From the dusty tracks of rural Jamaica to the electric roar of the National Stadium, the Boys and Girls
Championships is more than a sporting event — it is the heartbeat of a nation.
CHAMPS: The Ground That Makes Legends tells the definitive story of Jamaica's most beloved athletic
tradition. For over a century, the Championships have served as the birthplace of world champions, the
proving ground of national legends, and the greatest display of talent anywhere in the Caribbean.
This richly detailed history traces the Championships from its colonial beginnings through to the modern
era, celebrating the athletes, the schools, the rivalries, and the moments that have defined Jamaican
sporting identity. From the early pioneers who ran in borrowed shoes to the generation of sprinters who
would go on to rewrite the record books on the world stage — every chapter of this book brings the
Championships to life.
Written with passion and depth by Winston Phillips, this is the essential companion for every fan of
Jamaican athletics, Caribbean sports history, and the stories of human excellence.
For Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora — this is our story.
By Winston Phillips — London, England
