Ror y McIlroy already has ever ything he ever wanted from golf His dream was to be the best player in the game which he ful lled long ago by reaching No 1 in the world nine times. e nal mountain took 11 years to climb and this was truly rare ed air He won the Masters in April to complete the career Grand Slam, a moment so joyous McIlroy gured
SPORTS
Another one could be lurking on his
soil e British Open returns to Royal Portrush
Rutherford making her presence felt
GOLFER S TO WATC H
By BRENT STUBBS
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
She comes from a well-known sporting family that includes legendary triple jumper Frank Rutherford, quarter-miler Dennis Darling and twin football players Devard and Devaughn Darling.
But ask Camille Rutherford, the daughter of Chad and Demetria Rutherford, and she would quickly tell you that she’s looking forward to developing her own legacy.
The 22-year-old sprinter has been holding her own, running a lifetime best of
Looks to develop her own legacy
10.96 seconds on July 22 at the Bob Vigars Classic at the Alumni Stadium in London, Canada.
Her time has been registered as the seventh fastest time by a Bahamian, following national record holder Chandra Sturrup with 10.84, Anthaya Charlton (10.87), Sevatheda Fynes and Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie (10.91), Anthonique Strachan (10.92) and Eldece Clarke (10.96) and ahead of Pauline Davis-Thompson and Shaunae MillerUibo, who both dipped under the 11-second barrier with 10.97 and 10.98 respectively.
In the process, Rutherford’s time is listed as the second fastest by a Bahamian this year, trailing Charlton, who both surpassed the qualifying standards for the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, in September.
Rutherford, now training at Rice University under the guidance of coach Jeffrey Artis-Gray, said she’s really happy and grateful with the progress she has made this year, “and I’m locked in on continuing to grow throughout the season.”
Looking back at her season so far, Rutherford said the Johnny Loaring Classic in Canada really tipped the scale as she joined the lofty group of international competitors, placing her 24th overall in ENGLAND DEFEATS SWEDEN ON PENALTIES TO REACH EURO 2025 SEMIS – PAGE 5
Coach Geron Sands reflects on historic All-Star appearance
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor
ALTHOUGH he didn’t perform anywhere near what was anticipated, Bahamian mentor and coach Geron Sands said the experience of pitching for New York Yankees’ second baseman Jasrado
“Jazz” Chisholm Jr will be a memory that he will cherish for the rest of his life.
“The experience was amazing,” said Sands, the step-father of Chisholm Jr.
“I felt like I belonged out there. All the guys were extremely friendly and welcoming. I felt very relaxed the entire time.”
Chisholm Jr, the 27-yearold who produced 17 homers so far during the regular season for the Yankees before the break for the All-Star Classic in Atlanta, Georgia, only managed to hit three shots outside Truist Park.
When asked, Sands said he didn’t know whether he or Chisholm Jr was more nervous going into the Home Run Derby.
“I felt fine. I felt normal like I belonged out there everyday,” Sands said.
“We were disappointed we didn’t get more home runs. But that’s what it’s all about. It was about having fun.” Although they enjoyed the fun, interacting with some of the top players in the game of baseball, as well as the many celebrations in the stands with the general public, Sands said they accomplished their goal.
“That’s about it. It was about having fun,” he stated. “It was a dream that came through for both of us. We have spoken about this for many years. Maybe about 15 years now.”
As for the exposure gained, Sands said it was just a taste of what’s to come. “We will be back again,” he claimed. “We will run it back again for sure.”
And even though many expected more from Chisholm Jr, Sands said “it’s baseball” and he took it in stride.
“He was fine. He said we will get them next time,” Sands said. “It was nothing to be upset about. Jazz is a second time All-Star. That’s what’s important here.”
While it was his
By Dr Kent L Bazard
LET’s address the elephant in the room — quite literally. According to the most recent Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) report, The Bahamas now ranks number one in obesity in the Americas. That’s a heavy title, and not the kind we should be proud of.
EVERY year the focus of attention for the Hope Center’s ‘Peace on da Street’ Basketball Tournament has been the showdown between the Politicians and the Clergy.
As the 30th yearly edition of the week-long tournament comes to a close on Family Night on Sunday night at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium, the spectators can look for that renewed rivalry once again as they also cheer on their respective teams competing for the titles in the other divisional match-ups.
They include the Tropical Gyro - 13-and-under; Myers Group - 16-and-under, Sun Oil - 20-and-under, We Buy You Sell - Church; Design Group - Open and Jamaica/ Bahamas Imports - Corporate divisions.
There will also be the Mr Ship It 3-point shooting contest as well as the Joey’s Slam Dunk contest, featuring some of the top ballers in the country.
According to tournament founder Dr Carlos Reid, there will be lots of prizes, including round trip tickets, weekend passes at Atlantis and flat screen televisions being offered. But the highlight is the politicians vs the clergy for bragging rights.
For Shanendon Cartwright, the Member of Parliament for St Barnabas, he has grown with the tournament, having competed in the tournament before he got started in politics.
“It’s just been such an honour and a pleasure to
Despite increasing awareness of healthy lifestyles and the explosion of fitness content on social media, many Bahamians still struggle to lose weight — even when they’re “doing everything right.” If you’re eating better and moving more, but the scale isn’t moving with you, it’s time to explore the five common reasons you might be stuck.
July
BOXING FUNDRAISER
THE Boxing Federation of the Bahamas is planning to host a souse out as a fundraiser on Saturday, August 2, at the National Boxing Training Center, Blue Hill Sports Complex. The event is scheduled to take place from 9am to 3pm with chicken pig feet and sheep tongue with Johnnycake or rolls on the menu for
a donation of $15. Soft drinks, potato, coconut and zucchini breads will also be on sale. This is part of our effort to meet our goal of $60,000, according to federation president Vincent Strachan. “We are seeking your support by purchasing tickets and additional donations of food items, if possible,” Strachan said.
JULY - See Page E4
GERON SANDS, left, with Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr.
FIVE REASONS WHY YOU ARE NOT LOSING WEIGHT
WEIGHT - from page E1
1. You’re Eating Healthy, But Not Eating Right
There’s a big difference between eating “clean” and eating appropriately. You can load your plate with grilled chicken and steamed veggies, but if you’re snacking on “healthy” granola bars with hidden sugars, or underestimating your portion sizes, the calories can still add up.
Weight loss isn’t just about food quality — it’s about energy balance. Too many calories from even the healthiest foods can slow your progress.
2. You’re Not Sleeping Enough
Sleep is often the most overlooked part of a fat loss plan. Studies show that poor sleep reduces insulin sensitivity, increases cortisol (the stress hormone), and makes you hungrier the next day.
In other words, less sleep = more cravings and slower metabolism. If you’re sleeping less than 7 hours a night, your fat loss may hit a wall — even with perfect nutrition and training.
3. You’re Not Strength Training
Yes, cardio helps. But too much cardio without building lean muscle can leave you burning muscle instead of fat. Muscle tissue burns more calories at rest, which means strength training helps you become a more efficient fat-burning machine. The more muscle you have, the better your body manages sugar, stress, and body fat.
4. You’re Chronically
Stressed
Even well-meaning athletes can run into this. I’ve seen many clients who eat well and train hard, but carry stress from school, work, or family — and it stalls their progress every time.
5. You’re Not Being Honest With Yourself
This one stings — but it’s the truth. Often, we think we’re doing everything right, but an honest food journal tells a different story. Little bites, taste tests, cream in coffee, and “only on weekends” splurges can sabotage your goals. Tracking your food, even for a few days, can shine a light on habits you didn’t even realize you had.
So What’s the Solution?
It’s not just about dieting harder — it’s about doing things smarter.
Get a coach.
Use a journal. Do a nutrition audit.
Build habits, not hacks.
And as we look at the latest obesity data in The Bahamas, we have to stop pointing fingers and start making changes. As a nation, we can do better — not by chasing the next fad, but by returning to fundamentals: balanced meals, daily movement, sleep, and mindset.
If you’ve been frustrated with your weight loss journey, don’t lose hope. Progress is possible — but only if you’re willing to get real with yourself, take the right steps, and stick to them long enough to see results.
Need help getting started or breaking a plateau?
At Empire Sports Medicine, we offer science-based fat loss plans, sports nutrition coaching, and training programmes tailored to your body and goals. Let us help you unlock your full potential and move toward a healthier future.
Chronic stress keeps your body in “fight or flight” mode. That means elevated cortisol, increased fat storage (especially belly fat), and decreased motivation. In a fast-paced society like ours — with financial stress, traffic, and everything in between — it’s easy to underestimate how much your stress is affecting your waistline.
CLERGY VS POLITICIANS RIVALRY
HIGHLIGHTS THE ‘PEACE ON DA STREET’ BASKETBALL CLASSIC
CLASSIC - from page E1
play in this tournament in the pastors versus the politicians game,” said the former outstanding basketball player at St Augustine’s College and Franklin Pierce University. “It continues to be for a very good
cause - Peace on da Streets - and the level of crime in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. It’s always relevant.”
What will be more relevant is the team that the politicians are expected to assemble to avoid suffering another loss to the clergy
this year. “We are ready to put the beating down on the pastors and after they pray for us, and we pray for them, we are going to make sure they get their things.”
However, Prophet Don Clarke, senior pastor of Emmanuel Prophetic and Deliverance Tabernacle,
was a little more diplomatic in his outlook of the game.
“We want to send a message of unity, love, fellowship and to bring peace back, not just in the nation, but also in areas of power, politics and the street etc,” said Clarke, a former player for the Government High
School. But there was a specific message that Clarke conveyed to the politicians. “We want to beat them again,” he said. “We’ve been practicing and
preparing and we know it’s going to be a battle, but we are very confident because we’ve been praying and asking the Lord to help us and we have put in the work as well.”
The final rosters have not been disclosed.
They are normally kept a closed secret until game time. But one thing is for certain, Reid said this will be another epic performance you don’t want to miss on Sunday.
Following the completion of their games on Saturday at the Michael ‘Scooter’ Reid Basketball Courts at the Hope Center, the action will commence at 2pm on Sunday with the divisional championships before the Politicians vs Clergy showdown brings the curtain down.
Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the Hope Center on the Bahamas Games Boulevard in the Queen Elizabeth Sports Center.
Sprinter Camille Rutherford looking forward to developing her own legacy
- from page E1
the world right now.
“The competition was high level, the track was fast, and the energy from the crowd made it an unforgettable experience,” she said. In qualifying for the World Championships, Rutherford called it a “blessing” because “it’s a reminder that hard work pays off, and I’m proud of the journey it took to get here.”
In her last race at the Moore-Guldensporen Meeting at the Sportcentrum Wembley in Kortrijk in Belgium, Rutherford
captured first place in the 200 metres in 22.96, which was just off the Worlds’ qualifying time of 22.57. She’s currently 119th in the world with the time, which is also the second fastest by a Bahamian this year, trailing Strachan’s time of 22.86 she posted on May 17 in Kingston, Jamaica, where she trains.
“I felt good about my most recent race,” said Rutherford, who beat out Marije van Hunenstijn of the Netherlands, who was second in 22.23 and Isidora Jimenez of Chile, who was third in 23.58. “I expected a little more from myself, but overall
I’m thankful for the opportunity to compete and gain experience during my first European tour. Every race adds to my development,” she stated. Now she’s back in Houston, Texas, where she’s preparing for the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ National Track and Field Championships, scheduled for August 1-2 at the Thomas A Robinson National Track and Field Stadium and the North American, Central American and Caribbean Championships in Grand Bahama from August 15-17. “I’m focused and excited,” said Rutherford
about the much anticipated showdown with Charlton and Strachan, just to name a few.
“Coming home for nationals as one of the fastest women in the 100m this year is a true honour. I feel blessed and I’m ready to give my all.”
As for the rest of the season, Rutherford said the goal is to get to Tokyo and perform for The Bahamas in her first major senior international competition.
“My goal is to continue refining my craft and showing the world that The Bahamas is a serious contender when we step on the track,” Rutherford said.
When she’s done with this season, Rutherford will return to Texas A&M University to complete her senior season before she graduates with her degree in communications. She got started running at the age of 10, but began her professional career two years ago, following the footsteps of her family members, led by her uncle Frank Rutherford, the first Bahamian to win an Olympic track and field medal with a bronze in the men’s triple jump at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. “It’s truly a blessing and an honour to compete after
my uncle, Frank. It feels like I’ve been chosen to carry on the legacy, and I’m so proud to be part of it,” she stated.
“I look forward to bringing another medal home to The Bahamas, just like he did.”
SHOWN, from left to right, Camille Rutherford from The Bahamas, Salome Kora from Switzerland and Rebekka Haase from Germany compete during the Women’s 100 metre race at the International Athletics Meeting in Lucerne, Switzerland, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
(Urs Flueeler/Keystone via AP)
MP Shanendon Cartwright. PASTOR Don Clarke.
Coach Geron Sands on pitching to Jazz in 2025 All-Star Classic: ‘The experience was amazing’
ALL-STAR - from page E1
However, Chisholm Jr didn’t get to play because he was injured.He was eventually traded to the Yankees during the midseason last year and helped New York get to the MLB World Series.
Despite having some slight injuries, Chisholm Jr performed exceptionally well to get selected to participate in his first All-Star Classic as a reserve.
SPORTS CALENDAR
JULY - from page E1
The 15 members are expected to participate in The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Championships in St Lucia from August 1-3. The team is expected to depart July 31 and would remain there for a training camp with the St Lucia national boxing team. They would depart for Georgetown, Guyana from August 14-18 for the school boys and girls championship and seniors. They would remain in Guyana for another training camp until August 27. Then will head to St Maarten, for The Battle Of The Islands Championships.
BODYBUILDING
WELL
WISHES FOR DR GAY ON behalf of the Bahamas Bodybuilding Wellness and Fitness Federation (BBWFF), president Wellington Miller extended heartfelt prayers and best wishes to Dr. Norman Gay and his family during this time. Reports have indicated that Gay, the former Minister of Health, has been
moved into assisted living Hospice Care where he is getting medical attention.
“Dr. Gay’s profound contributions to the sport of bodybuilding, health, and fitness, as well as his dedicated service as president of the Confederation of National Health and Wellness, have left an enduring legacy,” Sears said.
“His leadership and passion have inspired many, and his impact will continue to resonate throughout our community.
“We stand in solidarity with all who are keeping Dr. Gay in their thoughts and prayers.”
SPECIAL OLYMPICS RAFFLE GRILL
FUN DAY
SPECIAL Olympics Bahamas is scheduled to hold their annual raffle grill fun day fundraiser on Saturday, August 16 from 11:30am to 6pm at the Stapledon School Grounds on Dolphin Drive.
Dinners will include chicken, steak, fish, hot dogs, burgers, pastries and soft drinks.
Domino’s, Connect 4 and basketball games will be played during the day.
Interested persons are urged to call 426-0233, 477-0304 or 359-3558 for information on ticket purchases.
ON THE REPLAY: Bahamian mentor and coach Geron Sands said the experience of pitching for New York Yankees’ second baseman Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr in the 2025 MLB All-Star Classic will be a memory that he will cherish for the rest of his life.
GERON Sands gets ready to pitch to Jazz Chisholm Jr and with his son Storm.
IN a vibrant celebration of sportsmanship, community spirit and national pride, Senator Michael Halkitis, minister of economic affairs and leader of government business in the Senate, joined forces with GroveMade Empire, a dynamic non-profit organisation rooted in the Grove community, to host a thrilling Independence Day Basketball Tournament.
The event was hosted on Edmond Moxey Park under the inspiring theme, “Changing Our Community by Bringing Positivity Through Empowerment of the Youth.” Led by Zachary Pennerman, president and co-founder, and Donario Archer, vice president and cofounder, GroveMade Empire continues its mission of transforming lives through meaningful engagement with Bahamian youth. Saturday’s event was a resounding success, drawing crowds from communities across the island who gathered not only to compete but to celebrate unity, resilience and the power of sport to shape brighter futures.
