J’can shooters poised for podium finish

Members of the 27-member Jamaican team competing at the 2026 Pan American Handgun Championships are eyeing podium finishes after two of four days of competition, with several athletes delivering standout performances in the sweltering heat of Aruba.

The Ladies Optics team, made up of Cpl Shayon Francis, Renee Rickhi, and Yeonie Campbell are locked in a high-stakes contest with the United States squad for the gold medal position following day two. The ladies currently sit in second place, having produced a series of impressive performances that have kept them in close contention throughout the early stages of the competition.

Jamaica’s national men’s champion Ryan Bramwell, who is also part of the Men’s Optics Senior Team made up of Robin Rickhi, Ryan Anslip and Christopher Nunes is currently leading the individual Men’s Senior Optics event.

Meanwhile, Jamaica’s men’s optics senior team is currently holding the bronze medal position after two days, setting up a tense push for advancement over the remaining competition days.

The main optics team members, Petrano Bellafonte, Adrain Randle, Kirk Goss and Darin Richards are currently third and chasing the Americans and the Brazilians who are in first and second respectively.

Rohan Wilson, president of the JRA, who is leading the Jamaican delegation in Aruba, said the team’s performances have not been disrupted by the sweltering heat.

He added that the team has shown strong unity, emphasising the role of teamwork and mutual encouragement as competition continues.

“The guys and girls have all been supportive of each other,” Wilson said, noting that the team is demonstrating the “true essence” of Jamaican team spirit.

In the Ladies Senior Production category, Florence Golding is currently on top after day two, while in other individual standings, Chris Nunes and Yeonie Campbell are placed second and third respectively in their categories, reinforcing Jamaica’s presence across multiple divisions and categories .

With a day remaining, Jamaica’s shooters will be looking to convert their early momentum into medal-winning finishes and secure positions on the podium as the championships move into today’s final day.