MONDAY, JULY 28,
‘Bodybuilding is back’
By BRENT STUBBS
Judah Forbes, Alexander Kemp, Orick Nesbitt, Jackie Cleare and Denica Thompson came back to lead the list of team members for The Bahamas at the 52nd Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding Championships in St Lucia. Federation president Wellington Sears declared that “bodybuilding is back” after they were not able to host last year’s nationals because of the lack of competitors.
He announced that just about all of the competitors on stage on Saturday night at the University of the Bahamas Auditorium will be given the opportunity to compete at the CAC Championships, scheduled for September 24-28 at the Rodney Bay, Gros Islet, St Lucia.
BAHAMAS’ JUNIOR GOLFERS READY – PAGE 7
Despite the decline in contestants, Sears said they were still happy with the turnout with two competitors from Andros in the newly formed Southern Association and three from Grand Bahama from the Northern Bahamas division. The rest came from New Providence. Forbes, competing in the toughest division in the men’s physique open against four other competitors, said he didn’t make up his mind to compete until the end of April and he asked God to guide him each step of the way.
“I was on stage with a lot of novice competitors who gave me a run for my money. It reminded me that you should never be comfortable. Nothing is given to you. So you have to go out there and take it,” said Forbes, the 32-yearold director of media and production at Eyewitness
News. “I just need to work on my posing, making sure I land them so I can keep it tight on stage.”
Kemp, also competing out of New Providence, participated in four events, winning the men’s fitness open and the men’s fitness model, while placing second in the men’s physique open and the men’s fitness challenge.
He’s hoping to improve on the pair of silver medals he got in the men’s fitness and fitness model at last year’s CAC Championships in Guyana.
“It was good to go out there and compete again,” said the 31-year-old, a locksmith who also serves as a personal trainer and men’s development coach.
“You learn new methods and it helps to increase your chance of getting better. But I noticed that I need to work on my conditioning and become tighter when I go to CAC this year.”
Cleare, also back for a CAC encore after she made her debut in Guyana, said it was an amazing feeling for her to get back on stage to prepare for this year’s CAC.
“It was an amazing feeling. I felt really good and I could see the improvement in my physique since October last year. That is always the goal and the first focal point for me,” said the 42-year-old CEO and founder of Executive Advisory. “I’m excited to be able
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Swimmers making a splash at the FINA Worlds in Singapore
THE first of the three Bahamas Aquatics teams to compete in international competition got started yesterday at the FINA LCM World Championships at the OCBC Aquatic Centre at the Singapore Sports Hub in Singapore.
Mark-Anthony Thompson, one of four members of the team, managed by Georgette Albury with Travano McPhee as the coach, placed eighth in the third of eight heats in the men’s 100 metres breaststroke preliminaries.
He was eighth in a time of one minute and 6.56 seconds. He was well off his personal best of 1:05.24 that he posted at the Bahamas National Championships in 2023.
Man Hou Chad won the heat in 1:02.64, but that only placed him 46th overall, while Thompson was 66th. The fastest qualifier was Kirill Prigoda in 58.53 as he won the second heat.
“While Mark-Anthony didn’t have his best swim in the opener, we know he’s capable of more and
SAND WARS FLAG FOOTBALL TOURNEY ROCKS THE BEACH SOCCER STADIUM
By Jonathan Burrows
Jazz Chisholm Jr,
JIMMY Norius
of the Men’s Physique Open.
WOMEN’s wellness champion Denica Thompson.
BIKINI runner-up Shantae Rahming and Jackie Cleare receive their awards from Dr Remington Rolle and Wellington “Cat” Sears.
JUSTIN SMITH GIVES BACK TO BEHRING POINT
JUSTIN Smith, a proud native of Andros, returned home over the weekend to give back to Behring Point where he grew up with a baseball camp.
Smith has relocated to Blanket Sound, which he now calls home.
His journey with baseball began in late 2016 when he joined the Freedom Farm Baseball League, where his love for the sport quickly blossomed.
Introduced to baseball at the age of 10, Justin’s passion and dedication to the game have only grown stronger over the years.
A disciplined and wellrounded student, Smith
maintained honour roll status from his primary school days straight through to high school. In 2018, while attending Bowen Sound Primary School, he was nominated for the prestigious Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Awards - an early recognition of his academic excellence and leadership qualities.
After completing junior high on Andros, Justin was given the remarkable opportunity to attend Tallulah Falls School, a boarding school in Tallulah, Georgia. There, he continued to shine, balancing academics and athletics with
outstanding success. He maintained an impressive GPA of 4.36 up until his final day of high school this past May, graduating with honours as well as being recognised and welcomed to the National High School Scholar Society in the USA. Smith was also an active member of several academic and leadership clubs, including Future Health Professionals, FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), and the Interact Club. This summer, Smith returned home to Andros to reconnect with his roots and give back to the community that has supported
him from the beginning.
From July 21-25, he hosted his first baseball camp, which was a tremendous success.
Young attendees enjoyed a week filled with skillbuilding, teamwork and fun under the guidance of Smith, with many expressing how they wished the camp could have lasted longer.
For Smith, this was a heartfelt way to give back to the sport that has opened so many doors for him and continues to shape his future.
A humble and grateful individual, Smith extends his sincere appreciation
to his family, community members, and particularly Cecil Penn Jr, the chairman of the Central Andros Sports Council, for their invaluable support in making the camp possible.
Looking ahead, Smith is preparing for the next chapter of his journey.
He will be attending Texas State University, where he has earned a partial merit scholarship.
His Andros community, along with all who know him, proudly wishes Justin Smith continued success in his academic, athletic and personal endeavours.
The future is bright for this exceptional young man.
JULY - from page E1
Town, Abaco. During the camp, conducted by coach Stephon Johnson, a number of players and coaches from the National Basketball Association (NBA) are expected to be on hand to share their experiences.
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. 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.
BARRIER BREAKERS FOUNDATION 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.
CAMPERS enjoy Justin Smith’s baseball camp in Andros.
JUSTIN Smith and coach Cecil Penn Jr.
‘Jazz’ and Yanks beat Phillies
4-3 to end 3-game slide
NEW York Yankees second baseman Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr (13) walks back to the dugout during the fifth
NEW YORK (AP) —
Ryan McMahon sparked a comeback with a tying, tworun double in a four-run second inning against Zack Wheeler, and the New York Yankees beat the Philadelphia Phillies 4-3 yesterday to salvage the finale of a three-game series.
Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto made a spectacular leaping grab and tag of Cody Bellinger at the plate for an inning-ending double play that denied the Yankees a run in the third.
Austin Wells hit a goahead sacrifice fly and Trent Grisham an RBI single against Wheeler (9-4), who tied his career high with three hit batters — including two in a row in the second.
New York closed within 5 1/2 games of AL East-leading Toronto.
Rookie Otto Kemp had his first big league multihomer game and Nick Castellanos also went deep as the Phillies hit three solo shots off Carlos Rodón (118), who allowed four hits in 5 1/3 innings.
Acquired Friday from Colorado, McMahon had a pair of hits and made a sliding stop to his glove side at third to throw out Turner in the fifth.
Jonathan Loáisiga, Luke Weaver, Tim Hill and Devin Williams combined for one-hit shutout relief, with Williams striking out two in a perfect ninth for his 16th save in 17 chances. Yankees relievers entered with a big league-worst 7.11 ERA since June 28.
New York stopped a three-game slide ended a sloppy streak of five straight games with errors.
Key moment Phillies centre fielder Johan Rojas threw out Bellinger trying to score on Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s 293-foot
flyout in the third. Realmuto jumped and swiped
down to tag Bellinger on the neck as the runner’s feet slid wide of the plate and Bellinger reached to touch it with his left hand.
Key stat New York won without a home run for the first time since June 22. Up next Phillies: LHP Cristopher Sánchez (9-2, 2.40) starts tonight at the Chicago White Sox, who send RHP Davis Martin (2-8, 3.89) to the mound.
Yankees: RHP Cam Schlittler (1-0, 4.35) starts tonight’s series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays and RHP Drew Rasmussen (7-5, 2.93).
Photo/Yuki Iwamura
JASRADO “Jazz” Chisholm Jr., Jasson Domínguez and Trent Grisham celebrate their win against the Philadelphia Phillies yesterday in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)
YANKEES’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) scores during the fourth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
crowd to the bridge side venue.
This year’s tournament saw a significant boost in its prize purse thanks to a new partnership with NFL superstar Julio Jones and Grammy-winning producer Polow da Don, who joined forces with Sand Wars organisers in an official partnership to double the prize pool from $10,000 to $20,000.
The funds were split evenly between the winners of the men’s and women’s championships, further elevating the stakes and attracting some of the region’s most talented flag football athletes.
“Bringing Julio and Polow on board was a game-changer for us,” said Reginald Knowles, one of the co-founders of Sand Wars.
“Julio came aboard because he liked the physicality and he liked the brand.”
Added Knowles: “We started Sand Wars with a vision to create something that united players and fans. We have been doing this for about 12 years now and made it an official tournament for about eight years now.”
The competition was fierce throughout the weekend, with games often decided by razor-thin margins.
SAND WARS FLAG FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT STORMS THE BEACH SOCCER STADIUM
In the women’s division, it was the Cayman Islands Lynx who defeated the home team Honey Badgers for the championship ring with a game clinching overtime touchdown after a regulation score of 12-12 showing exceptional teamwork and grit in the finals. On the men’s side, a Freeport-based team made the championships versus the home team in a dramatic showdown that had fans on their feet until the final whistle. It would ultimately be the Freeport based Three Lynx defeating the Nassau team Buzz City
with a final score of 22-13.
As night fell on yesterday’s award ceremony, one thing that stood out was that Sand Wars is more than just a weekend tournament.
With flag football officially becoming an Olympic sport in 2028, the tournament is becoming a flagship event for regional flag football to be pursued with
the intent of representing the country. Momentum is building fast for the 2026 tournament as the event aims to get bigger and better every year.
BODYBUILDERS LEAD LIST OF TEAM MEMBERS FOR 52ND CENTRAL AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN BODYBUILDING CHAMPIONSHIPS
to go and represent The Bahamas again. I have to work on posing because my physique is able to compete.”
Shante Rahming, representing Andros as she competed against Cleare, was particularly pleased to make her debut on stage considering she just switched from running track this year for Huntley P. Christie High School in North Andros.
“I had two weeks to get in shape. It was great. I love competing. I felt I could have had more time to prepare, but having been
competing in track, I wasn’t prepared as I should have been,” said Rahming, a long jumper who competes in both the 100/200m but has aspirations to compete in the heptathlon during her final year in school.
“I have to work on my stomach with a different diet plan and develop my routine on stage.” Thompson, a Grand Bahamian who just missed out on the gold two years ago, was the lone competitor in the women’s wellness category.
But she didn’t let that deter her from going on stage and putting on a show.
“I feel like I’m in a better
state of mind. I’m more focused and I’m just ready to give it my best at this year’s CAC in St Lucia,” said Thompson, a 32-yearold immigration officer.
“I have eight weeks to go, so I’m looking to bring a much better package on stage.”
Nesbitt, the CEO at Nesbitt Fitness in Grand Bahama, was the lone competitor entered in the men’s bodybuilding masters category. He’s expected to be one of the leading contenders for a medal for Team Bahamas. For the first time this year, there was a junior fitness category with St
Augustine’s College and Red-Line Athletics’ middle distance runner Kelvin ‘the Dreamer’ Francis, who is coached by Cerio Rolle, winning the title over four other youngsters.
“It was good and the competition was good, but my mindset was to come here to win and that was what I did,” said Francis, who believes that if you dream hard enough and put in enough willpower, you can achieve.
“The competition was good, but as a track athlete, I know I could dominate the competition.”
Based on what he saw, Sears said he’s looking
to Team Bahamas
its presence felt at the
Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr
Team Bahamas will have today off at FINA Worlds
FINA - from page E1
Thompson’s younger sister Zaylie-Elizabeth Thompson and Victoria Russell. Taylor will be next to compete in the men’s 100m freestyle heats on Wednesday, followed by the semifinal and the final.
Zaylie-Elizabeth Thompson will compete in the women’s 100m freestyle on Thursday. On Friday, Taylor will be entered in the 50m freestyle and Victoria Russell will be in the 50m butterfly. And on Saturday, Taylor will be back in the 50m
backstroke and Russell in the 50m freestyle. If they advance, Taylor and Russell will close out competition on the final day on Sunday in the final of their respective events. On the heels of that trip, Taylor will head The Bahamas’ six-member team
that will compete at the 2025 Junior Pan American Games in Paraguay from August 1-15.
In addition to Taylor, the other team members are Emmanuel Godson, Marvin Johnson, Elyse Wood, Nigel Forbes and Zoe Williamson. The team manager
is Karen Johnson and the coach is Ivaniuska Dreke. The final team to represent The Bahamas will be a six-member team that will compete at the 2025 World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships. The championships will take place from August
Summer McIntosh wins first gold medal at worlds in her quest for five
By STEPHEN WADE AP Sports Writer
SINGAPORE (AP) —
For Summer McIntosh of Canada, it’s one gold medal won at the swimming world championships with four to go. McIntosh is aiming to win five gold medals in individual events at the worlds in Singapore, and the first one came yesterday in the 400metre freestyle on the first of eight days in the pool.
Only legendary American Michael Phelps has ever won five individual medals in the worlds. He also did it at the Olympics.
McIntosh won but did not break her own world record, winning in 3 minutes, 56.26 seconds.
Li Bingjie of China took silver (3:58.21) with a late charge to leave American Katie Ledecky (3:58.49) with bronze.
A year ago in the Olympics, Ledecky also took bronze in the 400. McIntosh was the silver medallist with gold for Australian Ariarne Titmus of Australia.
Titmus is taking a year off and did not swim and has since lost her world record in the event to McIntosh.
For Ledecky, a nine-time Olympic gold medallist, it was her 27th medal in the world championships in an astonishing career. She won her first Olympic gold in 2012 in London, and then started adding world championship medals beginning in Barcelona in 2013.
About 25 minutes after winning the 400, McIntosh came back and qualified first in the 200 individual medley, clocking 2:07.39. American Alex Walsh was second in 2:08.49. That final is today.
“I’ve never done a double like that,” McIntosh said. “I think the 400 free, at past world championships and Olympics, I haven’t been at
my best. And I haven’t been where I wanted to be. So, to finally stand in the centre of the podium is promising for the rest of the meet.” The Canadian added: I think I’m at my best. I’m in the best shape of my life. So now I just have to act on that and put it into all my races.”
The shock of the first day might have been Chinese 12-year-old Yu Zidi, who was the seventh fastest in qualifying and will swim in the final.
Asked her reaction, she replied: “Oh, I’m in,” unaware she had advanced.
“I will continue to work harder,” she added. “I hope to find a breakthrough at these world championships and show my potential.”
Asked for her reaction to the competition, she added. “You can feel it’s quite intense. I try not to think so much and just give it my all.”
The 200 IM might not even be her best event with the Chinese likely quicker
in the 400 IM and the 200 butterfly. Meanwhile, the United States is swimming with what appears to be a weakened team after officials acknowledged yesterday that some members of the team had come down with “acute gastroenteritis” at a training camp in Thailand prior to arriving in Singapore.
Nikki Warner, a spokeswoman for USA Swimming, would not say how many fell ill in Thailand. She
cited health confidentiality rules. She said all American swimmers had travelled to Singapore. In the other early individual final Sunday, Lukas Martens of Germany won the men’s 400 free in 3:42.35, edging Sam Short of Australia who was .02 behind. Bronze went to Kim Woomin of South Korea in 3:42.60.
Martens is the defending Olympic champion and also holds the world record of 3:39.96.
McIntosh, who won three gold medals a year ago at the Paris Olympics, holds the world record in the 400 free — 3:54.18. She will face off again with Ledecky in the 800 free later in the meet, probably the most anticipated race in Singapore.
Though she holds the 400 free world record, McIntosh had failed to win gold in the event in the Olympics or previous world championships.
McIntosh will also be after gold in the 200- and 400-individual medleys, and the 200 butterfly.
Famed Olympian Michael Phelps is the only swimmer to have won five individual gold medals at a world championships.
The other two gold medals Sunday were in the relays. The United States was the favourite in both and failed to win either.
The Australian women took gold just ahead of the United States in the 4x100 freestyle relay. The Aussies clocked 3:30.60 with 3:31.04 for the US. The Netherlands took bronze in 3:33.89. On the men’s side in the 4x100, Australia also took gold in 3:08.97. Italy took silver in 3:09.58 with bronze for the United States in 3:09.64. There were three other semifinal results yesterday.
Qin Haiyang of China took the 200 breaststroke in 58.24 with Paris Olympic champion Nicolo Martinenghi second in 58.62.
The Italian was initially disqualified for moving on the blocks, but was later reinstated on appeal.
Gretchen Walsh of the United States and Roos Vanotterdijk of Belgium tied in the 100 butterfly in 56.07, and Maxime Grousset of France took the men’s 50 fly in 22.61.
13-24 in Romania, Otopeni.
The team will be managed by Andrea Longley and coached by Mancer Roberts Jr. The other members of the team are Ellie Gibson, Saleste Gibson, Zoe Williamson, Caden Wells, Ayrton Moncur and Tristen Hepburn.
in
JACKSON’S LAYUP AT BUZZER LIFTS SPARKS TO 101-99 WIN OVER JONQUEL JONES AND LIBERTY
By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — Rickea Jackson’s layup at the buzzer lifted the Los Angeles Sparks to a 101-99 win over the New York Liberty on Saturday night.
The Liberty also lost star Breanna Stewart to a lower leg injury 3 minutes into the game.
Stewart had three points and a rebound before she left and went to the locker room.
New York was playing the second half of a back-to-back.
The Liberty rallied to beat Phoenix on Friday night.
Sabrina Ionescu, who scored 30 points, tied the score at 99 with an elbow jumper with 23.1 seconds left.
Los Angeles worked the clock down before Stephanie Talbot fouled Kelsey Plum with 5.9 seconds left.
The Liberty still had a foul to give, so the Sparks got the ball on the side.
After a timeout, Jackson got the ball in the post and flipped a shot up, muscling through Talbot just before time expired. She finished with 24 points and Plum added 20 for the Sparks, who have won five straight.
The Liberty (17-7) were down 15 points early in the third quarter before rallying. Ionescu’s three-point play with 2:18 left in the game tied it at 95.
After the team’s exchanged baskets, Azura
Stevens hit a layup with 1:03 left to give the Sparks a 99-97 advantage. Los Angeles (11-14) led by 15 early in the third quarter before New York rallied. The Liberty got to
65-61 and then Ionescu hit a 3-pointer that was waved off because off an illegal screen on Jonquel Jones. Ionescu vehemently disagreed with the call and telling the official to “tech
me”. The referee obliged, giving the star guard a technical foul.
New York trailed 74-69 heading into the fourth quarter before coming back behind Natasha Cloud and
Ionescu. Cloud had 10 of her 22 points in the final 10 minutes.
Los Angeles came out hot, hitting 13 of its 19 shots in the first quarter, including seven 3-pointers.
Jackson had 17 points in the opening period as the Sparks led 35-20. The team kept it going in the second quarter and was up 58-45 at the half, making 10 of its 18 shots from behind the arc.
NEW York Liberty forward Jonquel Jones tries to hold onto the ball under pressure from Seattle Storm guard Jewell Loyd, left, and forward Nneka Ogwumike, right, during the second half of a WNBA basketball game in Seattle.
(AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
TEAM BAHAMAS READY TO COMPETE IN THE CARIBBEAN JUNIOR GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor
bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
THE Bahamas Golf Federation’s national team has settled in and is getting ready to compete in the Caribbean Junior Golf Championship in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, starting today.
When the championships at the Grande Reserve Golf Course gets underway today, Team Bahamas, managed by Lisa Gorospe and with Richard Gibson Sr as the head coach, will consist of the following players:
Boys 18U - Aidan Gorospe, Camdyn Forbes and Kerrington Rolle.
Boys 15U - Cardron Nixon (Grand Bahama), Rashawn Hanna and Maximilian Landry.
Boys 13U - William West and Na’Kai Wilson (Grand Bahama).
Girls 18U - Anissa Robinson and Chemari Pratt.
Girls 15U - Madison Carroll and Haley Hall.
Girls 13U - Kayleigh Rolle and Riannah Hanna.
Gibson Sr, a former men’s national team player/ coach, said he’s confident that the BGF has selected a very talented team that
will represent The Bahamas very well. “This is a very talented team that is ready to perform and to win this tournament,” Gibson Sr said. “My expectation is for them to perform very well and to finish in the top three.” Gibson Sr said with the addition of the two players from Grand Bahama, Cardon Nixon and Na’Kai Wilsonl and with the players they are playing with, they are very strong.
“On the ladies’ side, we have some very good players who can also win their divisions. So I’m really looking forward to them performing very well.”
When the tournament is completed on Thursday, Gibson Sr said he expects Team Bahamas to return home on Friday with a lot of hardware.
The championships, which features over 100 of the Caribbean’s top juniors ages 11-18, will compete for the Hank James Team Trophy and six individual age-group titles. A total of 13 nations, including host Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Barbados, Dominican Republic and Trinidad & Tobago, are participating in the championships.
THE Bahamas Golf Federation’s national team is getting ready to compete in the Caribbean Junior Golf Championship starting today.
Euro 2025: England beats Spain in a penalty shootout after 1-1 draw to retain title
By GRAHAM DUNBAR AP Sports Writer
BASEL, Switzerland (AP) — More drama, another penalty shootout and never giving up.
England successfully defended its Women’s European Championship title yesterday in its own special way, thriving in high tension yet again to take down world champion Spain in a shootout in the final.
Chloe Kelly lashed in her spot kick to give England a 3-1 win on penalties after a 1-1 draw after extra time.
“I was cool, I was composed, and I knew I was going to hit the back of the net,” said Kelly, whose goals decided a second straight Women’s Euros final, and also the semifinal five days earlier.
England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton saved spot kicks from Mariona Caldentey and Spain superstar Aitana Bonmatí, before substitute Salma Paralluelo dragged her shot wide of goal.
The defending champion won the only way it knew how at this thrilling Euro 2025.
“It was the most chaotic tournament we played,” said England coach Sarina Wiegman, who has now won three straight Women’s Euros titles.
Super subs England had fallen behind in the first half, fought back in the second and relied on its superb substitutes — including Kelly – just as it did against Italy and beating Sweden on penalties previously in the knockout rounds.
“I actually can’t believe it myself,” Wiegman said.
“How can this happen? But it happens. We’re just going to party tonight.”
England levelled the score in the 57th on Alessia Russo’s header from a
cross by Kelly after Caldentey had given Spain the lead in the 25th finishing Ona Batlle’s cross.
Spain trailed for only four minutes in the entire tournament — and not for one second against England — yet could not seal its first European title against the team it beat in the World Cup final two years ago.
“I think this team deserved more. At least not living with this bitter feeling,” Spain coach Montse Tomé said in translated comments.
Kelly had scored an extra-time winning goal for England at Wembley three years ago to beat Germany 2-1.
Spain’s missed chance In extra time Spain had good possession in the England penalty area so many times yet did not force a decisive goal.
“It was cruel,” Bonmatí told Spanish broadcaster La 1, after being named best player of the tournament.
“We played better, created more scoring chances, but in soccer sometimes that’s not enough.”
Spain goalkeeper Cata Coll saved spot kicks from England captain Leah Williamson and the first by Beth Mead.
It was appropriate in England’s memorable tournament that Mead’s penalty had to be retaken under a new soccer rule that allows a second chance when a player scores by slipping and touching the ball twice. It did not matter after Hampton’s saves.
Classic Arsenal goals
Arsenal attackers like scoring with perfectly placed headers from inviting crosses sent to the ideal spot.
Spain took the lead Sunday with a very English goal – a full back’s cross from the byline finding the head of an Arsenal player to score, on a rain-slicked field on an overcast, cloudy day.
The strong Spanish flavour leading to Caldentey’s opener was in the neat passing to find Athenea del Castillo in the penalty area and her vision to see Ona Batlle’s direct run into space. Caldentey was in the Arsenal team that won
the Women’s Champions League final in May beating a Barcelona side with six starters who also lined up for Spain on Sunday. Spain used three more Barcelona players as substitutes.
The Arsenal forward line in that final, Russo and Kelly, combined to tie the Euro 2025 final.
Kelly’s right-foot cross from the left was floated toward the head of Russo who guided the ball back toward the top corner of the Spain net.
Wiegman’s hat trick England coach Wiegman has still never before been eliminated from a Women’s Euros tournament. Despite how close she came three times this month, she acknowledged after the final whistle Sunday.
The top female nationalteam coach of her generation has a Euros hat trick after leading England to victory in 2022 and her native Netherlands to the 2017 title.
Both those titles were won as the host nation team and no England senior team, men or women, had
previously won a world or continental title abroad.
Wiegman also extended the run of title-winning women coaches to eight Women’s Euros editions across 28 years. Women were outnumbered by male coaches each time.
Royal appointment There was royalty from both nations in the VIP box at St-Jakob Park including heirs to each throne.
Prince William, the first son of Britain’s King Charles, was with his daughter Princess Charlotte. He is president of the English Football Association.
Also present were Princess Leonor of Spain and her younger sister, Infanta Sofía. At the 2023 World Cup final Sofia was at the game with her mother Queen Letizia in Sydney, Australia.
After the game King Charles congratulated the Lionesses team on their “sporting skill and awesome teamwork.”
“For this,” the king wrote, “you have my whole family’s warmest appreciation and admiration.”
ENGLAND’S LEAH WILLIAMSON, centre left, and Keira Walsh lift the trophy yesterday after winning the Women’s Euro 2025 final soccer match against Spain at St. Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
SPAIN’s Aitana Bonmati poses with most valuable player trophy yesterday after the Women’s Euro 2025 final soccer match. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
ENGLAND players celebrate after England’s Chloe Kelly, right, scored the decisive penalty in a penalty shootout at the end of the Women’s Euro 2025 final soccer match between England and Spain at St. Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland, Sunday, July 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)