SPORTS
Men’s 4 x 100 relay team aims to qualify for Worlds
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
For those athletes and relay teams in the region yet to qualify for the World Championships in September in Tokyo, Japan, the North American, Central American and Caribbean Championships will provide that final opportunity.
NACAC president Mike Sands said they are anticipating over 400 athletes from more than 30 countries to participate in the championship in Grand Bahama August 16-17.
“From a participatory aspect, the Bahamas Government has appointed a LOC (Local Organising Committee) headed by
Romell Knowles, who is very actively preparing for the event,” Sands said.
“But from a technical and operational standpoint, we are very pleased that about 35 of our member associations have expressed an interest to participate. We have about 400 entries as of today.”
The registration deadline for athletes to register to compete is August 4 when NACAC will know exactly who is competing and in which events.
Based on the numbers, Sands said a determination will be made on the Games Village for the athletes.
But he said there are several properties that have been identified in Freeport, which are all about a 10-15 minute ride to the Grand Bahama Sports Complex where the championships will take place.
The big concern for NACAC is the qualification process for the World Championships, scheduled for September 13-21.
BLTA CONGRATS TEAM BAHAMAS
PAGE 2
Sands said the championships is the area championships for NACAC and, as such, athletes will be awarded points towards their international ranking.
“So you will see athletes coming to the championships to solidify their ranking positions,” Sands said.
“Equally exciting is that several of our member countries have not yet qualified teams for the relays.
“So we are expecting to see some real exciting matchups in the relays. The entries for the World Championships closes on August 24. So there’s only two spots available worldwide so by August 24, the
GO TEAM BAHAMAS: The men’s 4 x 100 metre relay team of Antoine
competed in the NACAC’s 2024 New Life Championships in Grand Bahama.
teams in the top 16 spots would qualify for the World Championships.”
There are a number of countries who have indicated their desires to field relay teams in the men and women 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 metre relays as well as the mixed gender 4 x 400m relays.
In trying to stay impartial as a Bahamian, Sands
Ian
said he hopes that all of their member associations, including The Bahamas, who have the ability to field the teams, will do so in a bid to qualify for the World Championships and to be called area champions.
The NACAC Championships comes on the heels of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ National Open Championships, scheduled for August 1-3 at the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium.
Olympic sprinter Wanya McCoy ready to hit the track at BAAA Nationals
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor
BAHAMIAN Olympic sprinter Wanya McCoy has been inactive for the past five months nursing a left quadriceps injury that sidelined him for both the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Indoor and Outdoor Championships.
But the 22-year-old University of Florida Gators’ senior said he’s eager to get back on the track when he returns home for the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ National Open Track and Field Championships from August 1-3 at the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium.
McCoy, who represented The Bahamas in both the 100 and 200 metres at the 2024 Olympics in Paris France, said his ultimate goal this year is to qualify for the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan from September 13-21.
“I had two holes in my legs and couldn’t walk,” said McCoy in assessing the injury he sustained. “I was on crutches and and had to learn to walk again.
“To be honest, it was devastating and at one point, I wanted to quit track, but I couldn’t do it.”
McCoy, who had transferred from Clemson University to Florida, said he had to go back in to the “lab” to refine his body, mind and soul.
“I did everything you needed to do to come back,” he recalled.
“I had to learn how to run and to walk again after having a major injury and this was my first major injury.
“But mentally, I just wanted to stay in the house all day and play games, but my friends and teammates encouraged me to get out and come back around the track. I started treatment, started going to classes again and I started running again.”
That was in April after he bounced back from the injury in February. But in coming back a little bit too early, he reinjured the quad.
For the next month or so he was back in rehab just trying to strengthen his body without doing any workout sessions because when he tried to just jog, he was in pain.
WANYA McCoy enjoying his new ride.
It wasn’t until around the NCAA Outdoor Nationals in June when McCoy was given the green light to resume competitive training for the BAAA Nationals next weekend. “I finally feel like I am back 100 per cent,” said
McCoy, who will return home from Florida on Tuesday. “I feel like how I felt before I got hurt. I had some runs in practice today which showed me that I am really back in
The BAAA is expected to announce its team going to Grand Bahama for the NACAC Championships following the completion of the nationals. Last year, NACAC hosted a successful New Life Championships at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex. It drew a large amount of athletes who were gearing up for the Olympic Games that was held in Paris, France. Sands anticipates that the NACAC Championships will be even bigger and more successful with the World Championships on the horizon.
By Dr Kent L Bazard
LET’S not pretend it doesn’t happen. You walk out the gym feeling pumped, tired and maybe even a little proud of yourself. But then hunger hitsand on the way home, that $5.99 combo from your favourite drive-thru starts whispering your name.
Before you know it, your post-leg day victory meal turns into a box of fried wings, fries, soda and a side of guilt.
We’ve all been there. But the question is: Is fast food killing your fitness progress? The short answer? If it becomes a habit - absolutely.
The Cost of Convenience Fast food isn’t just convenient - it’s designed to be
FOOD - See Page E4
Andrews,
Kerr, Terrence Jones and Wanya McCoy which
Wenty Ford Sports Foundation launches
first
annual ‘Winners’ Camp’ in Nassau
THE Wenty Ford Sports Foundation proudly announces the launch of its inaugural Winners’ Camp, a transformative five-day summer experience for youth ages seven to 13, set to take place July 28 to August 1 in Nassau.
The morning session will take place at St. Agnes Anglican Church and the afternoon session will take place at the Southern Recreational Park.
The Winners’ Camp is a one-of-a-kind initiative blending athletic training with academic enrichment, created to help
children throughout different communities develop the mindset, discipline and confidence needed to succeed on and off the field. Each day of the camp is split into two key components:
on S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) learning, team-building activities and leadership development. are dedicated to baseball and softball skills training, taught through the lens of sportsmanship, strategy and personal excellence.
The programme is a collaboration between the Wenty Ford Sports Foundation and Core Development Training, a Houston-based athletic organisation renowned for mentoring and coaching student-athletes across the United States. Their expert trainers will be in Nassau to lead athletic drills and inspire campers with tools for lifelong development. Founded in honour of Bahamian baseball icon Wenty Ford, the Wenty Ford Sports Foundation was established by his daughter, Dr Wentia
Ford, to extend his legacy of discipline, courage and community empowerment.
The Foundation is committed to providing inner-city youth with access to mentorship and opportunities through sports and education.
“My father believed that sports could open doors, build character and change lives,” said Dr Ford, founder of the Wenty Ford Sports Foundation.
“With Winners’ Camp, we’re doing more than just teaching kids to throw a ball or code a game - we’re helping them believe in
themselves and dream bigger for their futures.”
The Winners’ Camp is free of charge for selected participants, thanks to the generous support of sponsors. Campers will receive daily meals and a special gift bag packed with tools to continue their growth after the programme ends.
For more information, to volunteer, or to become a sponsor, you can send an email to wford@wentyfordsportsfoundation. com or follow the Wenty Ford Sports Foundation via Facebook or Instagram.
About the Wenty Ford Sports Foundation
The Wenty Ford Sports Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering Bahamian youth through athletics, academic enrichment and community mentorship.
Established in memory of Wenty Ford - the first Bahamian to pitch in Major League Baseball - the Foundation builds on his legacy of excellence, resilience and opportunity for all.
THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) congratulates Team Bahamas on their win yesterday over Dominican Republic Team #2.
The team is participating in the U12 Team Competition. The team consists of captain Paula Whitfield, Londyn Mortimer, Lisa-Anne Cambridge and Kennadi Major. Lisa-Anne, in the first match, played well and won over Noelia Gonzalez 6-1, 6-1 and Londyn Mortimer won over Mia Kilistsyn 6-1, 6-3.
The doubles pairing of Lisa-Anne and Londyn came up strong again with a 6-2 and 6-4. The BLTA congratulates Lisa-Anne, Londyn, Kennadi and coach Paula on a superb win in the Dominican Republic.
BARRIER BREAKERS FOUNDATION
JULY - from page E1
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. 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 they are expected to head to St Maarten, for The Battle Of The Islands Championships.
THE Devynne Charlton Barrier Breakers Foundation is offering emergency assistance to athletes needing assistance with travel and/or accommodations for the upcoming Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ Senior Nationals, scheduled for August 1-2. Interested athletes are urged to contact Laura Pratt-Charlton for more information and to apply for support. The email contact is dcbarrierbreakers@ gmail.com and the phone contact is 357-3109.
SPECIA OLYMPICS 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.
Olympian Wanya McCoy ready to run
shape. So I feel more confident than how I felt last week.”
At the BAAA Nationals, McCoy said the goal that he has set for himself is to attain the Worlds qualifying times of 10.00 and 20.16 for the men’s 100 and 200m respectively and book his ticket to Tokyo.
So far, Carlos Brown Jr, based in Nassau and trained by Andrew Tynes, has the fastest time posted this year of 10.04, followed by Grand Bahamian Terrence Jones at 10.08 with fellow Olympian Ian Kerr in third with 10.22. In the 200m, McCoy came through before the injury in a leading time of 20.35 just ahead of Olympic and world champion Steven Gardiner, who did 20.37 and Kerr in 20.56.
In a training camp with some of the top competitors in the world, McCoy said he was able to get back to the level he was before the injury. Now he just wants to prove to everyone else that he is indeed back. “My biggest goal right now is to make the World
Championship team,” he projected. He’s not projecting any specific times for the Nationals. He said he just wants to put his best foot forward because there are a number of competitors here who can push him.
Following the Nationals, McCoy said he and the other sprinters have made a commitment to go to Grand Bahama and attempt to qualify for the men’s 4 x 100 metre relay for Tokyo.
“It’s been a while since The Bahamas has fielded a men’s 4 x 100 metre relay team for a major international event,” McCoy said.
“We did have a team that competed in the NACAC New Life Invitational last year. That team of Terrence Jones, Antoine Andrews, Ian Kerr and myself ran well. But we’re hoping that the BAAA would see to it that we have a relay camp where we can work on our exchanges and not just wait for the event for us to go out there and perform.”
McCoy said the top sprinters, who are so closely connected to each other as friends, are prepared to stay at home and train together
in their bid to qualify for the Worlds.
McCoy thanked Jones, Andrews and Kerr, who all helped to keep him motivated and grounded to get back on track as he went through his ordeal.
McCoy is a Berry Islands native who came to New Providence to play basketball at Doris Johnson with his older brother Malachi.
Eventually he switched over to track and completed high school at Queen’s College before he went off to Clemson to start his college career before he transferred to Florida.
On May 11, 2024 in Gainesville, Florida, McCoy ran his lifetime best of 10.02 in the 100m and 19.93 in the 200m, qualifying him for the Olympics.
In his global debut at the senior level, McCoy got eliminated in the first round of the 100 metres in Paris, but he reached the semifinal of the 200 metres.
OLYMPIC sprinter Wanya McCoy going through rehab. McCoy has been inactive for the past five months nursing a left quadriceps injury that has sidelined him. But the 22-year-old University of Florida Gators’ senior said he’s eager to get back on the track when he returns home for the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ National Open Track and Field Championships from August 1-3 at the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium.
LOS
centre Deandre
By GREG BEACHAM AP Sports Writer
before he was traded to the Grizzlies in 2023. Because of injuries, the 6-foot-3 Smart has played
in just 54 games over the past two seasons since leaving Boston, and he averaged just 20 minutes per game last season when healthy. He played in only 15 games after joining the Wizards last February as part of a three-team trade involving Jake LaRavia, who signed with the Lakers in free agency this month. Smart has never averaged more than 13.1 points per game while playing in more than half of his team’s games in a season, but the
Lakers undoubtedly covet his defensive contributions to a roster already featuring strong scorers. Smart will have ample opportunity to play a significant role for the Lakers, who needed another strong point-of-attack defender after losing Dorian FinneySmith to the Houston Rockets in free agency. Smart, Ayton and LaRavia are the major offseason additions to the Lakers, who lost in the first round to Minnesota last spring
after their seismic midseason trade to acquire Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks. Los Angeles has managed to keep its core intact apart from Finney-Smith, even resigning
Angeles Lakers
Ayton in action in the second half of an NBA basketball game, February 10, 2025, in Denver.
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Is fast food killing your fitness progress?
addictive. High in refined carbs, unhealthy fats, excess sodium and added sugars, these meals can:
Spike your blood sugar
Promote fat storage
Increase inflammation
Wreck your energy levels
Undermine muscle recovery
If your goal is weight loss, muscle gain, or better health, fast food is one of the biggest roadblocks.
You Can’t Out - Train a
Bad Diet
Training hard and eating
poorly is like building a house during a storm - progress gets washed away.
Even if you “burn it off,” a consistent intake of nutrient-poor meals leads to:
Poor muscle recovery
Low testosterone in men
Increased fatigue
Brain fog
Slower metabolism over time
It’s not just about calories - it’s about quality.
Bahamian Favourites...
Reimagined? We love our “chicken in the bag,” peas and rice, macaroni, Junkanoo Champagne.
Not to mention the fast food giants and Chinese food. But if these become your go-to meals after every workout, you’re feeding your cravings—not your muscles.
Instead, reimagine local flavours in a healthier way:
Grilled chicken breast with roasted vegetables
Brown rice and pigeon peas with steamed greens
Fresh fruit smoothies instead of soda
Oven-baked Sweet potatos instead of fries
It’s about balance, not restriction. Fast Doesn’t Have to Mean Junk
If you’re in a rush, you can still choose better: Grab a boiled egg and banana, or overnight oats for breakfast. Keep a protein shake, fruit and mixed nuts for sneaking.
Ask for grilled instead of fried
Say no to the soda - every time you do, it counts Plan ahead.
Prepping one or two healthy meals in advance each week and eating ON TIME makes the drive-thru far less tempting.
What You Eat After the Gym Is Just as Important
Post-workout is prime time for nutrient absorption. You need: Protein to rebuild muscle Carbs to replenish energy
Fluids to rehydrate
Fast food delivers plenty of calories - but few
nutrients. Over time, this mismatch leads to poor performance, increased fat gain, and stalled progress.
Final Thought Most fast food companies aren’t built for your goals.
Discipline doesn’t end at the gym doors. If you’re putting in the work on the mat, the turf, or the weight rack - make sure your nutrition matches that energy. Save the chicken in the bag for a planned treat - not your routine fuel.
sports medicine physician, sports nutrition specialist and performance coach.
FOOD - from page E1
QUESTION: Is fast food killing your fitness progress? The short answer? If it becomes a habit - absolutely.
FAST food isn’t just convenient - it’s designed to be addictive.
Déjà vu: England and Spain meet again in a final, this time at Women’s Euro Championship
By DANIELLA MATAR AP Sports Writer
ZURICH (AP) — Here we go again.
There’s a sense of déjà vu about the Women’s European Championship final that pits defending champion England against World Cup winner Spain.
The two nations faced off in the World Cup final two years ago with Spain edging an open match 1-0.
“I think obviously that was a massive disappointment and I feel like from a collective we probably feel like we didn’t have our best performance that day, but I think … if you’re trying to pull on that too much then you’re going to be too emotional with too many things going on,” England midfielder Keira Walsh said yesterday.
“Obviously you think about it a little bit but I think for us, put it to the side and focus on the game on Sunday. We’ve got so many new players in this team who are really confident and bring so many things to this team, so it’s exciting and we can just focus on the positives.” Both teams needed 120 minutes to get through their gruelling semifinals. England’s super-subs had their part to play again on Tuesday with late goals first taking the match to extra time and then securing a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Italy.
Spain needed a moment of magic from two-time Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí to get past a resilient German side 1-0 on Wednesday.
It will be a first Euros final for Spain but even before the tournament it had been the favourite to add the European title to its collection after winning the World Cup and Nations League in the past two years. The two teams have faced off twice since the World Cup final, garnering a win apiece in the Nations League this year.
Jess Park scored the only goal when England beat Spain 1-0 in February and Clàudia Pina grabbed a second-half double to help Spain to a 2-1 victory in June.
“Our past meetings mean nothing because each game is a question of moments, the style of play changes, the squads change,” Bonmatí said.
OLGA CARMONA, left, celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Women’s World Cup soccer final between Spain and England at Stadium Australia in Sydney, Australia, Sunday, on August 20, 2023.
“They have a lot of players that we have faced a lot of times, in the 2023 World Cup too. We know them, they know us. So we want to prepare the best for the game, to win it.”
Spain’s triumph at the World Cup was marred by the Luis Rubiales scandal, after the-then head of the Spanish soccer federation kissed player Jenni Hermoso during the awards ceremony.
Rubiales was subsequently charged with sexual assault and convicted a few months before the start of Euro 2025, bringing an end to one of the worst chapters in the history of Spanish soccer.
Walsh, who made 100 appearances for Barcelona over two-and-a-half seasons, was playing in Spain at the time and witnessed the fallout first hand.
“I think the most important thing for them is that they can enjoy this final, there’s not the controversy surrounding it,” she said. “I think just for the girls this time and as a friend and another football player, for them just to go and enjoy it.
“They play incredible football and they deserve to be there, so as a human being I just want them to go out and enjoy the game of football.”
soccer match between England and Italy
Walsh doesn’t feel Spain’s star-packed squad received enough credit after the World Cup triumph. “Obviously after the game there
was a lot of controversy and I don’t think for them there was enough spotlight on how incredible they played and how incredible some of
their players were, it was all about the other stuff that had gone on,” she said.
“I think as a professional that was disappointing to
see. Obviously I have a lot of friends in that team and I think they probably deserved a little bit more than what they got.”
MLS, PLAYING WITHOUT MESSI, BEATS LIGA MX 3-1 IN THE ALL-STAR GAME
By MARK ROSNER Associated Press
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Sam Surridge, Tai Baribo and Brian White scored goals and Major League Soccer defeated Liga MX of Mexico 3-1 in the MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday night playing without Lionel Messi.
Messi and his Inter Miami teammate, Jordi Alba, both face possible league suspensions for their team’s next match against Cincinnati on Saturday for missing the All-Star game.
“Messi’s the greatest,” MLS coach Nico Estévez
said. “Playing with him and coaching him would be something amazing. But we have to show respect for the guys that showed up today. They did great. It’s a special week, a unique event. Not everyone can enjoy this. I’m fortunate.”
Liga MX’s James Rodríguez also chose not to play in the game played in front of more than 20,000 fans at Q2 Stadium. MLS has defeated Liga MX three times in four tries. Last year Liga MX won 4-1 in Columbus, Ohio. The MLS All-Stars won in 2022 and beat Liga MX on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw a year prior. Messi has yet to appear in an MLS All-Star Game. He missed the game last year with an injury. Messi is currently tied with Nashville’s Surridge for the MLS lead in goals with 18. Surridge scored another goal on Wednesday, from the middle of the box, heading in to the lower right corner a ball directed by LAFC’s Denis Bouanga in the 28th minute. The opportunity developed after Bouanga had a point-blank attempt stopped by Liga MX goalkeeper Luis Malagon
(Club America). Bouanga hustled to retrieve the long rebound and sent it to Surridge. Before the goal, both teams had attempts rejected with diving stops by Luis Malagón and Austin FC’s Brad Stuver in the 13th and 18th minutes. Up next MLS and Liga MX continue their rivalry with the Leagues Cup that begins on July 29 and concludes August 31. The competition features a new format, with all 18 clubs from Liga MX and the top 18 from MLS competing. Last year all 47 clubs from the two leagues were included.
SPAIN’S
(AP Photo/Steve Markham)
ENGLAND ’s Chloe Kelly is celebrated after she scored the decisive second goal for England during the Women’s Euro 2025 semifinals
at Stade de Geneve in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
SPAIN’s Aitana Bonmati celebrates after scoring the opening goal during their Euro 2025 semifinals soccer match against Germany at Stadion Letzigrund in Zurich, Switzerland, July 23. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Rangers hope to flip World Series title script, and finish this regular season how they started 2023
By STEPHEN HAWKINS AP Baseball Writer
ARLINGTON, Texas
(AP) — Chris Young is hoping that the Texas Rangers can flip the script from 2023, when they won their only World Series title.
The Rangers would like to finish this regular season the way they started that championship one two years ago.
Texas (53-50) went into its day off yesterday, after a three-game series sweep of the Athletics and a week before the trade deadline, with 59 games left.
“I look back on 2023 and we went 40-20 in our first 60 games. And after that, you know, the next 102 we were two games under .500,” Young, the team’s president of baseball operations, said before the opener of that series against the A’s. “Every season has a different ebb and flow to it. And my hope is that the next 62 games are our best 62 games of our season. If that’s the case, then we’ll look back and say, hey, the first half of the season wasn’t as much fun as we had hoped, but it was all worth it to get where we wanted to go.”
While third in the American League West behind Houston and Seattle, the Rangers were only 1 1/2 games out of the league’s final wild-card spot. They won two of three games at the division-leading Astros before the All-Star break, and are 5-1 since, including a series win over AL Central leader Detroit.
There are three games at home this weekend against Atlanta and then three in Los Angeles against the Angels before the trade deadline.
Texas is 12-6 in July and averaged 5.6 runs per game, nearly two runs a game more than in their first 85 games before that. The pitching and defence have been good all season, with the staff’s MLB-best 3.16 ERA and a majors-low 32 fielding errors. The Rangers have allowed two runs or fewer in their last seven games, matching the longest such streak in Texas history. “If we can continue the progress we’ve shown over the last several weeks ... it’s going to determine a lot,” Young said about what the team might do before the deadline. ”So not to put any more pressure on
anything, it’s just the reality of this point in the season, and we’re looking up in the standings.”
Streaking Seager
Corey Seager, in the fourth season of his $325 million, 10-year deal with Texas, has a 24-game onbase streak. He has hit .356 with eight homers and 22 RBIs in what is the secondlongest active streak in the majors, behind the 29
by Milwaukee’s Christian Yelich.
The two-time World Series MVP shortstop had a 30-game streak last year and a 26-gamer in 2023, making him the only player with streaks of at least 24 games in each of those seasons.
Topping the rotation
Right-hander Jacob deGrom (10-2, 2.28 ERA) was the only Rangers player picked as an All-Star, but the team gave right-hander Nathan Eovaldi (7-3, 1.58) the $100,000 All-Star bonus from his contract even after he was left off the American League squad.
Eovaldi is set to start today against the Braves, his first game since July 13, when he went 7 2/3 innings in a 5-1 win at Houston before the break. The 35-year-old right-hander
was scratched because of back stiffness from last Sunday’s game against Oakland, and a matchup with AL All-Star starter Tarik Skubal. The 37-year-old deGrom missed most of the past two seasons after Tommy John surgery, and his 118 1/3 innings pitched are already his most since 2019, when he won his second consecutive NL Cy Young Award with the New York Mets. DeGrom went to Atlanta last week but opted against pitching in the All-Star Game, and the Rangers intentionally gave him a nine-day break between starts.
“If we can keep him out there and keep getting the best version of Jacob for another 10 or so starts, it’s a great thing for our club,” Young said. “He’s
feeling really good, and we’re doing our best to try to protect him from a health and recovery standpoint.”
Bringing them back Josh Jung is 4 for 8 with a homer and four runs scored in three games since being recalled from TripleA Round Rock, where the third baseman was sent July 2 when in a bad slump.
Jon Gray made his season debut Wednesday against the A’s, pitching two innings in relief for the win.
The right-hander, who can be a starter or reliever, suffered a fractured forearm when struck by a comeback liner in a spring training game.
Joc Pederson, the offseason addition out since May 25 because of a broken right hand, could re-join the team next week after a rehab assignment.
TEXAS Rangers’ Michael Helman, right, celebrates after hitting a home run that also scored teammates Cody Freeman, left, and Josh Jung, centre, during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Athletics, Monday, July 21, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.
(AP Photo/LM Otero)
TEXAS Rangers’ Corey Seager runs home after hitting a home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Athletics, Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
TEXAS Rangers’ Jacob deGrom arrives on the red carpet for the MLB baseball All-Star game, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/ Mike Stewart)
Rebels pull off 6-2 win over the Reapers
ON THE REPLAY: The Rebels pulled off a 6-2 win over the
THE Rebels pulled off a 6-2 win over the Reapers in the only New Providence Baseball Association game played last night at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium.
The Rebels got on the board in the top of the first inning after Chad Delancy grounded out, J Bain doubled to centre field, Rashad Martain grounded out and Jamal Davis singled, each scoring one run.
Davante Brown started the game for the Rebels. The starting pitcher surrendered two hits and two runs (zero earned) over five and two-thirds innings, striking out three and walking three.
Lyndon Wallace stepped on the bump first for the Reapers. The hurler gave up five hits and four runs
over three innings, striking out one and walking three. Stefan McKenzie appeared in relief for the Rebels.
J Bain went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead the Rebels in hits. Stefan McKenzie paced the Rebels with three walks. Overall, the team had patience at the plate, amassing seven walks for the game.
J Colebroke and Kashon Conliffe each collected one hit for the Reapers, who turned one double play in the game.
Reapers in the only New Providence Baseball Association game played at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium as the NPBL continued its inaugural regular season.
Photos by Chappell Whyms Jr
Team Bahamas all set for World Swimming Championships
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
HEAD coach Travano
McPhee said the Bahamas’ four-member team arrived safely in Kallang, Singapore and is eager to start competing on Sunday at the 2025 Long Course
Metre World Aquatics Championships. The team, managed by Georgette Albury, is comprised of Olympian Lamar Taylor, Victoria Russell, ZaylieElizabeth Thompson and Mark-Anthony Thompson. Cordero Bonamy is the physio-therapist. According to McPhee, who is coming
off an appearance as the coach of the Olympic team last year in Paris, France, the team arrived safely in Singapore and held their first practice yesterday at the World Aquatics Championships Arena, located at the Singapore Sports Hub. “Everyone’s excited to represent The Bahamas and ready to give their best in the pool,” McPhee said.
“We’re looking forward to a strong showing ad making the country proud.”
Team Bahamas is expected to start competing on Sunday in the championships that will run until August 3. Mark-Anthony Thompson will be the first to splash into competition when he competes in the 100 metres breaststroke on Sunday and then he is slated for the 50m breast on Tuesday. Lamar Taylor will follow in the 100 metre free on Wednesday, the same day that the four competitors will combine to contest the 400 metre mixed medley relay. Singapore is the first city in Southwest Asia to host the World Championships, which was last held in 2024 in Doha, Qatar. The next edition of the championships is set to take place in Budapest, Hungary in 2027.
MCINTOSH GOES FOR 5 INDIVIDUAL GOLDS AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS WITH LOS ANGELES OLYMPICS IN SIGHT
By STEPHEN WADE AP Sports Writer
SUMMER McIntosh won three individual gold medals a year ago at the Olympics, the star in the Paris pool alongside France’s Léon Marchand.
Apparently unsatisfied with three, she’ll go for five gold medals starting Sunday at the world swimming championships in Singapore. Call it a trial run for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
The worlds is the highest profile swim meet since last year’s Olympics, a showcase for newcomers as well as veterans who hope to stick around until Los Angeles.
McIntosh will be very busy during the eight days in the pool, packing her schedule with five individual events. She’ll contend with prelims in some events, and she’ll also add relays.
“This means 14 or 15 races she could swim in eight days, demanding races,” Canada’s head coach Iain McDonald told The Associated Press. “It’s a very challenging schedule she’s set for herself.”
The 18-year-old Canadian set three world records in five days in June at the national trials. She broke her own 400-metre individual medley mark, dropping it to 4 minutes, 23.65 seconds, and set the 200 IM record (2:05.70) and the 400 freestyle record (3:54.18).
She was also a mere halfsecond behind the 200 butterfly record, which has stood since 2009, and just off the 800 freestyle record set last month by American Katie Ledecky.
“She’s such a versatile athlete, it’s kind of tough to nail what her best events are,” McDonald said.
“She’s pretty good right across the spectrum.”
Opening day McIntosh will be the focus on Day 1 of the pool events in Singapore. She swims the 400 freestyle final, and comes back about 30 minutes later for a sem-
ifinal of the 200 IM.
Despite holding the world record in the 400 free, she’s never won gold in the event at the Olympics or worlds. This time she’s ready, and credits coach Fred Vergnoux. “I’m super pumped for the 400 freestyle and
I’m really excited to see how I manage doing the double,” McIntosh told Canadian broadcaster the CBC. McIntosh said Vergnoux has boosted her endurance, pointing more to distance events.
“It’s true that I haven’t been able to do it on world stage yet,” she said of the 400. “I think going into past big meets I haven’t had the confidence in my training and my freestyle in general — technique-wise and endurance-wise — that I have now.”
Ariarne Titmus was the gold medallist in Paris with silver for McIntosh, but the Australian
swimmer is taking a year off. It’s Titmus’s record that McIntosh just broke. Ledecky, the bronze medallist in Paris, appears to be McIntosh’s chief rival. McIntosh will also face Ledecky in the 800, which might be the only race where McIntosh is not favoured. It’s probably 50-50, and it might be the biggest race of the championships.
Ledecky set the world record this year of 8:04.12, and McIntosh is right behind, having clocked 8:05.07.
“I think she loves it (the challenge),” Greg Meehan, the U.S. team director, said of Ledecky. “There are always threats
coming at you because you’ve set yourself to be the gold standard.”
McIntosh dominates the two IM races, and should also be a favourite in the 200 butterfly.
Ledecky’s best race is the 1,500 where she holds the world record and also has the 23 top times in history in the event — and No. 25, too. McIntosh is not in the field here.
McIntosh, who will swim this fall under Bob Bowman at the University of Texas at Austin, arrived on the scene aged 14 at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, finishing fourth in the 400 free.
“She’s been such a strong performer through her entire career at such a young age,” McDonald said. “But she always manages to surprise you, upping her game a little bit.”
Attention on Yu
Some of the attention in Singapore will be on 12-year-old Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi. Yu has qualified in the 200 and 400 IMs and the 200 butterfly and could face McIntosh in all three finals. Unbelievably, she could win a medal — at 12.
Yu’s time of 2:10.63 in the Chinese championships in May was the fastest by any 12-year-old — female or male — in history. She’s also swum 2:06.83 in the 200 fly and 4:35.53 in the 400 IM. Both of those times would have been good for fourth place in last year’s Olympics.
Astoundingly, Yu is 12 to 15 seconds faster than McIntosh was at age 12, depending on the event. That’s roughly a half-lap of a 50-metre pool. “There is always somebody coming up next,” McDonald said.
READY TO HIT THE BLOCKS: Team Bahamas at the World Swimming Championships.
CANADA’s Summer Mcintosh holds a trophy for the Athlete of the Year during the World Short Course Swimming Championships in Budapest, Hungary, on December 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos)