Presented by Toyota, the 2025 Penn Relay Carnival lit up Franklin Field from April 24 to 26 on the storied University of Pennsylvania campus in Philadelphia, USA. Now in its 129th year, the Penn Relays remains a beloved fixture on the track and field calendar. For fans, especially those from Jamaica, it’s a can’t-miss celebration of speed, talent and national pride.
Backed by Grace Foods, the High School Boys’ 4×100 Championship of America was one of the most anticipated races of the meet, and Calabar did not disappoint. With thousands of Jamaican fans in the stands proudly decked out in black, green and gold, Calabar delivered a thrilling performance, clocking 39.79 seconds to end an eight-year title drought and tie the record for most Championship of America 4×100 titles.
The winning quartet, Jamal Stephenson, Shaquane Gordon, Dijon Swaine and Khamani Gordon, executed crisp baton passes and showed serious intent. It was Gordon who seized control on the backstretch, putting Calabar in the lead, and the rest of the team brought it home with poise and pace. Their time now ranks as the eighth fastest ever in the event’s history.
Finishing second was Archbishop John Carroll from Washington D.C., crossing the line in 40.04. Anchor Jake Odey-Jordan produced a superb final leg, overtaking Kingston College’s Kyle Bodden to help his team, Elijah Amenra, Niles Briggman, Keenan Davis and Odey-Jordan, claim the fastest time by an American high school team in the race. Despite closing the gap on Calabar, he ultimately ran out of track.
Kingston College took third in 40.16 with their squad of Alva Jackson, Daniel Clarke, Nyrone Wade and Kyle Bodden. They were followed closely by fellow Jamaican schools:
- Excelsior (Michael Graham, Malike Nugent, Ryeem Walker, Riquelme Reid) – 40.36
- Edwin Allen (Romario Finnigan, Antonio Powell, Kendrick Austin, Nicholas Williams) – 41.01
- Jamaica College (Elijah Smeikle, Nataniel Martin, Jay-Zyre Turner, Khalef Morris) – 41.04
- St Elizabeth Technical (Ricoy Hunter, Sawayne Kerr, Enrique Webster, Rodeeki Walters) – 41.06
With electric performances and fierce competition, Calabar’s emphatic win was a standout moment in what was another unforgettable year at the Penn Relays.
