Anguilla’s J’Quan Samuels lands silver medal at NACAC U23 Championships
J’Quan Samuels has secured a silver medal for Anguilla in the men’s under-23 high jump at the 2026 NACAC U18… The post Anguilla’s J’Quan Samuels lands silver medal at NACAC U23 Championships appeared first on Anguilla Focus | News.
Black News 
J’Quan Samuels has secured a silver medal for Anguilla in the men’s under-23 high jump at the 2026 NACAC U18 and U23 Championships in Mexico.
The young athlete cleared 2.08 metres to finish second in a competitive field, earning a place on the podium behind Jesús Vázquez of Mexico.
Vázquez took gold with a height of 2.14m, while Guatemala’s Denceel Joel Alvarez secured bronze in third place with 2.05m.
Anguilla Focus is not owned by shareholders or investors. Members like you help fund our independent work. Click here to support us from $4/month.
The result came after Samuels withdrew from the long jump competition following discomfort in his lower back during the event.
In a press release on 14 July, the Anguilla Amateur Athletics Association (AAAA) praised Samuels’ preparation and performance.
“The outstanding result marks another significant milestone for both Samuels and Anguilla athletics, highlighting the country’s continued emergence on the regional stage,” it said.
“His consistency and composure throughout the competition demonstrated the dedication and hard work invested in his preparation and earned Anguilla a well-deserved place on the podium.”
Samuels was one of four athletes representing Team Anguilla at the championships in Apizaco, alongside under-23 competitions Trenton Brooks and Nazario Gumbs, and under-18 competitor Kavaj Connor.
They competed against some of the region’s leading young athletes from across North America, Central America and the Caribbean.
In the under-18 boys’ 100m, Connor finished fourth in his heat in 10.94 seconds.
“Connor displayed excellent speed, composure and competitiveness against a strong field of regional sprinters,” the AAAA said.
In the under-23 mens’ 100m, Brooks also finished fourth in his heat, clocking 10.60s, narrowly missing qualification for the next round.
Brooks and Gumbs both achieved impressive results in the under-23 mens’ 200m, with Brooks producing a superb new personal best of 21.17s and Gumbs a best in season result of 21.68s.
“The championships provided invaluable international competition and further evidence that Anguilla’s athletes continue to close the gap with the region’s leading nations,” the AAAA said.
Joining the team were head coach Timothy Brooks and coach Vance Fleming.
The AAAA commended the athletes for their pride, discipline and professionalism, and the coaches, support staff, sponsors and family for their commitment and support.
The post Anguilla’s J’Quan Samuels lands silver medal at NACAC U23 Championships appeared first on Anguilla Focus | News.
