Charlestown Secondary School’s standout athlete, Kymarni Newton, has expressed heartfelt thanks to his supporters following a medical scare during the school’s senior boys’ cross-country race on Wednesday, 26th November.
Kymarni collapsed just meters before the finish line, prompting immediate concern from spectators, officials, and fellow students. In an exclusive interview, he shared what led to the incident and reflected on the valuable lessons learned.
He revealed that on the morning of the race, he had been battling the flu and a chest cold. Despite being advised not to compete, his determination to break the longstanding cross-country record pushed him to participate. Looking back, he acknowledges that he started the race without having properly hydrated and drank very little water during the event. As the race progressed, he began to feel lightheaded.
Kymarni recalls nothing after reaching the vicinity of the Culturama Complex. Everything that followed, he says, he learned only by watching footage of the race. He was rushed to the Alexandra Hospital, where he received urgent care and was administered four IV bags to treat severe dehydration.
The young athlete expressed deep gratitude to everyone who assisted him on the course, as well as to the many individuals who reached out with prayers, concern, and encouragement during his recovery.
Despite the setback, Kymarni remains resolute. He affirmed that he intends to return next year, determined to make another attempt at breaking the record.
“I will do things differently this time,” he promised.