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Douglas says running ‘is like breathing’
March 31, 2026
A chance discovery at age eight has blossomed into historic success for rising sprint star Shanoya Douglas, whose record-breaking performances at Champs have ignited pride at Holland High and within her family.
Guided by dedication and a strong faith, Douglas delivered stunning performances at the 2026 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships, smashing the 200 metres national junior record while clocking 22.36 seconds, and winning the 100m in a personal best 10.98.
Jacqueline Blake, grandaunt and guardian of Douglas, said the athlete's success is not just about winning, but also about her personal growth and dedication to her sport.
"When I was rejoicing on Wednesday and also on Saturday, it was not for the win, because I said to her, 'Shanoya, yah win too much now. We nuh inna the win business again, we want time, we want you run against the clock'. She said, 'Auntie, me a guh do that'," Blake said, noting that they have a good rapport.
"We are like sisters and when she came home from training, she said 'Auntie, coach said him see 10 seconds in me', and I said 'well if coach say 10 dideh, then yah go run fi 10'," added Blake.
Douglas won ahead of the Edwin Allen duo of Alexxe Henry (11.21) and Reneica Edwards (11.45) in the girls' Class One 100 metres final.
HISTORIC MEDALS
Her achievements shattered longstanding records and earned her a hero's welcome at Holland High, where jubilant celebrations marked both her success and the school's historic first medals at Champs.
"It's like a religion. Without track and field I would go crazy. I do it every day. It is like nature to me, and it is like breathing, too," said Douglas, who often prays before her races, seeking guidance and protection from God.
"I can't imagine myself not doing track and field. When I see Shelly-Ann Frazer-Pryce and others, I tell my aunty, 'one day I go reach there to' and she said she will push me to go far," she added.
Douglas broke the previous Champs record of 22.53 set by Brianna Lyston in 2022, as well as the national junior record of 22.50 held by Briana Williams.
Blake recalled that the young athlete's talent first emerged after a simple childhood disagreement, setting her on a path to greatness.
"I have her since she was eight years old. She said something feisty to my daughter and my daughter ran after Shanoya and couldn't catch her. Mi seh what a little girl fast man," said Blake, who expressed her pride and excitement for Douglas' achievements.
CROSS COUNTRY
At a tender age at Granville Primary in Trelawny, Douglas' small stature initially hindered her participation in sports, but she excelled in a cross country event and became the champion girl in her school.
"They put her in a cross country one year, and she came first with her tiny build. In another sports day she turned out to be the Champion Girl there," added Blake., who noted Douglas' determination and the encouragement she received from her peers and coaches.
She first competed for Muschett High School, and dominated at Champs before transferring to Holland High this school year.
Her first year of competition was challenging, as she was not recognised initially. Over the years she advanced to the finals where her journey as a top athlete began.
"I knew I wanted track and field as a career, so I pushed myself from basic school to primary school and continued into high school. I knew I wanted to be an athlete because I grew up and I heard of my mother doing track and field. Lately I learned of my aunt running 400m, 800m and 1500m. Running is in my blood," said Douglas.
Douglas will now turn her attention to 2026 Carifta Games to be held in St George's, Grenada from April 4-6.
