Carib Scope

分类： sports

  • Derde helft WK 2026: Bellingham’s heldenrol bezorgt Engeland nipte zege op Noorwegen

    Derde helft WK 2026: Bellingham’s heldenrol bezorgt Engeland nipte zege op Noorwegen

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered one of its most unforgettable quarter-final matches on July 11 at Miami Stadium, where England secured a hard-fought 2-1 extra-time victory against a determined Norwegian side that captured global hearts throughout their underdog run at the tournament. Making their first World Cup finals appearance in 28 years, Norway shocked the football world by stringing together a series of stunning upsets, including a knockout victory over global powerhouse Brazil, that proved they were far more than just tournament also-rans. Their incredible run ultimately came to an end at the final whistle of extra time, but their performance against England left an indelible mark on the 2026 competition.

    From the opening kickoff, the match was a hard-fought tactical battle that lived up to its pre-match hype. Norwegian supporters packed the stands, turning the Miami venue into a sea of red and blue, roaring their side on with relentless passion. Led by global superstars Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, Norway came out with a clear game plan: disrupt England’s rhythm and hit on the counter. Haaland’s blistering pace and physical presence kept England’s backline under constant pressure, while Ødegaard pulled the strings in midfield to create repeated dangerous chances. Norway’s defense held firm through the opening stages, absorbing wave after wave of English attacking pressure.

    England dominated possession in the first half, controlling much of the play in the final third, but they were caught cold against the run of play in the first 45 minutes. A crisp passing move opened up space 25 yards from goal, and 21-year-old winger Andreas Schjelderup hit a stunning long-range strike into the top corner to put the underdogs ahead. The goal only amplified Norway’s intensity, as the Viking side pressed even harder to extend their lead. England, spearheaded by their own tournament standout Jude Bellingham and captain Harry Kane, struggled to find their footing until just before halftime, when a perfectly delivered Bukayo Saka cross found Bellingham unmarked in the box. The Real Madrid midfielder powered a brilliant header past Norwegian goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland to level the score, reminding the world why he has emerged as England’s undisputed leader and game-changer this tournament.

    The second half descended into a grueling physical battle, with Norway holding the upper hand for long stretches. Ødegaard continued to dictate play from midfield, repeatedly creating openings for Haaland to test England’s defense. In a tense late moment, Norway thought they had retaken the lead from a corner kick, when Torbjørn Heggem bundled the ball over the line after a goalmouth scramble. However, the goal was disallowed following a VAR check for a foul on England’s goalkeeper in the build-up, a decision that left Norwegian players and fans furious.

    As the clock ticked down on regular time, England threw everything forward in search of a winning goal, but Norway’s defense held firm to force the game into extra time. It was a misplaced backpass from a Norwegian defender that would ultimately decide the contest. Bellingham pounced on the mistake, intercepted the loose ball, and coolly slotted past Nyland to put England ahead for the first time in the match, notching his second goal of the game in the process. Norway pushed hard for an equalizer in the final minutes of extra time, but fatigue began to set in for the underdogs, and England’s defense, boosted by a stellar substitute performance from Djed Spence, held firm to see out the win.

    With the final whistle, England booked their spot in the World Cup semi-finals, their first appearance in the last four of the tournament since 2018. Gareth Southgate’s side will now face the winner of the quarter-final between Argentina and Switzerland for a spot in the World Cup final.

    While Norway will head home after the quarter-final exit, their 2026 World Cup campaign will go down in history as one of the greatest underdog runs in modern tournament history. They entered the competition ranked among the lower seeds, but defied all expectations by knocking out Brazil and pushing one of the tournament favorites all the way to extra time. Their combination of tactical discipline, relentless work rate, and team unity won over fans across the globe, and this run is sure to stand as a launching pad for Norwegian football in future international competitions. After the match, Nyland was visibly distraught, his late mistake having opened the door for Bellingham’s match-winning goal, but his teammates and fans alike praised the entire squad for a historic run that exceeded every expectation.

  • Antigua Players Join More Than 130 Juniors at Tennis Tournament in Trinidad

    Antigua Players Join More Than 130 Juniors at Tennis Tournament in Trinidad

    One of the Caribbean’s most anticipated annual junior sporting events is gearing up to welcome over 130 rising tennis stars next month, as the 26th iteration of the Sagicor Junior Tennis Tournament prepares to kick off a six-day run of competitive play from July 11 to 16 at Trinidad and Tobago’s National Racquet Sports Centre in Tacarigua.

    Co-hosted by financial firm Sagicor and the Tennis Patrons Academy (TPA), the storied youth competition has already secured 137 registered competitors hailing from both Trinidad and Tobago and neighboring Antigua and Barbuda. Organizers note that registration for the beginner-focused Red Ball division remains open, so final participant numbers are expected to climb higher before opening day. This year’s already confirmed field marks the largest turnout of any local or international tennis tournament hosted in Trinidad and Tobago in 2026, solidifying the event’s standing as the country’s top junior tennis competition.

    The tournament is structured to accommodate young athletes across every stage of skill and development, with age-group divisions spanning Under-10, Under-12, Under-14, Under-16, and Under-18, alongside skill-based tiers: Division 1 for advanced competitors, Division 2 for novice players, and the fan-favorite Red Ball category. The Red Ball division is specifically designed to introduce younger and less experienced athletes to competitive tennis in a low-pressure, fun-focused setting, played on smaller courts with modified equipment to suit developing skill sets. Two returning champions will headline the women’s draw this year: Makeda Bain will defend her Girls Under-16 Singles title, while Madison Khan returns to protect her Girls Under-18 Singles crown.

    For decades, the Red Ball division has served as a critical starting pathway for emerging tennis talent across the nation. Countless of Trinidad and Tobago’s current national junior team members and seasoned competitive players launched their competitive careers through TPA’s Red Ball program, building on-field confidence and match experience while fostering a lifelong passion for the sport. Organizers emphasize that this grassroots focus remains the core mission of the entire tournament, beyond just crowning champions.

    Andrew Thornton, a representative from the Tennis Patrons Academy, highlighted the tournament’s lasting impact on local tennis development. “The Sagicor Junior Tennis Tournament has grown into far more than just an annual week of competition,” Thornton explained. “It is a foundational stepping stone for young players at every step of their athletic journey. From first-time Red Ball participants stepping onto a competitive court for the first time to our advanced junior athletes vying for national titles, the event delivers invaluable match experience, supports personal growth, and creates memories that last a lifetime. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome such a strong, talented field this year, and we’re looking forward to a thrilling week of world-class junior tennis.”

    Spectators will have free access to the venue throughout the tournament, with matches kicking off daily starting on opening day, Saturday July 11, running through final matches on Thursday July 16. Fans are encouraged to attend to cheer on the region’s next generation of tennis stars as they compete for top honors.

    Now in its 26th year, the Sagicor Junior Tennis Tournament has long held a reputation as a cornerstone of junior sports development in Trinidad and Tobago. Beyond providing competitive opportunities, the event prioritizes building good sportsmanship, chasing athletic excellence, and growing the popularity of tennis across the country for future generations.

  • Aspirers Athletics Club adds four more gold medals at Trupial Classic

    Aspirers Athletics Club adds four more gold medals at Trupial Classic

    On the second competition day of the annual Trupial Classic, held on Saturday morning, Dominica’s Aspirers Athletics Club delivered another dominant display of field event prowess, extending its already impressive standing at the tournament by adding 10 total medals to its overall tally, alongside a series of career-best performances from up-and-coming domestic athletes.

    Leading the charge for the club was multi-event standout Khaarim John-Baptiste, who claimed two gold medals across open categories: topping the podium in both open men’s high jump and open men’s long jump. The remaining two gold medals went to Delanie George, who secured first place in the Under-17 boys’ high jump, and Zidan Cornelius, who took top honors in the Under-13 boys’ long jump.

    The Dominican club’s medal haul did not end at gold. Four silver medals were added to the delegation’s count, with podium finishes spread across multiple events. Chantay Joseph earned silver in open girls’ high jump, Khumaar John-Baptiste took second place in open boys’ high jump, Jaden Joseph claimed silver in open boys’ long jump, and Zaiden Cornelius rounded out the silver medal finishes with a runner-up result in the Under-17 boys’ javelin throw.

    Two bronze medals completed the club’s 10-medal haul for the morning session. Omari Caesar notched a third-place finish in the Under-15 boys’ long jump, while Khumaar John-Baptiste capped off an all-around strong individual performance by adding bronze in open boys’ long jump to his earlier silver medal, securing two podium finishes in a single day of competition.

    Beyond the medal haul, the morning session brought landmark personal achievements for several Aspirers athletes, including three new lifetime best results. The most notable of these breakthroughs came from discus thrower Arl Larocque, who had spent months training to break the 40-meter barrier. Competing unopposed in his event, Larocque hit a new personal best of 40.70 meters, finally clearing the long-sought milestone.

    Saturday’s results reinforce Aspirers Athletics Club’s reputation as one of the top-performing teams at the Trupial Classic, with the organization consistently placing among the leaders across a wide range of age groups and field events. The consistent success of its athletes also highlights the steady development of young track and field talent across Dominica, a cohort that has already notched multiple notable results at regional-level competitions throughout 2026.

    Following the conclusion of Saturday morning’s field event schedule, the Aspirers delegation has turned its focus to the afternoon and evening’s relay festival, where the club will look to add even more medals to its tally and extend its winning run at the 2026 Trupial Classic.

  • Bajan sprinters earn places in NACAC championship finals

    Bajan sprinters earn places in NACAC championship finals

    The opening day of the 2024 NACAC Under-18 and Under-23 Athletics Championships, hosted in Mexico, delivered mixed results for Team Barbados, with several young competitors punching their tickets to the final rounds of their events while others fell short of progression.

    Barbados’ campaign got off to a flying start thanks to Nyah Clarke in the Under-18 Girls’ 100-meter sprint. The young sprinter dominated her qualifying heat, crossing the finish line in 11.91 seconds to secure an automatic spot in the final. She went on to improve her time in the title race, clocking 11.69 seconds to claim sixth place in a talented field.

    In the Under-23 Women’s 100m, Kishawna Niles replicated Clarke’s qualifying success, taking third place in the second heat with a time of 11.59 seconds to advance. Her teammate Aniya Nurse narrowly missed out on progression, recording 11.74 seconds in the first heat that was not fast enough to move forward. Nimes went on to run 11.41 seconds in the final, finishing sixth overall in the competition.

    For the male sprinters, Jahkye Brewster delivered a strong performance to qualify for the Under-18 Boys’ 100m final, stopping the clock at 10.60 seconds to take a qualifying spot from heat one. He stepped up his pace in the final, shaving 0.10 seconds off his qualifying time to finish fourth with a 10.50 second run. In the Under-23 Men’s 100m heats, Amari Knight missed the final cut by just 0.01 seconds behind Brewster’s qualifying time, finishing with 10.61 seconds that did not secure progression.

    Moving to the 400-meter distances, Krystal Bentham suffered an early setback when she pulled up mid-race during the Under-18 Girls’ 400m preliminaries and could not finish. In the corresponding Under-18 Boys’ 400m event, however, Aidan Moore and Zacharry Wall both secured their spots in the next round. Moore claimed victory in the third heat with a time of 47.91 seconds, while Wall took second place in heat two in 47.13 seconds to advance.

    In the Under-23 Women’s 400m, both Kadia Rock and Twaneise Johnson earned places in the final. Rock topped the podium in her heat, winning heat two with a 53.25 second run, while Johnson qualified by taking fifth in heat one in 53.91 seconds. For the Under-23 Men’s 400m, Shamari Greenidge-Lewis secured qualification despite only finishing fourth in his fourth heat, crossing the line in 47.44 seconds to move forward. Brandon Hinds, by contrast, missed out on a final spot after taking fifth in heat one with a time of 48.21 seconds.

  • Rugby 7’s team tipped to do well at CAC Games

    Rugby 7’s team tipped to do well at CAC Games

    As the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Rugby Sevens Championships draw near, the Barbados Rugby Football Union (BRFU) is projecting a solid performance from its men’s national side, set to compete in the Dominican Republic starting July 24. Kathryn Daniel, the BRFU’s public relations officer, has voiced cautious optimism about the squad’s prospects, highlighting a rare mix of veteran experience and youthful energy that she believes will give the team an edge against regional opponents.

    Daniel noted that the majority of the 12-member roster is made up of athletes who have competed at the regional level for multiple years, while still remaining in the peak physical window of their rugby careers. Only a small handful of rising talents, including young prospect Malique Broomes, break the trend of seasoned campaigners. She also pointed out unique team dynamics, with cousins Jaden Howell and Simon John both earning spots in the final traveling squad, while declining to reveal full strategic details that could give opponents an advantage. According to Daniel, the roster is packed with underrated talent and targeted skills that translate perfectly to the fast-paced sevens format.

    She highlighted individual standout traits across the side, calling out winger Christopher Blades for his exceptional pace and agility on the pitch, and forward Jeremy Nelson for his elite level of fitness that allows him to maintain high intensity through full matches. A key asset Daniel emphasized is the team’s long-standing chemistry: most core players have competed alongside one another for several years, creating an on-field cohesion that many newer squads cannot match.

    Confidence in the team’s performance comes off the back of recent impressive results in the 15-a-side format of the game, which Daniel hopes will translate to the shorter, faster sevens format. Just a few weeks prior, the Barbados 15s side dominated St. Vincent by a lopsided 68-0 scoreline. They followed that upset with a win over Guyana’s renowned “Green Machine” side – only the second time Barbados has beaten Guyana in more than a decade. Daniel credited these positive results to the squad’s intensive off-season training program, which has focused on raising the technical and physical standard of play across the board.

    Admittedly, the team suffered a recent loss to higher-ranked Cayman Islands in a warm-up fixture, but Daniel stressed that the underdog Bajan side put up a far more competitive fight than many analysts expected. That solid showing against a higher-caliber opponent, she argued, is proof that the team is already performing at a level that can surprise favorites at the CAC Championships. The full traveling roster for the tournament includes: Christopher Blades, Malique Broomes, Rajiv Grant, Jaden Howell, Simon John, Cadeem Knight, Daniel Martyn, Jeremy Nelson, Enrique Oxley, Noah Paskins, D’Andre Phillips and Sean Ward.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Sprinters Reach NACAC Finals in Mexico

    Antigua and Barbuda Sprinters Reach NACAC Finals in Mexico

    The North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) Athletics Championships, hosted in Tlaxcala, Mexico, got off to a promising start for the small Caribbean delegation of Antigua and Barbuda, with three of its young sprinters and middle-distance runners securing spots in event finals in the opening rounds of competition.

    First among the advancing athletes was 23-and-under sprinter Geolyna Dowdye, who claimed victory in her women’s 100-meter semifinal with a time of 11.54 seconds to punch her ticket to the final round. In the championship final, Dowdye delivered an even faster performance, crossing the finish line in 11.27 seconds to take fourth place overall.

    In the men’s Under-23 100-meter discipline, Dwayne Fleming also earned a place in the final after a strong showing in his preliminary heat. Fleming clocked 10.40 seconds to secure third position in his heat, enough to advance to the final round. Fellow Antiguan sprinter Kasiya Daley put up a time of 10.62 seconds in Heat 1, but fell short of the cut-off to move on to the next stage.

    The Antigua and Barbuda Athletics Association (ABAA) later shared an update on Fleming’s final performance: the young sprinter had jumped out to an early lead at the 40-meter mark of the final, but began experiencing unexpected physical discomfort midway through the race. The issue derailed his momentum and ultimately kept him from contending for a podium finish.

    Tyra Fenton was the third Antiguan athlete to lock in a final spot in early competition, finishing third in Heat 1 of the girls’ Under-18 400-meter heats with a time of 56.27 seconds. Her final race is scheduled to take place on Saturday.

    Not all Antiguan competitors advanced out of the preliminary rounds, however. Kettia Ambrose finished fifth in Heat 2 of the women’s Under-23 400-meter event with a time of 55.69 seconds, a result that left her just outside of qualification for the final.

    As the multi-day championships progress, the Antigua and Barbuda delegation still has multiple opportunities to earn strong results. Fenton is set to compete in her 400-meter final in the coming days, while Dowdye, Fenton and Daley are all scheduled to participate in the preliminary heats of the 200-meter events. Additionally, Craig Prendergast will contest the men’s Under-23 400-meter hurdles final for the national team.

    In a statement released after the first round of competition, the ABAA extended well wishes to Fleming for a quick recovery from the discomfort he experienced during the 100-meter final. The association also reaffirmed its full ongoing support for the entire Antigua and Barbuda national team for the remainder of the championships.

  • Hockey teams included in CAC Games squad

    Hockey teams included in CAC Games squad

    The Barbados Olympic Association has finalized the full roster of its national delegation heading to the 2026 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, set to run from July 24 to August 8 in Santo Domingo, confirming a 201-strong contingent that will include both men’s and women’s national hockey teams.

    Announced in a public release Friday, the latest wave of confirmed participants adds 53 athletes and 11 medical and administrative support staff to the previously announced delegation lineup, rounding out the full team across seven competitive sports: hockey, karate, sailing, shooting, weightlifting, and wrestling. The cohort includes several seasoned veterans who carried Barbados’ flag at the 2023 edition of the regional multi-sport event, including veteran sharpshooter Dave Seale, women’s senior hockey defender Nakisha Downes-Whittaker, and men’s hockey team captain Che Roach, bringing valuable high-stakes competition experience to the young squad.

    Leading the entire delegation is Chef de Mission Dr. Adrian Lorde, with a structured leadership and support team designed to keep athletes primed for peak performance. Mona Alleyne serves as Deputy Chef de Mission, while Glyne Clarke fills the role of delegation administrator. The on-site medical team, a critical component of preparation and recovery for multi-day competitions, is headed by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ingrid Burrowes, supported by a second physician Dr. Chloe Thompson, four physiotherapists, and two licensed massage therapists.

    In comments following the roster announcement, Dr. Lorde emphasized that a robust behind-the-scenes support network is non-negotiable for delegations competing in large-scale regional events like the CAC Games. “With a delegation of this size, having a strong sports medicine and administrative team backing our athletes is an absolute necessity to manage the significant physical demands of back-to-back competition,” Dr. Lorde explained. “Our medical officers, physiotherapists, and massage therapists rank among the most skilled practitioners in the Caribbean, and their specialized expertise will ensure every member of Team Barbados is fully prepared, healthy, and protected both during competition and in recovery.”

    The full roster of athletes confirmed in Friday’s announcement breaks down as follows: The 16-member men’s hockey team includes Marlon Daniel, Samuel Davis, Khodi Gibson, James Godding, Jerome Harewood, Jules Inniss, Stephen Morris, Taurean Phillips, Che Roach, Ahijah Springer, Dominic Toppin, Tyrese Weekes, Shakeel Wharton, Javier Wharton, Kanye Wharton, and Raghnall Yarde-Deane. The 16-member women’s hockey team features Keimah Alleyne, Kenya Alleyne, Anaya Alleyne-Germain, Takirsha Cambridge, Venessa Chewitt, Sterre De Koning, Nakira Downes, Nakisha Downes-Whittaker, D’Jamila Edwards, Neviandra Greenidge, Aliyah Griffith, Jada Prescod, Reiann Stoute, Iana Strickland, Gabriel Williams, and Ayanna Wilson.

    Single karate competitor Ric-Anne Brathwaite will represent Barbados in that discipline, while four sailors—Amabel Chase, Scott Gittens, Savannah Stuart, and Joseph Whelan—will compete in sailing events. Six shooters, including Dave Seale, will join the lineup: Tesonna Alleyne, Michelle Elliot, Brodella Ramchere, Seale, Calleah Walcott, and Camara Williams. Five weightlifters—Quontana Clarke, Chelsea Goodridge, Daniel Griffith, Elijah-Phoenix Mahy, and Khalil Roberts—will compete in weightlifting, and five wrestlers—Shaquille Agard, Matthew Arindell, Justin Boyce, Emmerson Hurley, and Nathan Pond—round out the confirmed athletic roster.

  • Court Grants Interim Injunction Halting Leeward Islands Cricket Board Elections

    Court Grants Interim Injunction Halting Leeward Islands Cricket Board Elections

    In a last-minute ruling that has thrown regional cricket governance into uncertainty, the High Court of Justice of Antigua and Barbuda has granted an interim injunction blocking the Leeward Islands Cricket Board (LICB) from holding its planned annual general meeting and leadership elections set for July 11. The stay on the vote will remain in effect until the court hears a full legal challenge brought by the Anguilla Cricket Association and Carlisle Powell, president of the Nevis Cricket Association.

    Handing down the decision on July 10, one day before the scheduled vote, Justice Jan Drysdale concluded that the dispute raised substantial legal questions that require full adjudication. The judge further ruled that financial compensation would not be a sufficient remedy if the election went forward before the court could resolve the underlying conflict, ordering that the existing governing structure remain unchanged until a full inter partes hearing can be held.

    At the heart of the claimants’ case are multiple grievances over the LICB’s nomination process. The applicants argue that a nomination for candidate Dr. Hodge was improperly rejected on the grounds that his letter of acceptance was submitted late. They emphasize that at no point prior to the rejection did the LICB indicate that this separate acceptance document would be a mandatory requirement for eligibility. Compounding this issue, the claimants state that neither Dr. Hodge nor a second candidate, Kieron Powell, were notified of any perceived issues with their nomination paperwork, nor were they given the opportunity to fix any deficiencies before the final list of candidates was publicly released on July 9.

    In a further challenge to the election’s legitimacy, the claimants’ affidavit questions the eligibility of incumbent LICB president Enoch Lewis. According to the filing, Lewis has held the presidency for roughly 12 consecutive years, a tenure that far exceeds the two-term limit explicitly written into the LICB’s own governing constitution.

    The applicants warn that allowing the disputed election to proceed would cause permanent harm to the board’s democratic standing and erode public and stakeholder trust in the organization’s leadership. Their requested remedies include a full postponement of the election until the entire nomination process can undergo a formal review, or alternatively, a court order requiring that both Kieron Powell and Dr. Hodge be added to the ballot as valid, nominated candidates.

    Justice Drysdale’s injunction applies broadly to the LICB, its current officers, and all authorized agents, banning any action to convene the AGM, hold the election, or enact any results from the vote until the court issues a new order following the full hearing. Procedural timelines have already been set: respondents in the case have until July 15 to submit a responding affidavit, while the claimants will have until July 16 to file their reply. Formal skeleton legal arguments are due by July 20, and the full inter partes hearing is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. on July 22.

  • Barbados aim to stay unbeaten at FIBA Americup qualifiers

    Barbados aim to stay unbeaten at FIBA Americup qualifiers

    After securing two standout opening wins against Haiti and the Cayman Islands, Barbados’ Senior Men’s National Basketball Team has its sights firmly set on preserving its perfect start at the FIBA Americup 2029 Caribbean Pre-qualifiers being held in Guyana. With progression to the next stage of qualifying reserved exclusively for group winners, every remaining contest carries high stakes as the Caribbean side fights to lock in first place in Group B.

    Barbados will kick off its final stretch of group play against Grenada on Saturday at Georgetown’s Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, before wrapping up their pre-qualifier campaign against St Vincent and the Grenadines the following day. Fresh off the team’s come-from-behind victory over Haiti on Thursday, head coach Charles Vanderpool expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to keep their momentum going. The match against Haiti was widely projected to be one of Barbados’ toughest tests of the group stage, making the comeback win even more meaningful for the side.

    “This has been the product of so much hard work from the entire group, and this match really was our biggest hurdle to clear in this whole competition,” Vanderpool told the team’s media team after the win. “The effort every single one of my players put out there was outstanding. Even when we fell behind early in the game, no one got discouraged. We kept our composure and proved we belong on the same court as any team here. For a small island nation, we have no shortage of talent.”

    Vanderpool also noted that the series of positive breaks the team has experienced both in the lead-up to and during the tournament have been remarkable, crediting what he called divine intervention for the smooth path. “When so many elements align perfectly for the team, it can only be divine work. We truly believe we have God’s blessing with us throughout this competition, and we’ve been through a lot to get to this point,” he said, referencing the team’s preparation tours to Chile and Mexico over the past months. While those trips included several tough losses for the squad, Vanderpool emphasized that those defeats carried invaluable lessons that have made the team stronger ahead of the pre-qualifiers.

    Guard Kyrone Alexander emerged as the standout star of Thursday’s win, pouring in a game- and team-high 35 points to lead the comeback. Alexander shared that he was thrilled to contribute to the victory and praised the entire roster for their consistent effort. “I’m very proud of how we performed today. Every guy brought great effort and paid close attention to the game plan, even the substitutes who came off the bench maintained the same high intensity as the starters,” Alexander said.

    Mirroring his coach’s comments, Alexander pointed to last summer’s preparation matches in Chile as a critical turning point for the team’s development. He explained that the Barbados squad is now far more cohesive and strategically disciplined than it was just months ago, as the entire group remains focused on extending their unbeaten streak and securing their spot in the next round of FIBA Americup qualifying.

  • Alfred impresses with record-breaking run in Monaco

    Alfred impresses with record-breaking run in Monaco

    In a historic display of sprinting dominance at Friday’s Meeting Herculis held at Monaco’s Stade Louis II, Saint Lucian Olympic 100m gold medalist Julien Alfred delivered a performance for the record books, clocking a blistering 21.51 seconds in the women’s 200m to claim the third-fastest time ever recorded over the distance. The 25-year-old speedster outpaced a star-studded field of global competitors, turning a mediocre start into a legendary victory that left the sold-out crowd roaring with excitement.

    Alfred’s historic run not only shattered her own 2023 national record of 21.71 seconds set in London, but it also toppled a 31-year-old meeting record that had stood since 1993 – a 21.77s mark set by Jamaican sprint legend Merlene Ottey. Her time also jumps to the top of the 2026 global rankings, knocking British Virgin Islands sprinter Adaeajah Hodge from the top spot. Hodge, who had previously posted the year’s fastest time of 21.68 seconds just one month prior, took second place in Monaco with a solid 21.70s run. Closing out the podium was American Olympic 200m gold medalist Gabby Thomas, who finished third in 21.84 seconds. Only two women in track and field history have ever run faster than Alfred: the long-standing world record holder Florence Griffith-Joyner and Jamaica’s own Shericka Jackson.

    Race observers noted that Alfred got off to a relatively slow start out of the starting blocks under clear, sunny skies, but the sprinter found her gear within the first 10 meters of the race and never gave up the lead, pulling away from the field down the home straight. In post-race comments, Alfred downplayed the importance of a quick reaction time, emphasizing that the final result is all that matters. “It’s not about the reaction time; it’s about how you finish. I don’t care about my reaction time, I was first, that’s all that matters,” she said.

    Reflecting on the years of work that led to her historic performance, Alfred shared that she had spent months preparing for this breakthrough moment, and only realized the scale of her achievement once she crossed the finish line and saw the clock. “I have been preparing for this for such a long time; to finally see it pay off, I am just happy. I didn’t realise how fast it was till I crossed the line. I looked at the clock and saw my time, and that’s why I was screaming like at the Olympics. Because I have been looking forward to this for a long time.”

    Alfred added that her result exceeded her own pre-race expectations, leaving her elated and hungry for more success. “I am just so happy to see that time. There are no limits right now. Today, I was actually hoping to see 21.6; I got 21.5, so I am happy nonetheless.” Her groundbreaking performance has sent shockwaves through the global track and field community, cementing her status as one of the greatest sprinters of her generation and setting the stage for an exciting showdown at upcoming world championship and Olympic events.