分类: sports

  • Hall slams Tridents’ performance in loss to Saint Martin

    Hall slams Tridents’ performance in loss to Saint Martin

    Barbados’ national football team suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat against Saint Martin in a Concacaf friendly international held at Antonio Trinidad Stadium in Bonaire on Thursday, prompting strong criticism from head coach Kent Hall.

    The match remained scoreless throughout the first half before undergoing a dramatic transformation in the 56th minute. Saint Martin’s Jean-Baptiste Leo delivered a remarkable two-goal performance within a single minute, fundamentally altering the game’s dynamics. Barbados managed to respond with a consolation goal from Jaron Oughterson in the 85th minute, but any potential comeback hopes were dashed when the team conceded an unfortunate own goal merely three minutes later.

    Coach Hall expressed profound dissatisfaction with his squad’s performance, particularly highlighting their first-half display as the worst since his tenure began. ‘We appeared as disconnected individuals rather than a cohesive unit today,’ Hall stated. ‘This level of disorganization is simply unacceptable at international competition standards.’

    The coach acknowledged the inherent challenges of assembling players from various global leagues, noting the difficulties in achieving synchronization. Hall drew parallels between this performance and previous struggles against Aruba, emphasizing the team’s failure to recover from a problematic start.

    Looking ahead to Sunday’s match against Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Hall faces additional challenges with the absence of key player Thierry Gale, who returns to his professional club Bolton Wanderers for their critical promotion campaign. Despite this setback, Hall emphasized the necessity for improved performance and greater cohesion from the remaining squad members, expressing concern that the team has regressed since their previous Nations League campaign.

  • Wonder Woman Challenge Marks 10 Years of Grit and Competition

    Wonder Woman Challenge Marks 10 Years of Grit and Competition

    BELIZE CITY – The Tenth Annual Wonder Woman Challenge concluded today after three days of intense competition among Belize’s elite female military and law enforcement personnel. The Belize Defense Force emerged victorious in this milestone anniversary event, reclaiming the championship title in what organizers described as the most fiercely contested edition to date.

    The grueling triathlon-style competition, hosted at the Coast Guard headquarters, tested participants’ physical endurance and mental fortitude through a series of extreme challenges. Day one featured the Coast Guard Physical Fitness Test, combining a one-mile ocean swim with a two-mile run. Competitors faced additional adversity on day two as heavy rainfall accompanied a punishing six-mile run followed by tactical obstacle courses in the Coast Guard Medley.

    The final day presented the sunrise march and shoot exercise, evaluating precision and stamina, culminating in the notoriously demanding Coast Guard Crucible. Lance Corporal Suliany Paquiul of the victorious Belize Defense Force unit expressed confidence throughout the competition, stating, ‘What was meant for BDF is meant for BDF. It was a walk in the park for us.’

    Vice Commandant Alma Pinelo of the Belize Coast Guard noted the continuously elevating standards among participants: ‘The energy is really high. Everybody wants to win.’ The sentiment was echoed by Ensign Zarina Francisco, who acknowledged the competitive atmosphere while maintaining confidence in her team’s capabilities.

    The event, now in its tenth year, simulates real-world operational demands faced by women in Belize’s security forces. PC Estephanie Cuc of the Police Department shared an emotional account of persevering through personal tragedy, dedicating her performance to her recently deceased mother.

    Organizers emphasize that the challenge highlights the growing opportunities for women in security careers, requiring strength ‘mentally, physically and spiritually’ according to Pinelo. The decade-long tradition continues to showcase the leadership qualities and indomitable spirit of Belize’s women in uniform.

  • Local swimmers dive into Nevis to St Kitts Cross Channel Swim

    Local swimmers dive into Nevis to St Kitts Cross Channel Swim

    Six elite open water swimmers from Bermuda are poised to conquer the challenging Nevis to St Kitts Cross Channel Swim, marking a significant international sporting endeavor for the island nation. The team comprising Lesley-Jane Smith, Harold Kahler, Handsome Williams, Tobias Ahlqvist, Craig Munden, and Scott Oliver will undertake the demanding 4.1-kilometer crossing on March 28, 2026.

    The aquatic journey commences at Oualie Beach in Nevis and concludes at Cockleshell Bay in St Kitts, presenting unique marine conditions distinct from Bermuda’s familiar waters. The participants bring diverse athletic backgrounds to this prestigious Caribbean event, with several having distinguished themselves in local competitions including Round the Sound and Devil’s Mile challenges.

    Lesley-Jane Smith, an accomplished triathlete, expressed particular enthusiasm for focusing exclusively on the swimming discipline. ‘Growing up as a competitive swimmer in Bermuda, this race feels especially exciting,’ Smith noted. ‘I’m looking forward to the opportunity to swim in a new setting and experience the unique challenge of crossing from Nevis to St Kitts.’

    Handsome Williams emphasized the honor of representing Bermuda internationally in a sport deeply ingrained in the island’s culture. ‘I’m truly grateful for the chance to take on this amazing experience with friends,’ Williams stated. ‘Having grown up in the water back home, swimming has given me so much.’

    Two-time national champion Craig Munden approaches the competition with measured optimism regarding his prospects. ‘Based on last year’s result I would say I have good chances, but it always depends on who turns up,’ Munden commented, referencing the 478 competitors from the UK, United States, and Caribbean regions who participated in the previous edition.

    The Bermudian athletes anticipate navigating unfamiliar racing conditions including potential strong currents and larger waves than typically encountered in local events. The competition gains additional prestige with the participation of Alice Dearing, Great Britain’s first Black Olympic open water swimmer, whom Munden has previously trained alongside.

    This international representation follows recent athletic achievements within Bermuda’s swimming community, including Madelyn Moore’s balancing of frontline work with elite competition and the recognition of Caitlyn Bobb and Sebastian Kempe as Athletes of the Year.

  • Isidore earns Jamaica Champs decathlon bronze

    Isidore earns Jamaica Champs decathlon bronze

    Jamaica’s prestigious ISSA/Grace Kennedy Boys and Girls Championships witnessed another remarkable achievement for Saint Lucia as 17-year-old decathlete Deandre Isidore captured the bronze medal in the open boys’ decathlon on Thursday, March 26. Competing under the Jamaica College banner, Isidore demonstrated exceptional athletic prowess across ten demanding events, accumulating an impressive total of 5,520 points.

    The two-day competition showcased Isidore’s versatile capabilities. During Wednesday’s opening events, he posted impressive results including an 11.22-second 100m sprint, a 5.82m long jump, a 10.20m shot put throw, a 1.63m high jump clearance, and a standout 50.48-second 400m performance that ranked as the fastest time in the field.

    Thursday’s events further highlighted his athletic diversity: a 15.78-second 110m hurdles, a 22.64m discus throw, a 2.92m pole vault, a powerful 44.82m javelin throw (ranking second in the event), and a 5:19.84 1500m finish. His performance surpassed his compatriot Khailan Vitalis, the 2022 gold medalist, in three specific events: shot put, javelin, and 1500m.

    The championship title was claimed by Grenadian athlete Jurel Clement from Kingston College with 6,837 points, while Jaquan Souden of Happy Grove High School secured silver with 6,696 points in the 21-athlete competition.

    Isidore’s achievement marks Saint Lucia’s second medal at the championships, building upon Vitalis’s historic gold medal performance in 2022. With his current trajectory, Isidore shows potential to challenge Vitalis’s national junior record of 5,990 points in future competitions.

  • #Champs2026: Edwin Allen’s James smashes record in javelin master class

    #Champs2026: Edwin Allen’s James smashes record in javelin master class

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Championships witnessed an extraordinary display of athletic prowess on Saturday as Edwin Allen High’s Addison James redefined javelin throwing excellence. The young athlete delivered a monumental performance, achieving a record-shattering throw of 70.30 meters that now stands as the seventh-best distance globally in the Under-20 boys category.

    James, who simultaneously extended his Dominican Under-20 national record, demonstrated remarkable consistency by breaking the championship meet record not once, but twice during the competition. His initial attempt of 69.59 meters in the first round already surpassed previous benchmarks, but it was his second-round throw that made history—the first-ever 70.00-meter-plus throw by a Jamaican schoolboy.

    The silver medalist, who finished behind Calabar’s Tarique Daley (last year’s champion with 65.11m), further cemented his dominance with another impressive throw of 66.79 meters in the fourth round that would have also broken the previous record. Daley’s participation ended abruptly after a single throw of 41.81 meters before retiring from the final.

    Kingston College’s Kimari Smith secured second position with a throw of 54.25 meters, while Jamaica College’s Camron Williams claimed third with a 50.66-meter effort. James’ historic performance not only rewrote the record books but also signaled the emergence of a world-class talent in track and field athletics.

  • Siblings target javelin glory

    Siblings target javelin glory

    A compelling narrative of familial inspiration and athletic rivalry is set to unfold at the National Stadium as 16-year-old Devaune Freemantle of Vere Technical prepares for the boys’ javelin open final at the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships. The young athlete draws immediate motivation from his sister, Ramona Freemantle, who secured a silver medal in the girls’ javelin event just yesterday.

    The sibling athletes from Ocho Rios, St. Ann, maintain a healthy competitive dynamic while consistently supporting each other’s athletic endeavors. Devaune openly acknowledges following his sister’s path into track and field, recently achieving a personal breakthrough by surpassing the 40-meter mark. His aspiration to medal in today’s competition mirrors his sister’s accomplishment.

    Ramona’s journey to javelin success demonstrates remarkable adaptability. Initially pursuing sprinting where she demonstrated considerable speed, she transitioned to throwing events following an injury setback upon recommendation from a former coach at Vere Technical. This strategic shift has yielded significant results—besides her javelin silver medal, she placed fourth in the Class 1 girls’ discus throw with a distance of 45.79 meters.

    Thursday’s javelin final presented a dramatic contest where Ramona led for extended periods before being narrowly defeated by Immaculate Conception’s Zoelle Jamel on countback after both athletes recorded identical throws of 45.09 meters. This silver medal represents Ramona’s second Champs podium appearance, improving upon her bronze medal performance from the previous year.

    As the athletic spotlight turns to her younger brother, Ramona will be among the spectators, wearing her newly won silver medal and cheering for Devaune to achieve podium success while contributing valuable points to Vere Technical’s overall championship tally.

  • #Champs2026: Shanoya Douglas breaks national Under-20 200m record

    #Champs2026: Shanoya Douglas breaks national Under-20 200m record

    In a breathtaking display of athletic prowess, Jamaican junior sprinter Shanoya Douglas has cemented her legacy in track and field history. Competing at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletic Championships in Kingston, the Holland High student delivered a monumental performance in the Class 1 200m final, clocking an astonishing 22.36 seconds against a -1.6m/s headwind.

    The electrifying race witnessed Douglas demolish both the national Under-20 record and the championship meet record before a capacity crowd at the National Stadium. Her remarkable achievement surpassed the previous national benchmark of 22.50 seconds established by Briana Williams during the 2018 World Under-20 Championships in Finland, and bettered the meet record of 22.53 seconds set by Brianna Lyston in 2022.

    This record-shattering performance represents Douglas’s second personal best improvement within a fortnight, having previously clocked 22.58 seconds at the Carifta Trials held at the same venue. The newly minted record also maintains her position as the world’s leading Under-20 sprinter this season.

    Douglas’s championship campaign showcased her exceptional versatility, having previously secured the 100m title on Wednesday with a personal best of 10.98 seconds—ranking her tenth on Jamaica’s all-time junior list. Her historic 200m time now shares the tenth position on the same prestigious ranking.

    The race outcome demonstrated Douglas’s overwhelming dominance as she left competitors trailing significantly. Edwin Allen High School’s Alexxe Henry captured silver with 23.63 seconds, while teammate Shanique Cassanova claimed bronze in 24.17 seconds.

    Douglas, who earned bronze in the 200m at the 2024 World Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru, continues to emerge as Jamaica’s newest sprint sensation, generating tremendous excitement for her future in international athletics.

  • Athletes’ Village a big hit at Champs

    Athletes’ Village a big hit at Champs

    GRACE Foods has significantly elevated the participant experience at the 2026 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletic Championships through its innovative Athletes’ Village initiative. As the prestigious sporting event concludes at Jamaica’s National Stadium, the GraceKennedy subsidiary has reinforced its decades-long dedication to nurturing youth athletic talent and fostering national pride.

    Operating under its ‘Good Move’ development agenda, the company established a comprehensive sanctuary for competitors from all participating schools. This dedicated facility provided essential services for physical recovery, nutritional support, and mental relaxation throughout the five-day championship period.

    Brand Manager Ingrid Medwinter emphasized the company’s enduring commitment: “Grace has consistently supported athlete development in Jamaica, with our nearly twenty-year sponsorship of Champs reflecting this ongoing dedication. This championship has served as the foundation for many Jamaican athletic legends, and we take pride in strengthening that legacy.”

    The village addressed a critical need for sustained athlete performance during the extended competition. With events spanning multiple days, the requirement for balanced recovery environments became essential for maintaining peak competitive condition. The facility enabled athletes to physically recuperate, mentally reset, and nutritionally refuel between events.

    Promotions and Events Coordinator Shannon Grant reported overwhelming positive response: “We’ve witnessed firsthand how both athletes and coaches have benefited from this dedicated space. It has provided crucial comfort and support during an exceptionally demanding week, adding genuine value to their championship experience.”

    The comprehensive facility featured multiple specialized zones including hydration stations, Grace Kitchen’s Café, a Mighty Malt nutrition booth, tea station, and gaming lounge areas. Athletes received protein-rich meals featuring Grace sardines, corned beef, and tuna to sustain energy levels and facilitate muscle recovery. Professional physiotherapists provided massage therapy and kinesiologic taping services throughout the event.

    Adding inspirational elements, Grace athlete ambassadors Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Hansle Parchment engaged directly with student athletes, offering encouragement and sharing expertise. Olympic champion Parchment highlighted the village’s significance during his Wednesday visit: “At multi-day competitions like Champs, recovery becomes equally important as performance. Having proper facilities for refueling, resting, and mental resetting creates crucial competitive advantages. Grace’s Athletes’ Village establishes this essential balance, providing the support athletes need to maintain focus and perform optimally.”

    The initiative represents Grace Foods’ holistic approach to athletic development, recognizing that championship success requires both on-track excellence and strategic between-event recovery support.

  • #Champs2026: Third gold medal for Hydel’s Zavien Bernard

    #Champs2026: Third gold medal for Hydel’s Zavien Bernard

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Hydel High School’s track and field sensation Zavien Bernard has cemented her legendary status at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships by capturing an unprecedented third gold medal in the girls’ Class 2 high jump event on Saturday’s championship finale.

    Bernard’s spectacular performance at Jamaica’s National Stadium culminated in a winning clearance of 1.76 meters, completing a remarkable triple crown achievement that began with Thursday’s long jump victory (5.63m) and continued with Friday’s dramatic triple jump Open title secured in the final round.

    The teenage athlete demonstrated exceptional technical mastery in the high jump competition, achieving first-attempt clearances through the first five height increments before successfully conquering the 1.76m barrier on her second attempt. This display of consistency and competitive composure under pressure highlighted her dominance in the field events.

    Malia Housen from Mt Alvernia High School claimed the silver medal with a jump of 1.73 meters, while Sackoya Palmer of St Mary High secured bronze with a 1.70-meter clearance, both athletes putting forth valiant efforts against Bernard’s commanding performance.

    Bernard’s extraordinary triple gold achievement marks one of the most outstanding individual performances in the recent history of Jamaican high school athletics, signaling the emergence of a potentially world-class talent in the making.

  • #Champs2026: Clarendon College’s Lampart makes amends in girls Class 1 shot put

    #Champs2026: Clarendon College’s Lampart makes amends in girls Class 1 shot put

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a spectacular display of athletic prowess and personal redemption, Clarendon College’s Marla-Kay Lampart delivered a championship-record performance in the girls’ Class 1 shot put event at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships. Overcoming last year’s disappointing fifth-place finish, the national junior record holder achieved a massive throw of 14.07 meters at the National Stadium, dominating the competition from her very first attempt.

    The highly anticipated rematch saw Lampart, competing in her final high school season, demonstrate remarkable composure and power throughout the event. Her winning mark not only secured the championship title but also served as a powerful statement about her resilience and dedication to the sport.

    Excelsior High’s Katie Gordon captured the silver medal with a strong throw of 12.75 meters, while Gabriel Merchant of Vere Technical High School earned bronze with a distance of 12.59 meters, rounding out the podium in what proved to be an intensely competitive final.

    The victory represents a significant personal triumph for Lampart, who had been widely favored to win last year’s competition before her unexpected fifth-place finish. Her record-breaking performance this year underscores her development as an athlete and her ability to perform under pressure at Jamaica’s premier high school athletics championship.