CARIFTA Games 2024 supplement

Flashback to 2023

KEYSHAWN Strachan presents gold and silver medals to his sister Kamera Strachan and Dior-Rae Scott respectively during the 50th CARIFTA Games at the Thomas A Robinson national stadium last year.

KAMERA

Strachan and Dior-Rae Scott finished first and second respectively in the under-17 girls’ javelin at last year’s CARIFTA Track and Field Championships.

This year, Scott took home the gold medal. (See page 7 for the full story).

Team Bahamas won 17 medals at last year’s CARIFTA Games, wrapping up the games in second place behind Jamaica.

Strachan notched a throwing distance of 46.07 metres to claim gold for The Bahamas. Her teammate Scott secured silver with a throwing distance of 45.13m.

on.

The young athletes talked about how it felt to finish first and second alongside each other. “Last year I came fourth and I was a little sad but now I set my mind to say I am gonna get the record,” Strachan said.

Scott talked about how it felt to get a personal best in the competition. “I am really excited that I was able to personal best and I am more than proud of my teammate. It wasn’t what I expected but I am still proud of myself nevertheless,” she said.

Team Bahamas wins 33 medals

Second overall at 51st CARIFTA GamesTrack & Field Championships in Grenada

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada — Team Bahamas dominated the field events at the 51st CARIFTA Games hosted in St George’s, Grenada, for their fifth straight second place finish over the Easter weekend.

Last year’s host country had a total of 33 medals including nine gold, 13 silver and 11 bronze.

Jamaica won the CARIFTA Track and Field Championships for the 38th year in a row, collecting 83 medals which included 44 gold, 23 silver and 16 bronze.

Trinidad and Tobago was third on the medal standings with 27 medals.

CARIFTA Records

Three Bahamians are now CARIFTA record holders in the girls and boys pole vault (open) as well as the under-17 girls javelin throw event.

Dior-Rae Scott came into the CARIFTA Games with a lot of momentum on her side but it would no doubt be a fight to the finish between her and previous CARIFTA record holder Kamera Strachan. The top javelin throwers did not disappoint and truly pushed each other to the brink in the field event.

Strachan, who broke the CARIFTA javelin

with her teammate down the stretch for the latest milestone.

“We push each other all the time and we told each other ‘lets go you got this’ through all of our throws and I came out with the win,” Scott said.

She offered a special congratulations to Strachan.

record last year, pulled off a heave of 46.97m on her third attempt which had already eclipsed her former record of 46.07m.

Scott made the record her own on the third attempt where she posted a mark of 52.53m which also earned her the CARIFTA gold medal.

“I felt really good waking up this morning. I had my mind set and I knew what I wanted to come and do. “I went out there and pushed myself

in Grenada.

and I did what I had to do. It feels fantastic and I want to thank God for allowing me to accomplish this big achievement,” the newest CARIFTA record holder said.

Strachan dropped to the second position after notching 47.61m on her fifth attempt.

Jamaica’s Zoelle Jamel settled for the bronze medal with her throwing distance of 45.00m.

Scott talked about how it felt to compete

Brenden Vanderpool was chasing his father’s 36-year-old national record last year at the 50th CARIFTA Games.

One year later, he managed to surpass his own CARIFTA and national record of 5.06m and replace it with 5.30m in the boys pole vault (open) event.

The Samford University freshman successfully defended his pole vault crown for the third straight year to close out his final CARIFTA experience on a high note.

“I think I did quite well given the conditions. It

TYLER CASH, left, and CARIFTA pole vault record holder Brenden Vanderpool share a special moment during the 51st CARIFTA Games - Track & Field Championships -

KEYSHAWN Strachan embraces his sister and gold medallist Kamera Strachan as silver medallist Dior-Rae Scott looks

SWEET SIX-PEAT Team Bahamas wins CARIFTA Swimming Championships on home soil

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

Bahamas Aquatics president Algernon Cargill was smiling from ear to ear on Tuesday night as he walked around the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex as proud as a peacock.

He had every reason to be after watching his

association host a spectacular 2024 CARIFTA Swimming Championships, culminating with Team Bahamas extending its dynasty to six straight titles in the regional top junior swim meet. Team Bahamas topped the 24-country chart with a total of 1,096.50 points, 405.50 points more than their nearest rivals, the Cayman Islands with 660. Next year’s host Trinidad & Tobago earned the third spot with 639.

To top it off, Team Bahamas kept 101 of the medals, including 34 gold, 39 silver and 28 bronze right here at home. Trinidad & Tobago was a distant second with 54 and the Cayman Islands trailed with 50.

“It’s a very good feeling to win six consecutive times,” Cargill said.

“As I said all along, it speaks to the strength of our federation as well as the overall commitment for our athletes to represent The Bahamas at the highest level.

“Winning CARIFTA was not easy, but these athletes made it look so easy.

“I’m very proud of them and their coaches for preparing them to represent the Bahamas at such a high level.”

Despite the setback of not having the 50 metre pool to train in all year because of the renovations by the Bahamas Government and the lack of funding from corporate Bahamas as they anticipated, Cargill said the team persevered and now

it’s on to seven straight in Trinidad & Tobago next year.

“We are definitely very strong going into Trinidad & Tobago,” Cargill said. “We are not losing that many athletes, so we are looking very strong going for the seventh straight.”

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

THE way the National Sports Authority and the Bahamas Aquatics were able to transform the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex for a spectacular venue for the hosting of the 2024 CARIFTA Swimming Championships was worth every bit of the $5 million dollars spent on the renovations.

These were the sentiments of Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg and NSA chairman Grafton Ifill Jr as they reflected on the transformation of the stadium after the completion of the renovations that took about six months to be completed.

“It all turned out to what we wanted, hosting a great event and hosting the visiting teams and making sure that they enjoy their time here in The Bahamas,” Bowleg said.

“Team Bahamas was well prepared, they were well-coached and the swimmers did their best and we came out on

SIX STRAIGHT!: The Bahamas’ swimming team members celebrate after winning the 51st CARIFTA Swimming Championships at Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex Tuesday night.

Photos by Dante Carrer

CARIFTA ‘moms and dads’ proud of their rising stars

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter

tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

THE CARIFTA experience is second to none for athletes battling on the track and field but, from a parent’s perspective, the feeling of watching your child medal is unmatched.

A number of parents commuted to the 51st CARIFTA Games in St George’s, Grenada, to support their children and were left overwhelmed with emotions as they witnessed them rack up medals across the various events.

Daniel and Hiltina Scott will now have a CARIFTA record holder in their household in the form of their daughter

Dior-Rae Scott. The top under-17 girls’ javelin performer has her name etched in the CARIFTA record books with a leading mark of 52.53m which she paired with a gold medal.

The Scotts were in attendance at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium to witness the greatness of their daughter and watch her crush yet another milestone.

Dior-Rae’s mother expressed how it felt to see her excel at the junior regional meet.

“It feels amazing. DiorRae has put in a lot of hard work this year and she had her mind set and set out her goals and she came out and accomplished them,” she said.

As a mother, she spoke about the importance of providing support and always being her daughter’s biggest fan.

“At the end of the day it is all about support. We have to support our children as parents and, once they have that goal in mind, it is important to push them and that is what we have done for our daughter. I have always been a huge supporter of her. I don’t miss any of her meets. It is really important that she sees and feels my presence and that is what it is all about,” she said.

With regards to the CARIFTA Games experience, she was pleased to see the level of camaraderie displayed on and off the track among the athletes.

Varel Davis, Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) president, along with her husband Deon Davis Sr saw their son Davon Davis claim his first CARIFTA medal in the under-17 boys’ triple jump event. He posted a personal best of 14.16m for bronze.

Davis was proud of her son’s efforts in his CARIFTA debut.

“It was awesome to witness my son win a medal at his first CARIFTA Games. My son has worked very hard and it wasn’t easy this year due to an injury he had. God is good and I am happy for him to have the opportunity to represent his

country. It’s a good feeling. The future is bright for him and I am just happy for him. Davon is not finished yet. I am looking forward to him continuing to make more CARIFTA teams,” Davis said.

She talked about the level of support her and Mr Davis extended to Davon from the sidelines.

“My husband and I came over to support him. We are always on the sidelines supporting him. The support from parents goes a long way. His aim was always to achieve a personal best and he did that. I am very happy that he accomplished that. If you know Davon, he is very dedicated and works extremely hard to accomplish his goals. He’s just like me, that runs through him, “ she added.

A special thanks was offered to coaches Jamieson Pratt and James Rolle for the role they played in helping the CARIFTA bronze medallist.

Kenny Moxey Sr greeted his son and CARIFTA gold medallist Kenny Moxey Jr at the finish line to congratulate him on winning the boys’ octathlon with a total of 5,455 points.

Moxey, who is a former decathlete, was ecstatic to watch his son win the gold medal.

“It feels great. He is following in my footsteps. I was a decathlete and pole vaulter and he decided at some point he wanted to follow in my footsteps. He

is doing the same thing but he is much better than I was,” Mr Moxey said.

Kenny’s father also serves as his coach and said the feeling was surreal from both perspectives.

“It feels great from a coach’s perspective and it feels great from a father’s perspective. It is not often a father gets to coach his son to a gold medal at the CARIFTA Games, in a discipline he once did and for him to excel as much as he has it just feels excellent. I give God all of the praise, all of the honour and all of the glory. We keep him first in whatever we do and that is what makes the difference,” he said.

J’Kaiyah Rolle made her first CARIFTA Games appearance and left as a gold medallist for the under-17 girls’ long jump event. She won with a jump of 5.77m.

Her mother Jacqueline Davis-Rolle described the moment she knew her daughter had won the field event.

“I think I had more excitement than she did because when she jumped it was 5.50m at first but the girl came right behind her and smashed that. I said ‘Kaiyah mommy is here, look at me’ and she told me she was gonna do it. When she jumped 5.77 metres I said okay that’s it. It was glorious and it honestly felt good to witness,” she said.

The CARIFTA parents all had one thing in common at the 51st

CARIFTA Games and that was supportiveness which made all the difference for their children.

JACQUELINE Davis-Rolle alongside her daughter and CARIFTA gold medallist J’Kaiyah Rolle at the 51st CARIFTA Games in St George’s, Grenada.

KENNY Moxey Sr eagerly waiting near the finish line to congratulate his son Kenny Moxey Jr on winning the gold medal in the boys’ octathlon.

Medal glory

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada — Grand Bahama native Joshua Williams had a spectacular showing at the CARIFTA Track and Field Championships. Williams was the only Bahamian athlete to close out the junior regional event as a double gold medallist. He took his talents from the basketball court to the long and high jump events in the under17 boys division. He notched a personal best of 7.03m in the long jump to nab his first gold medal of the meet, Additionally, in the high jump he soared to 2.00m in the field event for his second gold medal of the competition.

The Grand Bahamian saw great improvement in the jumps, progressing from a last place finish at the 50th CARIFTA Games to a first place podium spot this time around. Claudius Burrows, who is also from the second city, placed second in the event jumping to 1.95m. Tyrique Vincent brought home the bronze medal for Trinidad and Tobago after posting 1.90m.

“I felt good going into the competition. My running was a bit off during the first round and I was in last place going into the second round. On my last attempt I achieved the 7.03m mark and that got me the gold inside the competition,” he said.

Kaden Cartwright successfully defended his crown in the under-20 boys javelin throw event. He came away with yet another gold medal finish after throwing a personal best 67.43m. Grenada’s Rayvohn Telesford received the silver medal for his toss of 65.57m. Dominica’s Addison Alickson James finished the event in third.

“It feels pretty good. I was kind of nervous because I was coming in as the defending champion and knowing that those same people I threw against were coming back this year and I knew they were coming back for the gold medal. I had to stay strong and try to get on top,” the CARIFTA gold medallist said.

In just her first year competing in the under20 division, Taysha Stubbs recorded a personal best toss of 50.94m in the javelin throw event for the gold medal.

Stubbs was joined by teammate Vanessa Sawyer who picked up the silver medal with her throw of 43.03m in the same event. Alliah Gittens, who represented the host country, posted 42.33m for the bronze medal.

“It feels awesome. I know I have prepared for this moment and it feels good to execute. God is good. For a while I have been trying to put some stuff together and coming

J’Kaiyah Rolle won the gold in the under-17 girls’ long jump with a leap of 5.77 metres.

out here being able to throw a personal best just shows myself that I can do it. I cannot wait to improve on that,” she said.

J’Kaiyah Rolle had a strong showing in the under-17 girls long jump event. She managed to come away with a gold medal after posting a mark of 5.77m in the field event. Jamaica’s Sashana Johnson came close but her jump of 5.74m was only enough for the silver

medal. Brooklyn Lyttle, who represented Belize, capped off the event with a leap of 5.73m for the bronze medal.

“I feel really good as this is my first year under17. I am very proud to represent my country. It was my season best and I was very happy as I listened to coach James teaching me how to jump up,” Rolle said.

Kenny Moxey Jr was met with a warm embrace from his father Kenny

Moxey Sr after winning the gold medal in the boys octathlon (open).

He competed in the 100m, long jump, shot put, 400m, 110m hurdles, high jump, javelin throw and 1500m and wrapped up with 5,455 points.

The CARIFTA veteran was overjoyed to cap off the eight events with a gold medal. “Honestly, it feels amazing. I know what I came here for, I worked hard and achieved

my goal. For the first day my mindset was to just go out as hard as I can because I know a lot of them are returning athletes and this is my first year,” he said.

He was also thankful for the support of his parents.

“Honestly, all that they have sacrificed for me I am just so grateful that my mother and father were able to watch me PR and win the competition,” he said.

CLAUDIUS Burrows and Joshua Williams, right, at the CARIFTA Track and Field Championships in St George’s, Grenada.

KENNY Moxey Jr was met with a warm embrace from father Kenny Moxey Sr after winning the gold medal in the boys’ octathlon (open).

CARIFTA GOLD: Dior-Rae Scott broke the record in the under-17 girls’ javelin during the 51st CARIFTA Games hosted in St George’s, Grenada.

RECORD BREAKER

Dior-Rae Scott wins gold in under-17 girls’ javelin

St George’s, Grenada — Dior-Rae Scott had a record-breaking performance in the under-17 girls’ javelin throw event on the final morning session of the 51st CARIFTA Games.

Team Bahamas piled on an additional three medals in the final morning session at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium. The Bahamas collected 1 gold medal, 1 silver medal and 1 bronze medal.

Scott came into the CARIFTA Games with a lot of momentum on her side but it would no doubt be a fight to the finish between her and previous CARIFTA record holder

Kamera Strachan. The top javelin throwers did

DIOR-Rae Scott in action in the junior girls’ javelin throw.

not disappoint and truly pushed each other to the brink in the field event.

Strachan, who broke the CARIFTA javelin record last year, pulled off a heave of 46.97 metres on her third attempt which had already eclipsed her former record of 46.07m.

Scott made the record her own on the third attempt where she posted a mark of 52.53m which also earned her the CARIFTA gold medal.

Bahamas second behind Jamaica at 51st

was a little bit windy which does affect pole vault a lot so for me being able to jump a new CARIFTA record, national record and being able to get gold I am just extremely excited about it and happy,” he said.

It was a “feel good” moment for the Bahamian crowd at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium as it was The Bahamas’ first gold medal at the 2024 CARIFTA Track and Field Championships.

His teammate Tyler Cash, who was also competing at his last CARIFTA Games, battled with Vanderpool to the very end in the boys’ pole vault event but the CARIFTA record holder went home with bragging rights.

Cash turned in a 4.45m performance for a silver medal in his last hurrah.

Martinique’s Lucas Ledoux got the bronze medal after soaring to 4.10m

The CARIFTA pole vault record holder thoroughly enjoyed the challenge from his friend and teammate Cash.

“I am excited and exuberant. It is amazing for me and my close friend to be able to both represent and jump high to defend our honour and show how good we can be,” he said.

Vanderpool is hoping for his CARIFTA record to remain in the history books for a long time.

“To be able to defend it for the third time is definitely exciting. I put it at 5.30m and hope that it

DOUBLE gold medallist Joshua Williams, of Grand Bahama.

TAYSHA STUBBS, under-20 girls’ javelin gold medallist.

KEYEZRA Thomas was electric in her first CARIFTA Games appearance as she rounded up a pair of silver medals in the under-17 girls’ 400m finals and 4x100m relay event.

ANAIAH Rolle broke the CARIFTA record of 2.80 metres in the girls’ pole vault (open). She came away with a personal best performance of 2.90m which was tied with former CARIFTA record holder Naya Jules in the event. Jules took home the silver medal for St Lucia

CARIFTA Track & Field Championships

will stay there for a while. I set it up pretty high and I want that to be there as long as possible,” he said.

Anaiah Rolle broke the CARIFTA record of 2.80m in the girls’ pole vault (open). She came away with a personal best performance of 2.90m which was tied with former CARIFTA record holder Naya Jules in the event. Jules took home the silver medal for St Lucia. Her St Lucian teammate Alexandra Johnson completed the event third with a jump of 2.85m.

“I feel excited and I am very proud of myself. Last night I was a little bit shaken up and I was nervous but I came out here, put my trust in God and put my trust in coaches and did what I had to do,” she said.

Rolle was impressed with the progress she made at the CARIFTA Games.

“I feel excited and proud of myself because last year when I went to Pan-Am [U20 Championships] I jumped 2.85m but I came back this season jumping 2.70m. It was frustrating but to think that I could come here and do that I know that more is in me and that I can do more. I just have to build my confidence,” she stated. FROM PAGE 8

EAGAN Neely went home with two CARIFTA bronze medals in his second appearance at the meet. He teamed up with Everette Fraser, Kion Burrows and Shavano Nixon in the under-17 boys 4x100m event. The quartet ran 42.30 seconds for the third spot. He also clocked 48.16 seconds in

the under-17 boys 400m finals.

THE UNDER-17 girls 4x400m relay team of Darvinique Dean, above, Jasmine Thompson, Alexis Roberts and Rizpah Thompson came out with silver in 3:47.13.

FANTASTIC FOUR: SHOWN, from left to right, are Shayann Demeritte, Nya Wright, Shatalya Dorsette and Nia Richards.

EVERETTE Fraser, Kion Burrows and Shavano Nixon share a special moment at the 51st CARIFTA Track & Field Championships. The Bahamas dominated the field events at the Games hosted in St George’s, Grenada. Last year’s host country had a total of 33 medals including nine gold, 13 silver and 11 bronze.

Medal glory

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada — Alexandria Komolafe rejoiced after winning the silver medal in the under-17 girls’ high jump. She soared to a distance of 1.71 metres during the morning session on day one of the CARIFTA Track and Field Championships.

Keyezra Thomas was electric in her first CARIFTA Games appearance as she rounded up a pair of silver medals in the under-17 girls’ 400m finals and 4x100m relay event.

The Grand Bahama native came into the 400m finals with the fastest time out of the prelims so it was no surprise when she medalled in the event.

The 14-year-old posted a personal best 54.59 seconds for second place and her first CARIFTA medal. She collected her second medal of the meet in the relay event with teammates Darvinique Dean, Khylee Wallace and Kianna Henchell.

The quartet collectively ran a time of 46.28 seconds.

Dean picked up another silver medal in the under17 girls 400m hurdles event. She stopped the clock at 1:00.66 which was also a personal best for her.

Bernard Kemp left the 51st CARIFTA Games with two medals around his neck. He won the silver medal on day two in the under-20 boys long

jump, soaring to a personal best of 7.40m in the event.

Kemp took his second medal in the under-20 boys high jump event. He tied for the bronze medal with fellow teammate Shamar Davis.

Both jumpers ended the event at 2.00m apiece.

Annae Mackey saw her hard work pay off in the under-20 girls shot put where she won a silver medal. She mailed in a personal best throw of 13.58m in the field event.

Jahcario Wilson ran at will in the under-17 boys 110m hurdles for the silver medal in the final session of the CARIFTA Games. He crossed the finish line in 13.94 seconds.

On the final day, Terrell McCoy recorded a personal best throw of 36.09m in the under-17 girls discus throw event for the silver medal.

It was her first time picking up two medals at the CARIFTA Games.

The under-17 girls 4x400m relay team of Dean, Jasmine Thompson, Alexis Roberts and Rizpah Thompson came out with silver in 3:47.13.

TEAM Bahamas’ 4x100 metre relay team, shown from left to right, Kianna Henchell, Khylee Wallace, Darvinique Dean and Keyezra Thomas.

BERNARD Kemp won silver and bronze medals in the under-20 boys’ long jump and high jump. He tied for the bronze medal with fellow teammate Shamar Davis.

ANNAE Mackey won silver in the under-20 girls’ shot put.

ALEXANDRIA Komolafe placed second in the under-17 girls high jump with a leap of 1.71m to take the silver medal.

JAHCARIO Wilson secured the silver medal in the under-17 boys’ 110 metre hurdles in the final session of the CARIFTA Games. He crossed the finish line in 13.94 seconds.

Medal glory

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada — Jaylen Stuart and Terrell McCoy were awarded as bronze medallists in the under-17 boys and girls shot put events. Stuart and McCoy posted marks 15.28m and 14.11m respectively in their events at the CARIFTA Track and Field Championships.

McCoy’s bronze medal performance was special as it was the first medal for The Bahamas.

Eagan Neely went home with two CARIFTA bronze medals in his second appearance at the meet. He teamed up with Everette Fraser, Kion Burrows and Shavano Nixon in the under-17 boys 4x100m event. The quartet ran 42.30 seconds for the third spot. He also clocked 48.16 seconds in the under-17 boys 400m finals.

Unfortunately, Neely limped off with an apparent hip injury after the relays which sidelined him for the rest of the meet.

Shayann Demeritte, Shatalya Dorsett, Nia Richards and Nya Wright turned in a time of 45.40 seconds for bronze in the under-20 girls relay event.

CARIFTA first-timer Davon Davis was sure not to leave the under-17 boys triple jump event emptyhanded. He wrapped up the bronze medal finish on his fifth attempt in which posted 14.16m.

Lanaisha Lubin got the third podium position in

JAYLEN STUART won the bronze medal in the under-17 boys’ shot put at the CARIFTA Track and Field Championships.

the under-20 girls long jump event. She powered her way to a jump of 5.90m which was also a personal best.

Rollie Hanna will return home as a CARIFTA bronze medallist after ending the under-20 boys triple jump in third. He soared to 14.85m.

The under-20 girls 4x400m relay team moved up to the bronze medal position after Barbados was disqualified from the event.

The 52nd CARIFTA Games will be hosted in Trinidad and Tobago.

TERRELL MCCOY won the bronze medal in the under-17 girls’ shot put - it was her first time picking up two medals - at the CARIFTA Track and Field Championships.

ROLLIE Hanna took away the bronze in the under-20 boys’ triple jump. He soared to 14.85 metres.

CARIFTA first-timer Davon Davis won the bronze in the under-17 boys’ triple jump.

CARIFTA swimming team was ‘well-coached’

top. That’s all that we could ask for. We had a world-class facility that allowed our swimmers to perform to the best of their abilities to maintain their top position in the Caribbean.”

Along with Governor General Cynthia “Mother” Pratt, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell and Minister of Education, Science and Technology Glenys Hanna-Hanna, Bowleg said they witnessed a truly fabulous event from Saturday to Tuesday.

Bowleg congratulated Bahamas Aquatics president Algernon Cargill and his executive team, the coaching staff and the entire swim team for making The Bahamas very proud.

complete, they did it in record time in six months. “We never doubted. It was a team effort. If I never understood the word teamwork, I understand it now because every player did their part to make it happen,” he said.

“As I speak, I think about people like Moses Johnson and Romell Knowles, everybody played their part in pulling this all together, so I say it as the teamwork that made the dream work.”

With the championships now complete, Ifill Jr said the NSA and the government, with its partners, will complete the scope of work left in the mechanical room and some cosmetic things on the surface of the deck, based on budgetary constraints.

Behind the scenes, Ifill Jr said there was so much that went into the success of the championships

“On behalf of the Prime Minister (Philip Davis) and the Government of the Bahamas, we congratulate them for winning six straight and now we will do whatever we can for them to make it seven.”

and he lauded the efforts of the Bahamian team of SJK Construction, Aquatech and the Ministry of Works. “We will assess and address additional

works to be completed immediately after the CARIFTA Aquatics event,” he said. “But we’re very pleased with the outcome, especially the performances of Team Bahamas.”

Ifill Jr said the proof was in the pudding because what should have taken 12 months to be

But he joined Bowleg in signing the praises of the Bahamas Aquatics, headed by Algernon Cargill, in hosting a fantastic four days of competition that concluded with Team Bahamas earning the unprecedented sixth straight crown.

SWIMMING: MEDAL WINNERS & TIMES

BAHAMAS medal winners at the XXXVII CARIFTA Games held from Saturday to Monday at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex.

GOLD Medallists

* Isabella Cuccurullo, girls 11-12 breaststroke, 2:59.07.

* Tiah Seymour, girls 11-12 50m back, 32.55.

* Harold Simmons, 11-12 50m back, 30.41.

* Harold Simmons, boys 11-12 100m fly, 1:03.76.

* Emmanuel Gadson, boys 18-and-over 100m fly, 56.99.

* Girls 11-12 400m freestyle relay, Tiah Seymour, Teylan Nicols, Sienna Campbell and Alissa Ferguson, 4:20.75.

* Boys 11-12 400m freestyle relay, Harold Simmons, Christon Joseph, Blake Comarcho and Benecio Robinson , 4:06.99.

* Christon Joseph, boys 11-12 200m freestyle, 2:09.06.

* Harold Simmons, boys 11-12 50m butterfly, 28.32.

* Rhanishka Gibbs, girls 15-17 50m butterfly, 28.01.

* Alissa Ferguson, girls 11-12

100m backstroke, 1:08.67.

* Alissa Ferguson, girls 11-12

400m IM, 5:43.24.

* Christon Joseph, boys 11-12

400m IM, 5:33.54.

* Jaiya Simmons, girls 13-14

400m IM, 5:20.73.

* Girls 11-12 400m IM, Skylar Smith, Isabella Caccurullo, K Nicolls and Taylen D, 4:55.13.

* Boys 11-12 400m medley relay, Sean Norville-Smith, Christon Joseph, Harold Simmons and , 4:49.19.

* Christon Joseph, boys 11-12 200m IM, 2:26.92.

* Kimaya Saunders, girls 13-14 50m breaststroke, 35.05.

* Rhanishka Gibbs, girls 15-17 50m breaststroke, 32.18.

* Mark-Anthony Thompson, boys 18-and-over 50m breaststroke, 29.08.

* Christon Joseph, boys 11-12 100m freestyle, 57.95.

* Marvin Johnson, boys 15-17 1oom freestyle, 50.29.

* Lamar Taylor, boys 28-andover 100m freestyle, 49.38.

* Harold Simmons, boys 11-12 200m butterfly, 2:38.36.

* 11-12 mixed 400m freestyle relay, 4:09.37.

* Boys 13-14 800m freestyle relay, 8:40.90.

* Christon Joseph, boys 11-12 50m free, 25.78.

* Marvin Johnson, boys 15-17 50m free, 22.96.

* Kimaya Saunders, girls 13-14 100m breaststroke, 1:19.03.

* Emmanuel Gadson, boys 18-and-over 100m breast, 1:14.17.

* Alissa Ferguson, girls 11-12 200m backstroke, 2:34.51.

* Girls 11-12 200m freestyle relay, 1:57.51.

* Boys 11-12 200m freestyle relay, 1:49.20.

* Boys 15-17 200m freestyle relay, 1:34.76.

SILVER Medallists

* Christon Joseph, boys 11-12 200m breaststroke, 2:54.90.

* Rhanishka Gibbs, girls 15-17 200m breaststroke, 2:49.16.

* Alissa Ferguson, girls 11-12 50m back, 32.55.

* Marvin Johnson, boys 15-17 50m back, 27.04.

* Taylen Nicolls, girls 11-12 100m fly, 1:10.51.

* Christon Joseph, boys 11-12 100m fly, 1:05.30.

* Marvin Johnson, boys 15-17 100mfly, 55.55.

* Girls 15-17 400m freestyle relay, Seannia Norville-Smith, Rhanishka Gibbs, Mia Patton and Zoe Williamson, 4:05.64.

* Boys 15-17 400m freestyle relay, Marvin Johnson, Tristin Ferguson, Ellie Gibson and Caden Wells, 3:34.37.

* Christon Joseph, boys 11-12 50m butterfly, 28.49.

* Marvin Johnson, boys 15-17 50m butterfly, 25.39.

* Lamar Taylor, boys 18-andover 50m butterfly, 24.47.

* Skylar Smith, girls 11-12 100m backstroke, 1:11.76.

* Lelah Lewis, girls 13-14 400m IM, 5:37.71.

* William Farrington, boys 13-14 400m IM, 5:05.57.

SIX STRAIGHT!: Coach Travano McPhee celebrates with The Bahamas’ swimming team on Tuesday night after they won the CARIFTA Swimming Championships at home in the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex.

Photos: Dante Carrer

CHRISTON JOSEPH EARNS HIGH POINT WINNER AWARD

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

AFTER turning in what could only be described as one of the great accomplishments of the 2024 CARIFTA Swim Championships, Christon Joseph got to hoist the individual trophy as the boys’ 11-12 high point winner.

The award was given to Joseph on Tuesday night during the awards presentation at the end of the four exciting days of competition to conclude the championships at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex.

In scoring a total of 86 points, Joseph captured gold in the 200 metre freestyle in two minutes and 09.06 seconds, 200m IM in 2:26.92, 100m freestyle in 57.95 and 50m free in 25.78.

The 12-year-old St Anne’s student also traded places with his best friend and teammate Harold Simmons (who was second on the standings with 76)

for silver in the 100m fly in 1:05.30, 50m breaststroke in 35.52 and 100m breaststroke in 1:20.30.

To add to his collection, he also achieved a bronze in the 400m freestyle in 4:43.90 and was a member of several relay teams that stood on top of the podium throughout the four days of competition at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex.

“I think this was the best thing that ever happened to me,” Joseph said. “I expected it because I knew what my coaches put into me and I just went out there and delivered.”

Although he was thrilled with his effort, Joseph said he knew he could have done better in those events that he didn’t win the gold, but he will still cherish them all.

HIGH

“I really enjoyed the 100m IM because I dominated the whole race,” summed up Joseph of the combination of swims that include the butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle.

There were several other high notes for Team Bahamas from Alissa Ferguson, third in the girls’ 11-12 with 55, Rhanishka Gibbs in the girls 15-17, Marvin Johnson, third in the boys 15-17 with 47.50 and Emmanuel Gadson in the boys 18-and-over, although it was exhibition and their points didn’t score.

But there were also a few swimmers from the visiting countries who also stood out.

One of them was Sierrah Broadbelt of the Cayman Islands, who was the high point winner in

“I think this was the best thing that ever happened to me. I expected it because I knew what my coaches put into me and I just went out there and delivered.”

— Ch riston Joseph

the girls’ 15-17 division with 55.

“I felt very proud representing my country. It meant a lot to me,” she pointed out. “Being at the bottom of my age group, it made me really nervous going into this meet, but I am just thankful to my family, my coaches and my teammates.

“I couldn’t do it without them. This was by far my favourite meet to be competing in.”

And like the slogan says “It’s better in The Bahamas,” the 15-year-old Broadbelt said she truly experienced that.

“It was a great atmosphere, it was a fantastic pool, the best that I’ve swum in, so I really love being here in The Bahamas. I really enjoyed it.”

Other high point winners were Jamaica’s Kia Alertt in the girls’ 11-12, Barbados’ Jaiya Simmons with 63.50, Bermuda’s Connor Hulman in the boys’ 13-14 with 52 and Trinidad’s Liam Carrington with 61.

SWIMMING: MEDAL WINNERS & TIMES

FROM PAGE 14

* Kyana Higgs, girls 15-17 400m IM, 5:26.21.

* Girls 15-17 400m medley relay, Elle Theberge, Rhanishka Gibbs, Norvelle-Smith and Seann, 4:29.17.

* Boys 15-17 400m medley relay, Ellie Gibson, Caden Wells, William Farrington and Asher Johnson, 3:59.09.

* Harold Simmons, boys 11-12 200m IM, 2:52.51.

* Christon Joseph, boys 11-12 50m breaststroke, 35.52.

* David Singh, boys 13-14 50m breaststroke, 32.99.

* Tristen Hepburn, boys 15-17 50m breaststroke, 29.48.

* Zaylie Elizabeth Thompson, girls 18-and-over 50m breaststroke, 33.84.

* Emmanuel Gadson, boys 18-and-over 50m breaststroke, 29.96.

* Lelah Lewis, girls 13-14 200m butterfly, 2:6.10.

* Boys 15-17 800m freestyle relay, 7:58.56.

* William Farrington, boys 13-14 800m freestyle, 9:22.81.

* Tiah Seymour, girls 11-12 50m freestyle, 28.43.

* Harold Simmons, boys 11-12 50m freestyle, 26.59.

* Rhanishka Gibbs, girls 15-17 50m freestyle, 26.22.

* Lamar Taylor, boys 18-andover 50m freestyle, 22.32.

* Isabella Cuccurullo, girls 11-12 100m breaststroke, 1:23.83.

* Christon Joseph, boys 11-12 100m breaststroke, 1:20.30.

* David Singh, boys 13-14 100m breaststroke, 1:11.53.

* Rhanishka Gibbs, girls 15-17 100m breaststroke, 1:12.30.

* Tristen Hepburn, boys 15-17 100m breaststroke, 1:05.75.

* Mark-Anthony Thompson, boys 18-and-over 100m breaststroke, 1:06.56.

* Harold Simmons, boys 11-12 200m backstroke, 2:30.45.

* Girls 13-14 200m freestyle relay, 1:54.25. Bronze medalists

* William Farrington, boys 13-14 1,500m, 18:19.59.

* William Farrington, boys 13-14, 200m breaststroke, 2:38.01.

* Lelah Lewis, girls 13-14 100m fly, 1:07.86.

* Sean Norville-Smith, girls 15-17 100m fly, 1:05.86.

* Girls 13-14 400m freestyle, Lelah Lewis, Saleste Gibson, Madison Gilbert and DNDN McKenzie, 4:12.35.

* Boys 13-14 400m freestyle relay, Levin Hamilton, David Singh, William Farrington and Dijon Simmons, 3:55.30.

* Alissa Ferguson, girls 11-12 200m freestyle, 2:18.89.

* Taylen Nicolls, girls 11-12 50m butterfly, 31.38.

* Jake Thompson, boys 18-and-over 100m backstroke, 1:02.18.

* Blake Comarcho, boys 11-12 400m IM, 5:38.74.

* Boys 13-14 400 medley relay, David Singh, William Farrington and Dijon Simmons, 4:17.75.

* Mia Patton, girls 15-27 1,500m freestyle, 18:25.21.

* Kyana Higgs, 15-17 200m IM, 2:32.04.

* Jaylah Threadgill, girls 13-14 50m breaststroke, 35.86.

* Caden Wells, boys 15-17 50m breaststroke, 30.03.

* Harold Simmons, boys 11-12 100m freestyle, 59.78.

* Thomas Bowers, boys 18-and-over 100m freestyle, 54.01.

* Skyler Smith, girls 11-12 200m butterfly, 2:54.92.

* Girls 13-14 800m freestyle relay, 9:07.41.

* Christon Joseph, boys 11-12 400m freestyle, 4:43.90.

* William Farrington, boys 13-13 100m breaststroke, 1:13.74.

* Caden Wells, boys 15-17 200m breaststroke, 1:06.59.

* Zaylie-Elizabeth Thompson, girls 18-and-over 100m breaststroke, 1:15.90.

*Skyler Smith, girls 11-12 200m backstroke, 2:37.98.

* Elle Theberge, girls 15-17 200m backstroke, 2:29.94.

* Boys 13-14 200m relay team, 1:43.80.

POINT WINNER: Bahamian Christon Joseph displays his awards won at the 51st CARIFTA Swimming Championships.