Antigua and Barbuda is set to welcome an impressive delegation of world-class Olympic athletes for a specialized off-season training camp from December 26, 2025, to January 3, 2026. The delegation will be led by Rai Benjamin, the celebrated Olympic gold medalist and World Champion widely recognized as one of history’s finest 400-meter hurdlers. Benjamin, who has earned the local moniker ‘King Ben,’ will be accompanied by ten other elite competitors.
The distinguished roster includes Antigua’s own track stars Cejhae Green and Joella Lloyd, alongside international standouts such as Vernon Norwood, an Olympic gold medalist and World Championship medalist known for his crucial contributions to the United States men’s 4×400-meter relay team. The group also features Jasmine Jones, a top American sprinter and hurdler who recently secured a silver medal in the 400-meter hurdles at the Tokyo Olympics.
Additional participants include accomplished athletes Raevyn Rogers, Shae Anderson, Sammy Watson, Kendall Ellis, and Allie Jones, all possessing extensive experience competing at the highest echelons of international track and field. The team will be under the guidance of Joanna Hayes, an Olympic gold medalist turned internationally renowned coach, celebrated for her ongoing success in developing world-class athletic talent.
A highlight of the visit will be a special meet-and-greet and training clinic for local aspiring athletes, scheduled for December 29 at the YASCO Sports Complex. This initiative will provide young Antiguan track and field hopefuls with an unprecedented opportunity to train alongside and receive direct instruction from Olympic champions and seasoned professionals.
Shawnor Joseph, the newly elected President of the Antigua Athletics Association, expressed strong enthusiasm for the upcoming clinic, highlighting its significant potential for athletic development in core disciplines for both Antiguan coaches and athletes. Joseph stated, ‘The Antigua and Barbuda Athletics Association is extremely proud to welcome back Rai Benjamin and his Hayestack training team. We view the clinic as an important investment in athlete development that will have a meaningful impact on our coaches and athletes.’
The Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, serving as the major sponsor through its Department of Sports Tourism, emphasized the strategic value of hosting elite athletes. Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez noted that the visit strengthens Antigua and Barbuda’s emerging reputation as a preferred destination for high-performance sport, athlete development, and substantive sports tourism engagement.