The CARIFTA Games is often the first opportunity for future track and field stars to display their emerging talent to an international audience and 14-year-old Akela Jones certainly made an impression on Saturday.

The Barbadian high jumper brushed aside all opposition with the ease of a seasoned veteran to impressively win the championships' first event with a new championship record of 1.85 metres.

"When I was out there I felt very confident in myself and I already knew I was capable of setting the record at the CARIFTA Games, so it was just a case of self-confidence," a delighted Jones said.

Already a towering six feet, one inch, Jones is excited about possibly getting taller as she is already dreaming of becoming the world's best. There is no lack of ambition.

"I want to be the world champion, Olympic champion and world record holder, too," she quipped.

She did not do so well in the U-17 long jump, coming fourth in that. But she undoubtedly has the talent to be a world beater in both.

Her brother John, 17, competed in the javelin and got silver so there was a double family celebration.

Sporting excellence runs in the family as they have an older sister who plays for the Barbados national team in basketball.