As regional athletics competition draws near, young track and field athletes from Antigua and Barbuda got a rare boost of guidance and inspiration ahead of their trip to the CARIFTA Games, during a special preparation workshop hosted by the Antigua Barbuda Athletic Association (ABAA).
Leading the interactive session was Melissa Seaforth, a decorated local sports star who holds the title of back-to-back Sportswoman of the Year for 2024 and 2025. As a professional bodybuilder and the reigning 2025 IFBB Pro Masters World Champion, Seaforth brought firsthand, elite-level experience to the table when talking to the upcoming generation of competitors. She centered her talk on the dual challenges of top-tier competition: the intense physical demands of elite sport and just as critical, the mental stamina required to succeed on a big regional stage.
Seaforth walked the assembled athletes through actionable strategies for everything from structuring training in the final weeks before a major event to pushing through fatigue during grueling preparation blocks. She also emphasized how to deliver peak results when all eyes are on them during competition. A core takeaway from her talk was the 5 P’s principle — Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance — which she framed as the fundamental foundation for any athlete looking to achieve their competitive goals. She stressed that consistent discipline and intentional pre-competition planning are just as important as natural talent for long-term success in sport.
Unlike a standard keynote speech, the workshop was built for open engagement. Athletes took the opportunity to ask Seaforth specific questions about personal challenges they face, ranging from managing pre-competition anxiety to sustaining focus through multi-event schedules. This open exchange allowed young competitors to get personalized advice tailored to their own experiences leading up to the Games.
ABAA leadership publicly thanked Seaforth for donating her time and expertise to mentor the national team. Officials noted that her perspective as a successful elite athlete offers a unique form of support that goes beyond standard coaching, and they expect her insights to leave a lasting positive impact on the young team as they put the final touches on their preparations for the regional championship.