分类： sports

In a stunning display of athletic prowess, University of Indianapolis swimmer Zachary Anthony made history at the Invitational Age Group Championships in Balmain, Couva on December 13. The emerging talent demolished a quarter-century-old national record in the 15 and over men’s 800-meter freestyle event, clocking an impressive 8:39.04 at the National Aquatic Centre.

Anthony’s remarkable performance surpassed the previous benchmark of 8:40.64 established by swimming legend George Bovell III back in June 2000. Despite this extraordinary achievement, Anthony’s time only met the CARIFTA B standard of 9:02.27, highlighting the exceptionally high caliber of regional competition.

The championship witnessed multiple standout performances beyond Anthony’s record-breaking swim. Marlins’ Isaiah Alexander secured second place with 9:30.28, nearly a full minute behind Anthony, while Khadeem Brathwaite claimed third with 9:38.05.

Two additional swimmers achieved the prestigious CARIFTA A standards in their respective categories. Eleven-year-old Zahara Anthony of Marlins dominated the 11-12 girls 200m freestyle with a time of 2:17.49, narrowly beating the A standard of 2:17.52. Meanwhile, RWB Aquatics’ Jadon Ramdeen, 14, delivered a commanding performance in the 13-14 boys’ 400m individual medley, finishing in 4:59.00 flat and easily surpassing the 5:02.10 A standard requirement.

The competition also saw nine swimmers achieving CARIFTA B standards across various disciplines. Notable performances included Marlins’ Marena Martinez who secured B standards in both the 13-14 girls 800m free (9:46.46) and 200m free (2:15.67). Tennessee-based sensation Nikoli Blackman earned a B standard in the boys 15 and over 200m freestyle with a winning time of 1:52.95.

The 11-12 boys 200m freestyle event proved particularly competitive 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 continues on December 14 with anticipation building for further exceptional performances from these emerging aquatic talents.

The West Indies Test cricket team is confronting one of its most devastating periods in recent history, having suffered six defeats in seven matches throughout 2025. This alarming regression has triggered intense scrutiny of leadership decisions and selection policies that appear to be undermining the team’s competitive foundation.

The most recent collapse occurred during the second Test against New Zealand, where the Caribbean squad succumbed to a nine-wicket defeat within three days. This performance exemplifies a dramatic reversal from the team’s promising position just months earlier, when they achieved a historic victory against Australia on foreign soil and demonstrated formidable resistance against India.

Cricket analyst Andre Lawrence identifies ‘chaotic selection policy’ as the primary catalyst for the current crisis. ‘What we’re witnessing is complete selection chaos that has evolved into an outright disaster,’ Lawrence stated. ‘The entire middle order, with the sole exception of Shai Hope, has appeared fundamentally dismal. There exists no stability, no clearly defined roles—just perpetual change.’

The team’s downward spiral coincides precisely with the April appointment of former West Indies captain Darren Sammy as head coach. Sammy replaced Andre Coley, who departed following the landmark Australian victory and a subsequent series draw against Pakistan. Under Sammy’s leadership, the team has endured a 3-0 whitewash against Australia—including a record-low score of 27 in the third Test—plus a 2-0 defeat to India before the recent New Zealand setback.

Lawrence criticizes Sammy’s attempt to implement an aggressive, Bazball-inspired methodology, arguing that the integration of T20 specialists into Test cricket has proven fundamentally misguided. ‘Test cricket demands an entirely different psychological approach and strategic mindset than limited-overs formats,’ Lawrence explained. ‘T20 cricketers are mentally conditioned to perform within eight to ten overs maximum. You cannot transplant that mentality into five-day cricket and anticipate success.’

The analyst further highlighted concerning patterns in specialist position management, noting detrimental changes among openers, middle-order batsmen, and wicketkeepers. Lawrence also questioned the wisdom of granting Sammy comprehensive authority over all formats and selection decisions, given his limited coaching credentials.

Cricket West Indies president Dr. Kishore Shallow has expressed dissatisfaction with team performance but publicly affirmed his support for Sammy during recent radio interviews. Despite this institutional backing, Lawrence emphasizes that accountability remains paramount in international sports. ‘Everybody must answer for their results,’ he asserted. ‘The fact that we’ve experienced thirty years of disappointment does not justify continued failure.’

The timing of this crisis proves particularly concerning as it coincides with the beginning of a new ICC Test cycle. Lawrence warns that discarding established players during their prime could jeopardize the development of emerging talent, potentially condemning West Indies cricket to extended periods of irrelevance unless immediate corrective measures are implemented.

In a thrilling TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) Phase II encounter on December 12, Defence Force FC secured a crucial 2-1 victory against Prisons FC at La Horquetta Recreation Grounds through a dramatic late winner from Sheldon Bateau.

The match began with intense midfield battles before Defence Force broke the deadlock in the 37th minute. Adriel George demonstrated exceptional technical ability by creating space outside the penalty area after receiving a precise pass from Rivaldo Coryat, subsequently unleashing a powerful right-footed strike that found the left corner beyond goalkeeper Jabari Gray’s reach.

Prisons FC responded with determined second-half pressure and eventually found their equalizer in the 75th minute. Weslie John executed a perfectly timed diving header that connected with a low cross, beating Defence Force goalkeeper Isaiah Williams to level the score.

The match appeared destined for a draw until the 83rd minute when Sheldon Bateau rose magnificently to meet a corner kick with a glancing header that directed the ball toward the far post, securing all three points for the defending champions. Despite Prisons’ frantic efforts to find another equalizer in the closing minutes, Defence Force’s defense held firm.

This victory maintains Defence Force’s pursuit of a top-three position with 14 points, trailing third-placed Club Sando by just one point in the tightly contested standings.

In the earlier match at the same venue, San Juan Jabloteh claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory against La Horquetta Rangers through Kaseem Ballantyne’s extra-time winner. The match saw Malachi Webb giving Jabloteh an early lead before Kesean St Rose equalized for Rangers, setting the stage for Ballantyne’s last-gasp heroics.

League action continued through December 13 with matches at Ato Boldon Stadium featuring Eagles FC versus Central FC and AC Port of Spain facing Club Sando. The matchday schedule concludes on December 14 with Point Fortin Civic hosting 1976 Phoenix FC and league leaders Police FC meeting Caledonia AIA at Mahaica Sports Complex.