The Guyana sports delegation delivered a historic performance in Panama at the South American Youth Games, finishing inside the top 10 of the medal table for the first time and matching its highest-ever medal tally with seven.

Six of Guyana’s seven medals came in athletics, a performance that set a new benchmark for the South American nation, with young athletes emerging among the standout figures of this edition of the Games in Panama.

With gold medals in the 100 meters through Ezekiel Millington and the 200 meters through Deuquan Farrell, both also part of the men’s 4×100 relay alongside David Williams and Gordon Thompson, Guyana secured three gold medals in a single edition of the Youth Games for the first time ever.

Ezekiel Millington, the 16-year-old sprinter who won two gold medals at this edition, sparked this unforgettable performance and spoke exclusively with SportsIn about the historic achievement for his country.

“It is tremendous to come to the South American Youth Games and win a gold medal for Guyana. I feel great to have been the second person from Guyana to make history,” he said after winning gold in the 100 meters with a time of 10.50.

Speed born in a rural community

Millington grew up in Mahaicony, a coastal community in the eastern part of the country largely dedicated to rice production and cattle farming, where in a nation like his, only tremendous effort can overcome the limitations that stand in the way of competing abroad.

“My preparation was very hard and dedicated, but it was good. I also vomited a lot,” said the two-time South American youth champion.

During the 100-meter final, which became the starting point of a memorable performance, Millington and the rest of the competitors faced two moments that could have disrupted their focus, as two false starts were called without resulting in disqualifications.

“At first, with the first false start, I paid little attention to it. The second one, though, threw me off a little, but I remembered I had to run this race and I did. I did not have a good start, but I managed it,” Millington recalled.

The challenge of reaching a competitive level against the Caribbean

Guyana, despite being one of the lesser-discussed countries in South America, often competes in sporting events against Caribbean nations with strong athletics traditions, making victories far from common.

“The standards are higher. I know I have to compete against Caribbean athletes and they are much faster, like the Jamaicans. Catching them is not easy, but the level is very good, and all that is left is to work day by day,” said the Guyanese double medalist.

The pride of seeing his country at the top

A special moment he experienced twice on the podium was hearing his country’s national anthem. “I felt very good. Putting Guyana on the map meant everything. I send my deepest respect to everyone for keeping that push and motivation they have given us. I thank everyone for that,” the young athlete concluded.