分类： sports

In a stunning display of athletic prowess, University of Indianapolis swimmer Zachary Anthony made waves at the Invitational Age Group Championships by demolishing a quarter-century-old national record. The historic moment unfolded on December 13 at Balmain’s National Aquatic Centre in Couva, where Anthony dominated the men’s 800-meter freestyle event for swimmers aged 15 and over.

Anthony’s remarkable performance clocked in at 8 minutes and 39.04 seconds, decisively surpassing the previous record of 8:40.64 set by swimming legend George Bovell III in June 2000. This extraordinary achievement places Anthony among Trinidad and Tobago’s elite swimmers, though his time surprisingly only met the CARIFTA B standard of 9:02.27 rather than the more stringent A qualification.

The competition saw Marlins’ Isaiah Alexander securing second place with 9:30.28, nearly a full minute behind Anthony, while teammate Khadeem Brathwaite captured third at 9:38.05.

Beyond Anthony’s headline-grabbing feat, the championships witnessed multiple swimmers achieving CARIFTA qualification standards. Eleven-year-old Zahara Anthony of Marlins delivered an impressive performance in the 11-12 girls 200m freestyle, clocking 2:17.49 to meet the CARIFTA A standard of 2:17.52. Meanwhile, 14-year-old Jadon Ramdeen of RWB Aquatics demonstrated exceptional skill in the 13-14 boys’ 400m individual medley, winning with a time of 4:59.00 that comfortably exceeded the CARIFTA A requirement of 5:02.10.

The event proved particularly fruitful for emerging talent, with nine additional swimmers achieving CARIFTA B standards across various disciplines. Notable performances included Marlins’ Marena Martinez securing dual B standards in the 13-14 girls 800m free (9:46.46) and 200m free (2:15.67), along with Tennessee-based sensation Nikoli Blackman earning a B standard in the boys 15+ 200m freestyle with a winning time of 1:52.95.

The 11-12 boys 200m freestyle emerged as one of the most competitive events, with the top four finishers—Xaiden Valentine (2:11.81), Ethan Chu Fook (2:14.23), Khristian Allen (2:14.32), and Nikosi Baptiste (2:18.52)—all achieving B standard times. Competition resumed on December 14 with expectations of further record-breaking performances.

Trinidad and Tobago has long demonstrated exceptional prowess across diverse domains including music, arts, and athletics, producing world-renowned competitors like Ato Boldon, Russel Latapy, and Keshorn Walcott. Despite this rich talent reservoir, the nation has historically lacked robust support infrastructures to nurture emerging sports professionals. Addressing this critical gap, Beyond the Game officially launched on November 22nd as a development-focused NGO operating primarily in Point Fortin and Cedros.

Co-founders Khari Denoon and Dominic Kalpoo established the organization to bridge institutional divides between promising athletes and essential resources. Unlike conventional sports agencies, Beyond the Game operates without contractual obligations or commercial representation, focusing instead on creating ecosystems where young talents can thrive. The initiative provides structured guidance, connects participants with clubs, educational institutions, healthcare professionals, and facilitates exposure to scouts and sponsors.

Denoon emphasized the program’s comprehensive approach, addressing systemic challenges including inadequate mentoring, financial constraints, injury prevention, and life skills development. The organization currently supports multiple disciplines including football, track and field, netball, swimming, volleyball, basketball, tennis, table tennis, paralympic sports, and combat sports.

Funding is secured through private sector partnerships and donor contributions, ensuring zero participation costs for athletes. The launch event at South West Regional Indoor Sporting Arena featured interactive sessions with financial institutions, medical professionals, lawyers, sports therapists, and accomplished athletes, with Point Fortin MP Ernesto Kesar in attendance.

The organization is now implementing grassroots outreach through schools, community groups, and digital platforms to enroll young athletes, with ambitions to expand regionally beyond its current operational zones.

Trinidad and Tobago’s emerging swimming sensation Liam Carrington has delivered an extraordinary performance at the prestigious Speedo Winter Junior Swim Championships in Indianapolis, securing an impressive collection of five medals between December 10-13. The young athlete, representing the Bolles School Sharks, demonstrated exceptional versatility and competitive excellence throughout the four-day competition.

Carrington’s most remarkable achievement came in the men’s 200-meter freestyle event, where he captured gold with a dominant performance clocking 1:32.88 in the A final. This standout victory highlighted his individual prowess and technical mastery in the pool.

The talented swimmer commenced his medal campaign with a bronze in the 200m medley relay, collaborating with teammates Krish Jain, George Dovellos, and Lucas Young to achieve a time of 1:27.29. Later that same day, Carrington contributed significantly to Bolles’ gold medal victory in the 800m freestyle relay, partnering with Dovellos, Camp Hartman, and Noah Stotler to record a winning time of 6:26.74. His remarkable 1:33.80 split time emerged as the fastest individual performance in the entire event.

Carrington’s success continued on December 11 when he secured another gold medal as part of the triumphant 400m medley relay team, joining forces with Jain, Prakhanthi Rai, and Dovellos to finish in 3:09.79. Additionally, he demonstrated his consistency by placing fourth in the highly competitive 200m individual medley A final with a time of 1:44.52.

On December 12, the Trinidad and Tobago athlete expanded his medal collection with a silver in the 200m freestyle relay, as the Bolles quartet completed the event in 1:20.02. With events remaining including the 100m freestyle and 200m backstroke, Carrington positioned himself to potentially augment his already impressive medal tally as the championships progressed.

In a stunning conclusion to Friday’s TT Premier Football League encounter, Central FC defender Ross Russell Jr emerged as an unlikely hero, scoring a dramatic 93rd-minute winner to secure a 3-2 victory over Eagles FC at Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.

The match, characterized by defensive vulnerabilities from both sides, saw multiple lead changes before reaching its thrilling climax. Central FC initially took control when Daniel David capitalized on a midfield turnover in the 24th minute, skillfully maneuvering past defenders before firing a low shot past goalkeeper Kevin Graham.

Eagles FC responded immediately, equalizing just four minutes later through Jadon Carter after Central goalkeeper Jabari Brice committed a critical error, mishandling a routine cross into the six-yard box.

Central regained the advantage shortly after halftime when Isaiah Lee’s volley deflected past Graham in the 47th minute. Eagles FC then squandered a golden opportunity to level the score in the 66th minute when captain Kemuel Rivers saw his penalty kick saved by Brice, who redeemed himself after earlier mistakes.

The persistence of Eagles FC finally paid off in the 78th minute with a beautifully constructed goal. Jomoul Francois finished expertly after combining with Dominic Douglas, who delivered a perfectly weighted pass following an impressive run from deep.

Just as the match appeared destined for a draw, Russell delivered the decisive blow in stoppage time. The defender capitalized on defensive miscommunication between Eagles players, receiving a clever pass from David before delicately chipping the ball over the advancing goalkeeper to secure all three points for Central FC.

In the evening’s second fixture, Club Sando climbed to the top of the TTPFL standings with a 1-0 victory over AC Port of Spain, courtesy of a second-half penalty conversion by national team attacker Real Gill.

The RBC Junior Tennis Tournament launched with intense competition at Trinidad’s National Racquet Centre in Tacarigua on December 13, featuring impressive performances from seeded players across multiple age divisions.

In the Boys’ Under-10 category, top-ranked Ryan Chin secured a hard-fought victory against Hugh Hadeed with a dramatic 2-1 result. After claiming the opening set, Chin faced stiff resistance in the second, falling 2-4 before ultimately prevailing in an extended tie-break at 12-10. Third seed Zephaniah Scipio demonstrated remarkable resilience, recovering from an initial set loss to overcome Lucas Young. Scipio dropped the first set 2-4 but mounted a successful comeback, taking the second 4-2 and clinching the match with an 11-9 tie-break triumph.

Additional Under-10 victories saw James Rostant achieve a decisive 4-1, 5-3 win against Collin Chan, while Liam Gaston-Johnston delivered a flawless performance with a double 4-0 victory over Christopher Craig.

The Boys’ Under-18 division witnessed commanding displays from seeded competitors. Second seed Christopher Khan dominated Javed Dowlat with an emphatic 6-1, 6-0 straight-sets victory. Similarly, third seed Jovan Garibana showcased his prowess with an identical 6-1, 6-0 win against Jaiden Gormandy. Oliver Harrigan engaged in a three-set thriller against Jacob Jacelon, ultimately securing victory with scores of 6-2, 1-6, 12-10.

Girls’ Under-14 matches featured several standout performances. Keyah Roberts demonstrated superior technique with a 6-2, 6-1 win against Jadia-Marie Highly, while Anaya Roberts claimed victory over Destine’E Antoine at 6-1, 6-3. Annabelle Stanislaus delivered a perfect performance with a double 6-0 victory against Reena Dougdeen, and Teijha Wellington triumphed over Laurielle Williams 6-0, 6-3.

Tournament action continues on December 14 with additional matches across all divisions.

In a dynamic opening to the East-West Corridor Football League, Simeon Road FC showcased strategic prowess with a decisive 3-1 victory over Young Lions at Hasely Crawford Stadium on December 12. The match highlighted a blend of experienced tactics and emerging talent, setting the tone for the competition’s North Zone standings.

Simeon Road FC, under the guidance of former national player Keron “Ball Pest” Cummings, dominated early with two rapid goals. Clevon McFee secured an eighth-minute penalty kick, followed by Jamel Oliver’s clinical finish ten minutes later, exploiting defensive gaps in Young Lions’ lineup. Despite a spirited response from Young Lions’ Venezuelan midfielder Jose Enrique in the 27th minute, Simeon Road FC maintained control. Jamarli Mootoo sealed the victory with a refined second-half goal, earning acclaim from Cummings for his potential.

Meanwhile, Tinto Academy ascended to the North Zone lead uncontested after San Juan/Santa Cruz forfeited their match, resulting in a default 3-0 win. Academy director Hayden Tinto expressed disappointment over the missed gameplay opportunity but acknowledged the strategic advantage gained. Tinto’s squad, featuring talents from the Secondary Schools’ Football League, anticipates fierce competition from rivals like Simeon Road FC.

Both coaches emphasized the league’s community impact, with Cummings describing coaching as a legacy-building endeavor and Young Lions’ coach Brent Perez framing his role as patriotic service. Perez, preparing his youthful team for U20 division entry in 2026, acknowledged the experience gap in the loss but remained optimistic about future matches.

The event underscored the league’s role in nurturing regional football talent while fostering mentorship and national pride.