi finished second in 58.15 seconds.

Jovi also spoke about the motivation she draws from her older sister.

“I really look up to Cindy. In training, she pushes me, and that helps me do well. We both try our best to make our coaches and family proud. It’s a great feeling knowing we’ll do something special at Champs to bring joy to those supporting us,” she said.