LEGENDARY Frank Rutherford, far left, poses with some of the athletes he worked with on Harbour Island, Eleuthera.

As of Friday, August 4, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#IT was 31 years ago that Frank Rutherford soared to the Bahamas’ first track and field medal at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. He felt the bronze has propelled the Bahamas to earning a medal in every Olympiad thereafter.

#The historic feat came on August 3 at the Olympic Stadium where Rutherford soared 56-feet, 11 1/2-inches or 17.36 metres to trail the American duo of gold medallist Mike Conley, who did 59-7 1/2 (18.17m) and Charles Simpkins with 57-9 (17.60m).

#“It is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life,” said Rutherford, who reflected on his feat with his usual trip to Harbour Island. “It was an awesome day for the Bahamas.”

#Although it has rarely been brought up in national conversations, Rutherford said he was pleased to have set the stage for what was to come for so many athletes who followed and competed in every Olympiad.

#“This is something that I honestly live for,” Rutherford said. “I can’t explain in words what the emotions that I went through. I am just pleased that I was able to set the stage for the country.”

#Rutherford, now residing in Houston, Texas with his family where he’s currently working as an assistant at his alma mater at the University of Houston, said he carried the country on his shoulders at the games and he delivered the first Olympic medal.

#“It was so special because there were only a few people in the stands, including Dr Patrick Roberts, BAAA president Mike Sands and Brent Stubbs, the reporter, who covered the event,” Rutherford said.

#“I remember in the press conference with the three medallists present, you asked me what it meant to have won the first medal for the Bahamas. I could only remember the look on your face as you shed some tears because of the momentous accomplishment.”

#The 58-year-old Rutherford, who was 27 years at the time, said he knew he had a legitimate shot at winning the title.

#That was why he was so confident going into the competition. He went on to win the silver medal at the World Cup in Cuba a month later.

#Rutherford, who was also the first Bahamian to win both the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Championships in the triple jump in the same year in 1987, said he is still disappointed that he has not received the accolades that he deserves for his accomplishments.

#“Before I won the medal, I was promised a gift of land and a house by the then Government of the Bahamas,” he recalled. “After I won it, there was a change in government, but it was never honoured.

#“Today, we’re hearing of athletes getting land, houses and even having streets named after them, but I’ve got nothing to show for my achievement. It’s sad, but I am still happy to have been the pioneer to set the stage for so many others to follow.”

#Rutherford said he will forever be grateful for the opportunity he got to represent the country and to win the medal. He said it’s a part of Bahamian history that came less than a decade after the country gained Independence.

#So as the country celebrates its 50th Golden Jubilee, Rutherford said he’s just appreciative of the fact that he was able to ink his name in the almanacs of Bahamian sports that will last forever.

GRAND EVENT: The organisers, stakeholders and government officials can be seen yesterday during a press conference to announce the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024. Photo courtesy of World Relays Committee

As of Thursday, August 3, 2023

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Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, centre, speaks yesterday during a press conference to announce the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 as BAAA president Drumeco Archer, far right, and Dr Daniel Johnson, look on. Photo courtesy of World Relays Committee

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#The Bahamas will host the World Athletics Relays for the fourth time in 2024. The two-day event will get underway on May 4 and wrap up on May 5 as 32 teams will vie for a chance to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

#The event will feature five disciplines, including the men’s and women’s 4×100 metres, 4x400m and mixed relays. With this being the fourth time the country has hosted the grand event, there will be 1,600 athletes expected to compete which has huge implications for not only sports but also tourism.

#Senator Randy Rolle, global relations consultant in the Ministry of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation, talked about the different opportunities that can arise out of a sporting event of this magnitude.

#“We can maximise our opportunities and capitalise on the benefits this event will bring, hosting the World Relays underguards our efforts and we aim to become the sports mecca of the Caribbean,” he said.

#Rolle added with the amount of athletes expected to compete on Bahamian soil, it gives the opportunity to get into new various markets, including international markets to access new potential travellers including athletes, sports event planners and sports enthusiasts.

#Next year’s World Relays will automatically include the top eight relay teams in each discipline from the World Championships in Budapest August 19-27.

#Additionally, the top 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas will automatically punch their tickets to the Paris Olympic Games.

#Mike Sands, president of the North American, Central American, and Caribbean Association (NACAC), explained the other criteria which allows entry in the 2024 World Relays.

#“The host country may also enter one team in each discipline regardless of entry conditions, the remaining team up to 32 will be determined through the top list in the qualification period January 2023 to Sunday April 2024,” Sands said.

#Following three successful hostings of the World Relays in 2014, 2015 and 2017, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) along with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Drumeco Archer intend to take a different approach to marketing next year’s event.

#“We have placed these games in your hands. They belong to the Bahamian people, with my deep affections for young people, our team has taken a very deliberate approach in promoting these games into the homes of every resident throughout every island,” Archer said.

#The marketing campaign will target primary, junior and senior schools and billboards will now be intentionally placed in front of public and private schools because the pupils are the future, according to Archer.

#“The World Relays is a world-class event for a world-class country…we are introducing two mascots that will be the face of the World Relays. These mascots will showcase our culture and bring great visibility to our brand,” he said.

#In efforts to bring mascots “Junkaloo” and “Junkasue” to life, there will be a competition hosted for kids 14 years and older from August 7 to Sept 16.

#The first place winner will receive a cash prize of $3,500, second place receives $2,000 and third place will earn $1,000.

#Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg said it is a privilege to see the World Athletics Relays back to the Bahamian shores.

#“This administration understands the exposure that sports can bring to this country and what events such as this will bring also with its economic boost, so we are looking forward to a great time…the road to paradise begins in The Bahamas,” Bowleg said.

 Home|Sports|Robinson heads CAC teamSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailAugust 4, 2023 188 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

In the face of a blow to the port through international sanctions, and still coping through a gradual recovery process from COVID, bodybuilding and fitness is trying to make a successful return to the grand stage.

The local governing body for the sport, the Bahamas Bodybuilding, Wellness and Fitness Federation (BBWFF), has certainly had its challenges over the past year, but that didn’t stop the executives from pressing forward, ensuring that the athletes have an opportunity to develop and progress in the sport.

Following the conclusion of the BBWFF Novice and National Championships, the federation has ratified a 14-member team to represent The Bahamas at the Golden Anniversary 50th International Federation of BodyBuilding and Fitness’ (IFBB) Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Championships, set for September 21-25, at the Aruba Marriott Resort Stellaris Casino at Palm Beach, Aruba.

Named to the team are national overall champion Godfrey Robinson, Reginald Delancy and Orick Nesbitt in men’s bodybuilding, Briceton Anderson in men’s fitness, Kareem Brancaccio in men’s fit model, Ricardo Gibson in men’s physique Class C, Judah Forbes in men’s physique Class D, Brandon Bastian in men’s physique Class F, Anthon Moxey in men’s classic physique Class B and Andrew Gibson in men’s classic physique Class C. Anderson will also compete in men’s physique Class B.

Among the women, Dorcas Cox will compete in women’s body fitness (figure), Denica Thompson and Andrecka Dames will compete in women’s wellness Class B and Ivanique Kemp will compete in women’s wellness Class D.

All of the members of the team will be first-timers at this level of competition with the exception of Robinson, Nesbitt, Forbes and Cox.

“It is a very young team, but it is a very structured team,” said Nardo Dean, project manager of the BBWFF. “It’s a new team with just a couple veterans. They all have the potential to win a medal and we are giving them an opportunity to do so. They just have to stay focussed, remember what got them to this point and just go out there and represent themselves, their families, and the country well. We have the utmost confidence in them in that they will do well. The new talent is very eager to get on stage and compete. They want to do well and we believe they will. They are excited. They have the drive and passion and they want to prove a point. With the veteran leadership there to guide them, we believe that they will represent themselves well.”

The head coach of the team is legendary retired bodybuilder Raymond Tucker.

Dean said in recent years, they have been taking a 10-15 member team which is considerably smaller than what is needed to win the overall team title. There has been a struggle to generate interest since the passing of the coronavirus pandemic. On top of that, funding is always an issue, said Dean.

“We need about $20-30,000 to send this team away and that’s significantly more than what we get in terms of annual grant. We want to say thank you to the minister and the director of sports for coming through at the nationals but we’re going to need them more than ever now. We need funding. We’re doing what we can in representing The Bahamas but we could only do so much with the limited funds that we have,” said Dean.

The team has about a month and a half before the start of the regional championships. Dean said they are looking to bring back as much medals and pro cards as possible.

“One thing about the CAC Championships, you don’t have to win the overall in order to get your pro cards now. You could earn a pro card by winning your division, and depending on how competitive the division is, you could finish second and still earn a pro card,” said Dean. “I tell the athletes all the time, it’s much easier to get your pro cards now than in the past so take advantage of it.’ A lot of them are looking forward to that. If we had it like that back in the day, a lot of us (former Bahamian bodybuilders and fitness athletes) would have gotten our pro cards.

“We believe they will do well. The Bahamas has always been a force to reckon with in bodybuilding and fitness and we expect this year to be no different. Everyone expects quality performances from The Bahamas and that is what we intend to give them.”

At 56, Robinson stole the show at the nationals last month. He won the masters and national bodybuilding titles along with awards for most muscular and best routine, and will lead the 14-member team into Aruba.

 Home|Sports|‘Year of the Comeback’ for Lamar TaylorSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailAugust 4, 2023 159 4 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

A quick look at Bahamian swimmer Lamar Taylor on the blocks, in the call room or even on the deck supporting his teammates, reveals a quiet and laid-back person. However, make no mistake, Taylor is larger than life after he hears the starter says, ‘on your marks, set’ and the buzzer signals go and he plunges into the pool. It has been a very loud and long swimming season for him, with him dubbing it – ‘Year of the Comeback’.

Taylor, in an exclusive interview with Guardian Sports, said that this year was special for him, especially after last year’s season – an average one by his standard, he said. He has learned a lot from last season, particularly how to approach meets and execution.

“It was a very successful season this year, coming back from last year. I didn’t really perform as well as I wanted to last year, so coming into this year, I had to redeem myself, especially with the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association). I believe last year not even making any finals or a final, it just really didn’t sit right with me. So, was just focussed on a lot of redemption this year,” Taylor said.

Taylor, who attends Henderson State University, won three NCAA Division II swimming titles this year, becoming the first Henderson State Reddies swimmer to win three national titles at one meet. He medaled twice at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, breaking national records, and he also represented The Bahamas at two world aquatics championships – long course and short course. Taylor said he enjoyed competing at the NCAA nationals very much.

“NCAA was my most enjoyable just because I had a lot of my college teammates there and it was a fun time,” he said. “Worlds long course would be second just because of the competition and how high it ranks, and the CAC Games would be at the bottom just because it was more of a business trip. I didn’t get to see much of El Salvador. It was just strictly swim and then just go home afterwards,” he added.

At the NCAA Division II Swimming Championships back in March, the Bahamian was able to touch the wall first in the 50-yard free with a time in 19.24 seconds. He then won the 100-yard back with a time of 46.42 seconds. Taylor wrapped up his individual competition with a time of 42.30 seconds in the 100-yard free.

Apart from winning those three titles, Taylor was named the Great American Conference (GAC) Male Athlete of the Year, the New South Intercollegiate Swim Conference (NSISC) Male Swimmer of the Year, the College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) Division II Male Swimmer of the Year and also the Henderson State Male Athlete of the Year.

“It was really exhilarating, really thrilled at the end of the NCAA meet. I wasn’t expecting all of it. At most, I was expecting one and then maybe a top three finish and top eight. Even though I had the three fastest times going into NCAAs, I really didn’t expect to actually finish top three just because one of my old coaches always said that paper doesn’t swim,” Taylor said.

Scott Serio coaches Taylor at Henderson State. The Bahamian says Serio and him have like an almost father and son relationship while he is away at school. Serio also coached The Bahamas’ national team at the world championships.

“I definitely look up to him as a father figure while I’m off to school,” Taylor said. “Training with him has been amazing and I’ve been able to put up some impressive times. Almost every day, we sit down and have a conversation on things that we could change or things that we need to focus on. We would look at what people are doing right now, like in the top 20 and top 16 and just look at doors that are opening and at where I am at, just trying to figure out what I can change, what I can do differently and what I can do right now to make myself better going into my next season.”

At the CAC Games, Taylor secured the gold medal in the 50 meters (m) backstroke with a national record time of 25.08 seconds. He won the bronze medal in the 50m free with a time of 22.51 seconds. The Grand Bahama native was fifth in the 50m butterfly after clocking 24.23 seconds. He was also seventh in the 100m free with a time of 50.38 seconds.

“I was shocked. I didn’t shave or taper down at all. It was a training to get into some races and just to see where I was at and what things I needed to fix going into worlds. I’ve seen a lot of guys being top-seed and not even make it on the podium. I wouldn’t say I was scared, but I wasn’t at ease. I had to give it my all and just try and touch the wall as fast as possible, and to my surprise, I had great swims, almost perfect, and a perfect breakout,” he said.

At the just concluded World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, Taylor swam a strong race in the 50m back, clocking 25.12 seconds to finish 17th – one one-hundredth of a second from qualifying for the semifinals. He swam a national record in the 100m back after clocking 55.03 seconds on the lead leg of the 4x100m medley relay. He also set a national record in the 50m free with a time of 22.26 seconds. Taylor swam a national record in the 100m free after leading off the 4x100m free relay in 50.10 seconds. He finished 40th in the 50m butterfly in 23.91 seconds.

After a long season, the health performance major with a minor in psychology is at home with his parents, Lester and Gena Taylor, resetting his mind and body as he prepare for the upcoming season that can culminate with a trip to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.

Home|Sports|Hammer thrower Thurston looking to qualify for the OlympicsSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailAugust 4, 2023 336 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Bahamian national record holder in the women’s hammer throw Tahj’Neé Thurston is not headed to the World Athletics Outdoor Championships but she has her eyes set on making history at the 2024 Summer Olympics Games in Paris, France.

Thurston is at home and Guardian Sports caught up with her practicing. She looks to make a splash this upcoming season in the hammer, qualifying for the Olympics.

“I can be on the Olympic team because of my rankings and that’s why I’m trying to put in a lot of work now. I want to get to that point just to make sure my rankings are good so that I could potentially compete for The Bahamas when it comes to the Olympics. Practice has been going good even though my coach isn’t out here, I’m still able to remember the cues and execute them the best way I know how,” Thurston said.

Thurston has the national record in that event at a distance of 61.29 metes (m) – 201’ 1” – set in March at the West Coast Relays in Clovis, California. She did not have much action this past season, and is looking to compete more next season.

“I need to throw 79m to get to that Olympic level. This season, I haven’t competed in that much meets because I need to focus on school and I also work, so it was just like I have to prioritize. I did a few meets. This season, I had a very good throw of over 65m but I fouled. I am looking to potentially get that this upcoming season and hit 70m before the Olympics,” Thurston said.

The 25-year-old graduated from Fresno State University (California State University, Fresno) with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration – Sports Marketing in 2021. She is still at Fresno State, pursuing a master’s degree in business administration and is looking to be completed by December. She trains with Joe Riccio, who is the throws coach at Fresno State.

“It’s been good working with coach. He has got me to progress so much. My technique has changed many times but as my technique keeps changing I continue to get better and better and things eventually start clicking. He’s the reason why I’m probably throwing over 60 meters right now because he’s more patient with me and he allowed me to make mistakes over and over again until I get it. I am a person who loves perfection, so I would go out there and practice until I at least get one throw that’s actually good,” Thurston said.

While at home, Thurston has been sending her coach videos and receives feedback from him. She practices six days out of the week and also goes to the gym and to the beach to train.

The former Anatol Rodgers Senior High School student-athlete got into that event in her freshman year at Fresno State in 2017 while also throwing discus. She also tried the weight throw before moving on to the hammer. Thurston admits she was skeptical at first but got used to it.

After she gets her master’s degree she said she will look to go professional. She is looking to compete in the Pan American Games which is set for late October to early November. After that, it is all about making the Olympic team and making history. The sky is the limit for Thurston.

 Home|Sports|World Relays set for MaySports

Event launched; coming back to The Bahamas

Simba FrenchSend an emailAugust 3, 2023 165 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

For the first time since 2017, and for the fourth time in history, The Bahamas will be hosting the World Athletics Relays, this time set for May 4-5, 2024, at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium. The official launch of the World Relays Bahamas 2024 was held at the Thomas A. Robinson stadium yesterday.

The Bahamas hosted the first three editions which was held in 2014, 2015 and 2017, with the United State of America (USA) taking first place on the medal table, winning the ‘Golden Baton’ each time. The ‘Golden Baton’ is handed out to the meet’s overall winner. The last edition of the relays was held in 2021 in Chorzow, Poland.

Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Dr. Daniel Johnson said that it is good to have the meet back here.

“It’s still better in The Bahamas. So next year, May 4-5, we are going to welcome the world again to The Bahamas, the best place on Earth to be that week. I assure you, and I’d like to charge this today as a potential gift to the world, that we call from what we have, to where it may go and that is from Paradise to Paris for you romantics,” Johnson said. He was referencing the paradise, in relation to The Bahamas, going on the world stage to the Paris Olympic Games in 2024. 

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg said they are back on track with the ‘Sports in Paradise’ brand.

“This administration understands the exposure that sports can bring to this country, and we understand what events such as this will bring to the country,” he said. “With its economic boost, and with all that it brings, we’re looking forward to a great time. The road to paradise begins and you will see countries from all over the world coming here to partake in this meet. This meet is to ensure that they find a spot in the Olympics. Once again, we are just happy and elated and honored to have World Athletics Relays Bahamas back,” Bowleg said.

As for the projected cost of the event, Johnson said they will release the figure at a later date. 

“We’re going to release an economic impact study. I do it every time I do one of these,” Johnson said.

Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) President Drumeco Archer said there was a general sense that The Bahamas wanted it back.

“We had an opportunity to host the 2019 edition, and for reasons that were beyond our control, we had to give it up,” he said. “The Bahamas has always been seen as an ideal location for the relays, and when we had an opportunity once again we were one of the bidders of this edition. I think that it was an overwhelming consideration for The Bahamas and I think that it has much to do with our location and proximity and the energy that we bring. They talk about the decibels and the sound impact when you’re in our stadium and we have the ability to have an event that’s unique to the world.”

Archer added that they will be looking at having two mascots at the meet and they have already named them – ‘Junkalou’ and ‘Junkasue’. They LOC will have a competition for the drawing of the mascot for persons 14 years and older. More details will be released in short order.

 Home|Sports|Jones, Liberty topple Sparks againSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailAugust 3, 2023 28 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Bahamian professional women’s basketball player Jonquel ‘JJ’ Jones scored nine points for the New York Liberty on Tuesday night, helping them get their 20th win of the season, with a 76-69 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks. They defeated the Sparks for a second time in three days at the Cryptyo.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.

The Grand Bahama native finished the game with nine points and eight rebounds in 29 minutes of play, and the Liberty now sport a 20-6 win/loss record on the season – second-best in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and first in the Eastern Conference of the WNBA. They are on a two-game winning streak and have won eight of their last 10 games.

On Sunday, the Liberty took care of the Sparks, 87-79, in a game in which Jones finished with 13 points and 13 rebounds in just over 29 minutes on the floor.

Leading the way for Liberty was Courtney Vandersloot who scored a season-high 23 points including 20 points in the second half. The Sparks were led by Nneka Ogwumike with 20 points.

Jones did most of her damage in the first half of the game in which she led the team with seven points that included five in the second quarter. She shot 2-for-3 from the field and 3-for-3 from the charity stripe. She helped her team stay close to the Sparks at the half as they trailed 34-32 at the intermission.

The Liberty struggled to find a rhythm in the third quarter. Heading into the fourth quarter, the Sparks led 54-50. Jones along with Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Vandersloot played the entire quarter.

The Bahamian went to the free-throw line at the 5:22 mark of the fourth period and made both free shots to put Liberty up 61-58. After the Sparks went ahead, Vandersloot made a shot from deep to give Liberty a 66-65 lead. That lead grew to 71-65 with over a minute remaining. The Liberty never trailed the rest of the way.

Jones, a former WNBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), has improved her play since the all-star break. In the seven games she has played, she is averaging 15.7 points per game compared to 10.3 points per game before the  all-star break. She has also seen her production nearly doubled in rebounds, up to 12.1 boards per game from 6.1.

In the 26 games she played in this season, Jones is averaging 11.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. She is shooting at a 55.5 percent clip from the field and 88.2 percent from the charity stripe.

The Liberty will stay on the road and play the Minnesota Lynx tomorrow at 8 o’clock at the Target Center in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. Following that, they will return home to host a pivotal matchup against the league-leading Las Vegas Aces (24-2) on Sunday August 6 at 3 p.m.

 Home|Sports|No suspensions for Bahamian athletesSports

The Nassau GuardianSend an emailAugust 3, 2023 151 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Coming out of the recently concluded North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) Under-18 (U18) and Under-23 (U23) Championships at the Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica in San José, Costa Rica, in which The Bahamas had its second best performance ever, there were reports of misconduct and insubordination involving Bahamian athletes.

There were also reports of six athletes, five of which are of the minor category (U18), being suspended from competition for a significant period.

When pressed on the matter on Wednesday, Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) President Drumeco Archer simply said that certain matters are under investigation and that the findings of those investigations will be made public in due time.

“We are dealing with issues with athletes and there are matters that are under investigation,” said Archer. “We have a board (executive board) that is responsible and acts in the best interest of the sport and the athletes. Sometimes, there is a minority making the most noise, but we can stand on the principles that we have put in place and we are satisfied with our position.”

There were reports that the senior athlete who was suspended was sprinter Terrence Jones and that he would, consequently, miss the 19th World Athletics Championships, set for August 19-27, 2023, at the National Athletics Centre, in Budapest, Hungary.

The news of a possible suspension to Jones spread like wildfire on Wednesday, with the majority backing the rising Bahamian star athlete. Jones is a double qualifier for the world championships, reaching the required standards in the men’s 100 and 200 meters (m). With blazing personal best times of 9.91 seconds and 19.87 seconds in the short sprints, both ran this year, and with the former tying Derrick Atkins’ 12-year-old national record, Jones has exploded on the track and field scene, locally, regionally and internationally.

He is a top 10 sprinter globally in both events for 2023, and is the new big thing in Bahamian athletics.

According to reports, Jones was suspended for actions that depicted lackluster effort, a resistance and refusal to compete and cooperate with team officials, a refusal to celebrate with teammates and a lack of desire to represent one’s country.

He issued an apology to teammates in Costa Rica, team coaches and managers, the BAAA and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture stating that he was not in a good place, having lost his grandmother and uncle in the span of a year, and also dealing with nagging injuries. He said he regrets the incidents in Costa Rica.

As it relates to the five junior athletes, it was reported that they were issued suspensions from BAAA-sanctioned competitions, pending an appeals process, through the conclusion of the 51st CARIFTA Games from March 30 to April 1, 2024, at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium in St. George’s, Grenada.

Those suspensions have also been lifted.

There is no doubt that there were a few unfortunate situations involving Bahamian athletes, off the track, in Costa Rica, and will be dealt with accordingly, but the BAAA appears focused on the two national teams that will represent The Bahamas this week.

A 16-member team left for the Pan American Under-20 (U20) Athletics Championships in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, yesterday afternoon and the world championships will travel to Budapest, Hungary, in a couple weeks.

 Home|Sports|World Relays set for MaySports

Event launched; coming back to The Bahamas

Simba FrenchSend an emailAugust 3, 2023 135 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

For the first time since 2017, and for the fourth time in history, The Bahamas will be hosting the World Athletics Relays, this time set for May 4-5, 2024, at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium. The official launch of the World Relays Bahamas 2024 was held at the Thomas A. Robinson stadium yesterday.

The Bahamas hosted the first three editions which was held in 2014, 2015 and 2017, with the United State of America (USA) taking first place on the medal table, winning the ‘Golden Baton’ each time. The ‘Golden Baton’ is handed out to the meet’s overall winner. The last edition of the relays was held in 2021 in Chorzow, Poland.

Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Dr. Daniel Johnson said that it is good to have the meet back here.

“It’s still better in The Bahamas. So next year, May 4-5, we are going to welcome the world again to The Bahamas, the best place on Earth to be that week. I assure you, and I’d like to charge this today as a potential gift to the world, that we call from what we have, to where it may go and that is from Paradise to Paris for you romantics,” Johnson said. He was referencing the paradise, in relation to The Bahamas, going on the world stage to the Paris Olympic Games in 2024. 

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg said they are back on track with the ‘Sports in Paradise’ brand.

“This administration understands the exposure that sports can bring to this country, and we understand what events such as this will bring to the country,” he said. “With its economic boost, and with all that it brings, we’re looking forward to a great time. The road to paradise begins and you will see countries from all over the world coming here to partake in this meet. This meet is to ensure that they find a spot in the Olympics. Once again, we are just happy and elated and honored to have World Athletics Relays Bahamas back,” Bowleg said.

As for the projected cost of the event, Johnson said they will release the figure at a later date. 

“We’re going to release an economic impact study. I do it every time I do one of these,” Johnson said.

Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) President Drumeco Archer said there was a general sense that The Bahamas wanted it back.

“We had an opportunity to host the 2019 edition, and for reasons that were beyond our control, we had to give it up,” he said. “The Bahamas has always been seen as an ideal location for the relays, and when we had an opportunity once again we were one of the bidders of this edition. I think that it was an overwhelming consideration for The Bahamas and I think that it has much to do with our location and proximity and the energy that we bring. They talk about the decibels and the sound impact when you’re in our stadium and we have the ability to have an event that’s unique to the world.”

Archer added that they will be looking at having two mascots at the meet and they have already named them – ‘Junkalou’ and ‘Junkasue’. They LOC will have a competition for the drawing of the mascot for persons 14 years and older. More details will be released in short order.

GRAND EVENT: The organisers, stakeholders and government officials can be seen yesterday during a press conference to announce the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024. Photo courtesy of World Relays Committee

As of Thursday, August 3, 2023

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Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, centre, speaks yesterday during a press conference to announce the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 as BAAA president Drumeco Archer, far right, and Dr Daniel Johnson, look on. Photo courtesy of World Relays Committee

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#The Bahamas will host the World Athletics Relays for the fourth time in 2024. The two-day event will get underway on May 4 and wrap up on May 5 as 32 teams will vie for a chance to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

#The event will feature five disciplines, including the men’s and women’s 4×100 metres, 4x400m and mixed relays. With this being the fourth time the country has hosted the grand event, there will be 1,600 athletes expected to compete which has huge implications for not only sports but also tourism.

#Senator Randy Rolle, global relations consultant in the Ministry of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation, talked about the different opportunities that can arise out of a sporting event of this magnitude.

#“We can maximise our opportunities and capitalise on the benefits this event will bring, hosting the World Relays underguards our efforts and we aim to become the sports mecca of the Caribbean,” he said.

#Rolle added with the amount of athletes expected to compete on Bahamian soil, it gives the opportunity to get into new various markets, including international markets to access new potential travellers including athletes, sports event planners and sports enthusiasts.

#Next year’s World Relays will automatically include the top eight relay teams in each discipline from the World Championships in Budapest August 19-27.

#Additionally, the top 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas will automatically punch their tickets to the Paris Olympic Games.

#Mike Sands, president of the North American, Central American, and Caribbean Association (NACAC), explained the other criteria which allows entry in the 2024 World Relays.

#“The host country may also enter one team in each discipline regardless of entry conditions, the remaining team up to 32 will be determined through the top list in the qualification period January 2023 to Sunday April 2024,” Sands said.

#Following three successful hostings of the World Relays in 2014, 2015 and 2017, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) along with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Drumeco Archer intend to take a different approach to marketing next year’s event.

#“We have placed these games in your hands. They belong to the Bahamian people, with my deep affections for young people, our team has taken a very deliberate approach in promoting these games into the homes of every resident throughout every island,” Archer said.

#The marketing campaign will target primary, junior and senior schools and billboards will now be intentionally placed in front of public and private schools because the pupils are the future, according to Archer.

#“The World Relays is a world-class event for a world-class country…we are introducing two mascots that will be the face of the World Relays. These mascots will showcase our culture and bring great visibility to our brand,” he said.

#In efforts to bring mascots “Junkaloo” and “Junkasue” to life, there will be a competition hosted for kids 14 years and older from August 7 to Sept 16.

#The first place winner will receive a cash prize of $3,500, second place receives $2,000 and third place will earn $1,000.

#Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg said it is a privilege to see the World Athletics Relays back to the Bahamian shores.

#“This administration understands the exposure that sports can bring to this country and what events such as this will bring also with its economic boost, so we are looking forward to a great time…the road to paradise begins in The Bahamas,” Bowleg said.