Home|Sports|Strachan qualifies for first global finalSports

Sheldon LongleySend an emailAugust 25, 2023 30 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

BUDAPEST, Hungary – Anthonique Strachan had to recover from a shaky start to get into the final of the women’s 200 meters (m) at the 19th World Athletics Championships at the National Athletics Stadium in Budapest, Hungary, and she proved that she was up to the task.

The Bahamian veteran sprinter, now 30, had to pass two athletes on the home stretch just to get into qualifying position. She ended up third in her semifinal heat in 22.30 seconds and qualified for today’s final on time.

Just the top two athletes in each semifinal heat, and the next two fastest times, qualified for the final. Going into the final semifinal heat, Strachan was in a precarious position, needing the fourth place finisher in what was a stacked field to run slower than 22.30 seconds. She got her wish as the first three were under 22.30, but the fourth ran 22.45 seconds.

In essence, she is in the women’s 200m final, qualifying for her first global final in her 11th year as a senior athlete. She was 10th overall in the women’s 100m at the Eugene World Championships a year ago in 10.98 seconds, missing the final by two one hundredths of a second.

Now, Strachan is finally in a global final. She said it was a long time coming and she’s looking forward to running in the final today.

“This feels awesome. I’ve been waiting for this since 2012. With all the injuries, and all the mental setbacks I’ve had, it took a lot out of me. It’s finally coming around. I sacrificed a lot more for myself this year to see if it would help me make a final and it surely did,” she said.

Strachan is ecstatic, but she knows that if she wants to shock the world today, she has to get out to a much better start.

“The race was okay, I didn’t run the curve like how I was supposed to, like how I was instructed, but I feel like I recovered and made up some ground. I made it into the final,” she said. “It’s my first world final and I’m very excited with it. Hopefully, I go out there, produce what I’ve been doing in training, and have the race of my life.

“Running from behind isn’t a problem for me. It’s something that I’ve done may times before. I’m trying to cut that out because it’s a lot of work in my old age. I’m just trying to improve my start and be more consistent with it. Sometimes I have a good start and other times, it’s atrocious. It’s a learning curve and hopefully I perfect that part of my race and it just comes together for me.”

Despite having the slowest qualifying time, Strachan received a good lane draw for the final. She will run out of lane three in the final that is set for 9:40 p.m. this evening in Budapest, 3:40 p.m. in The Bahamas. It will be the final event of these world championships with a Bahamian athlete competing, and Strachan is hoping for a strong finish for herself and for the country.

“I’m hoping that I could sneak someone in the final and get a medal. I just have to listen to my coach and do what I was told,” she said. “21s are going to get run tomorrow so I have to come and run my (tail) off. There’s always a good field in the 200m, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what you did before. What matters is what you did right there and then and I’m ready to go.”

It is a stacked final indeed, as it features four athletes who have run under 22 seconds this season – World 100m Champion Sha’Carri Richardson and Gabrielle Thomas of the United States, defending champion Shericka Jackson of Jamaica, and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I double sprint champion Julien Alfred of St. Lucia.

Also in the field are Marie-Josée Ta Lou of the Ivory Coast, and Dina Asher-Smith and Daryll Neita of Great Britain. All of the women in the field, including Strachan, have run under 22.30 seconds this year.

Thomas is the fastest qualifier for the final, running 21.97 seconds, and she was followed by Jackson in 22 seconds flat.

“It’s going to take a massive effort, but I can’t worry about anyone else. I just have to come out here and run,” said Strachan. “I have to run like I’m capable of running and, hopefully, I get to sneak someone and get on the medal stand.”

Strachan pulled out of the 100m at these world championships to focus on the 200m, which is her stronger event, and now it’s paying off. She will run in her first global final today, and being in lane three, she will have almost the entire field in front of her. Now, all she has to do is go and chase them.

She has always been confident in her ability, and now is the time to put her training and hard work this year into action. Like Strachan said, she will have to run the race of life.

It goes down today at 9:40 p.m. this evening in Budapest, 3:40 p.m. in The Bahamas.

 Home|Sports|Team doctor weighs in on injuriesSports

Sheldon LongleySend an emailAugust 25, 2023 71 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

BUDAPEST, Hungary – The temperature reached as high as 95 degrees during the 19th World Athletics Championships at the National Athletics Stadium in Budapest, Hungary, and at some point, it was going to have an effect on some of the athletes.

Team officials are still not certain to what extent it played, if any, on the injuries of Steven Gardiner and LaQuan Nairn, but stated that the athletes are well taken care of with sufficient water, fruits and supplies, in a preventative measure against dehydration, cramping and other injuries.

It was revealed that Gardiner, who was the favorite for the gold medal in the men’s 400 meters (m) here in Budapest, suffered a grade one sprain in the tendon that is attached to his posterior right thigh. That injury occurred with him leading his semifinal race of the men’s 400m at the 300m mark on the track. Coming around the second bend, he grimaced in pain, pulled up and fell to the track.

Gardiner was evaluated by Team Medical Officer Dr. Keir Miller and medical officials here in Budapest, and it as determined that he suffered the grade one sprain. He will shut down his 2023 season and prepare for a comeback in 2024, an Olympic year, looking to defend his Olympic title.

Nairn got injured on his final attempt in the qualifying rounds of the men’s long jump on Wednesday. It was reported that he suffered both an ankle and knee injury, and that he was still undergoing tests on Thursday.

“There isn’t any indication of any long-term damage to Stevie and that is a good sign. We believe that he will make a full recovery in time for next year, and that is important with next year being an Olympic year. It’s more than possible that he makes an appearance at the Paris Olympic Games. In fact, I’ll be very surprised if he is not ready to go by the world relays,” said Dr. Miller.

As it relates to Nairn, he said they still don’t know the extent of his injuries and are awaiting test results. Nairn underwent an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) test on Thursday. Dr. Miller said they are both in high spirits and both are looking forward to returning to competition. In the meantime, they will support the Bahamian athletes who are still in competition.

“We know that there is a nation behind us and these athletes are happy and proud to represent that nation. They will give it their all and sometimes when you do that, you are susceptible to injuries and other ailments,” said Dr. Miller. “It’s unfortunate what happened to Stevie and LaQuan but the others are holding their heads high and we are just offering as much support as possible. This is a small team from a small country, but we have a big heart.”

Few expected the warm temperatures that are currently being experienced in Budapest. Dr. Miller said they are dealing with it as best as they can, staying hydrated, and ensuring that the athletes are well taken care of and that all of their needs are provided.

“I think that everyone is a bit overwhelmed with the temperatures that they are competing in, but our athletes are well conditioned. It’s difficult to gauge how much they are affected, but it’s not just our athletes who are being affected. It’s affecting everyone,” he said. 

More than 2,000 athletes from more than 200 countries are competing in the 35,000-seat National Athletics Centre in Budapest. The world championships will run through August 27.

 Home|Sports|Aballi optimistic about The Bahamas’ teamSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailAugust 25, 2023 21 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The head coach for The Bahamas at the 2023 CARIFTA Triathlon and Aquathlon Championships, Marcos Aballi, is optimistic that the host country will place high at the event at Goodman’s Bay this weekend.

The two-day event which is set for Saturday and Sunday, will have The Bahamas taking on their counterparts from the Caribbean region. Head Coach for The Bahamas Marcos Aballi said preparation has been tough but good.

“They have put in a lot of a time for training. Triathlon is a sport that has a lot of moving parts. When you are training as a team you have athletes in groups doing cycling, running or swimming. It is very tricky and a lot of man power is needed. The athletes are in very good shape and we are hoping that on race day, they can perform well,” Aballi said.

There are some athletes who Bahamians are expecting strong performances from, such as Malcolm Menzies, Launy Duncombe, Sibby Potter, Ayden Bain, Erin Pritchard and Issa Bournas. However, Aballi said that it does not mean anything as triathlon is unpredictable.

“We have different athletes who are looking good,” Aballi said. “There are a lot of moving parts in triathlon. For instance, you can be the best athlete in the world or competition and then get a flat tire on the bike. That means that that person will be out of commission for the race.”

Aballi said that the team’s health is good. He said some of the athletes are dealing with some knick knacks but they will be good to compete this weekend.

“It is a part of being an athlete. Most of the team are in good shape and healthy. Those who are not fully healthy this year can look forward to next year. The team is in good spirits and in a good place and they are looking forward to this weekend. They are going to do well,” Aballi stated.

The sport has been growing and more kids are involved in the sport but notes Aballi noted that there are some struggles facing the sport.

“The sport still struggles with the public driving with persons who are cycling. Sometimes, we are training and we fear that someone is going to knock us down. Some persons do not have access to bicycles either. We have our challenges and we have our struggles but it is a sport that is growing. We are trying to do everything we can to push the sport,” he said..

Aballi is appealing for corporate sponsors to help in getting bikes and supplements for the athletes in the sport moving ahead.

CARIFTA action gets underway on Saturday with the triathlon starting at 7:30 a.m. On Sunday, the aquathlon will be held, starting at 7:30 a.m.

LEFT: Anthonique Strachan races to the finish in a women’s 200-metres semifinal yesterday. She advanced to today’s final. RIGHT: Devynne Charlton in the final of the women’s 100-metres hurdles during the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, yesterday. She placed fourth. (AP Photos/Martin Meissner)

As of Friday, August 25, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#She was so close, but hurdler Devynne Charlton was denied a spot on the podium for her first major global medal and now it’s left up to sprinter Anthonique Strachan to get it done at the World Championships.

#On another bizzare day of competition on day six of the championships yesterday, Charlton got out to a great start, but flattered down the stretch as she slipped to fourth place in the final of the women’s 100 metres hurdles.

#And Strachan, who celebrated her 30th birthday on Tuesday, will have the last chance of the 11-member Bahamian team to keep the streak of winning at least one medal alive at the championships after she came through in the nick of time to book her ticket to the last final.

Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, of Puerto Rico and Devynne Charlton, of Bahamas, cross the finish line in the final of the Women’s 100-metres hurdles during the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

#Charlton fourth

#After surging out front over the first three sets of the 10 flights of the hurdles, Charlton felt she was on course to finally pull off the global medal on the senior circuit that had eluded her.

#Danielle Williams, running on the inside in lane two and former world record holder Kendra Harrison, in lane four, pulled ahead from there. As they cleared the final three hurdles, Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn from lane seven surged past Charlton in lane six.

#When it was all said and done, Williams powered through the line for the gold in a season’s best of 12.43 seconds, followed by Camacho-Quinn with the silver in 12.44 just ahead of Harrison, who held on for the bronze in 12.46.

#That left Charlton trailing through the medallists in fourth in 12.52 as she clapped her hands in disappointment, realising that her chance to finally get on the podium slipped away again.

#Last year in Eugene, Oregon, she had to settle for seventh place, but after lowering her Bahamian national record to 12.44 for the second fastest qualifying time in the first round and turning in the third fastest time of 12.49 in the semifinal, Charlton felt this was the year for her to achieve the medal feat.

From left: Anthonique Strachan, of The Bahamas, Julien Alfred, of Saint Lucia, Jessika Gbai, of The Ivory Coast, and Kevona Davis, of Jamaica, race to the finish in a Women’s 200-metres semifinal during the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023.(AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

#Strachan into final

#In the second of three semifinal races, Strachan came off the curve outside of contention for a spot, but she was able to negotiate her comeback for third place in 22.30.

#It wasn’t enough to catch NCAA champion Julien Alfred from St Lucia, who crossed the finish line in 22.17 and Great Britain’s Daryll Neiter, who got second in a personal best of 22.21.

#That put Strachan into the waiting room to determine who would get the final two fastest losing times to round out the field for the final. As it turned out, she got the eighth and final spot in the final today.

#Now, as the final Bahamian left to compete for The Bahamas, Strachan had drawn lane three, sandwiched between Marie-Josée Ta Lou of the Ivory Coast in two and Dina Asher-Smith of Great Britain in four. The rest of the field was Neita in five, Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson in six, Alfred in seven and Americans Gabrielle Thomas and Sha’Carri Richardson in eight.

#INJURY UPDATE

#After pulling up coming off the curve in the semifinal of the men’s 400m on Tuesday, Steven Gardiner’s manager Claude Bryan, the chief executive officer of On Track Management, Inc, revealed that they requested permission from the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations for Gardiner to leave the team headquarters to see a specialist for further assessment and treatment.

#He noted that Bahamas team doctor Keir Miller has been monitoring Gardiner’s progress and is abreast with all plans.

#“Personally I wish to say thanks and express how impressed and pleased I have been with the team Bahamas from president (Drumeco) Archer to V.P. (Foster) Dorsett, NACAC president Michael Sands, Dr Miller, Dr Johnson, Pharez Cooper and team manager Laketah Charlton,” Bryan said. “Their support of Stevie at this time has exceeded the admirable.”

#Meanwhile, Commonwealth Games’ champion LaQuan Nairn, who pulled up and was unable to complete the qualifying round in the men’s long jump on Wednesday, is okay.

#On Thursday, Tito Moss, the team’s assistant manager and track coach, revealed that Nairn is in fine shape and in good spirits.

#“I spoke to LaQuan, and he is in great spirits. He is trusting his Saviour through this,” Moss said. “He just got back from the hospital doing some imaging and, so far, it is not as bad as first thought.”

#NO RELAY TEAMS

#The championships will come to a close on Sunday, but the Bahamas will not have any teams represented in either the men’s or women’s 4 x 100 and/or 4 x 400 metre relays.

As of Friday, August 25, 2023

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Dr Kent Bazard

#By Dr KENT BAZARD

#AS athletes, we often hear about the significance of proteins and carbohydrates in fuelling our workouts and competitions.

#However, there’s another crucial player in the nutrition game that deserves our attention. Probably only one other F-word is more controversial than this one, but they are both equally as offensive. Yes, I’m talking about FAT.

#Contrary to the misconception that fats are to be avoided, these mighty macronutrients play a vital role in supporting our athletic endeavours and overall well-being.

#The Power of Fats as an Energy Source

#In the realm of sports, fats emerge as a powerhouse energy source that complements an athlete’s nutritional strategy. Beyond mere caloric content, fats deliver twice the energy per gram compared to carbohydrates and proteins. While carbohydrates dominate rapid, high-intensity efforts, fats shine during prolonged activities like

#marathons and cycling, tapping into the body’s abundant stores to provide sustained endurance. This metabolic shift, known as aerobic oxidation, offers a steady energy release that extends an athlete’s stamina, allowing them to push boundaries and conquer lengthy challenges.

#Optimal Cellular Function

#Behind the scenes, fats play a pivotal role in maintaining cell structure and function. Essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, are well-known for their anti-inflammatory properties. These fats support immune function and aid in the repair of muscle tissues, promoting faster recovery after intense workouts. Omega-3s, found in fatty fish and flaxseeds, are particularly renowned for their heart-healthy benefits and potential to reduce exercise-induced inflammation.

#Supporting Hormonal Balance

#Fats also contribute to hormonal balance, which is critical for an athlete’s performance and overall health. Hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen, are synthesized from cholesterol, a type of fat. Ensuring a sufficient intake of healthy fats supports the body’s hormone production, which in turn influences muscle growth, bone health, and energy levels.

#Vitamins and Nutrient Absorption

#Certain vitamins, known as fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), rely on fats for absorption. These vitamins are essential for various bodily functions, including immune system support, bone health, and energy metabolism. Incorporating healthy fats into your diet ensures that you’re maximizing the benefits of these vital nutrients.

#Choosing the Right Fats

#Not all fats are created equal. While trans fats and excessive saturated fats should be limited, unsaturated fats are the heroes you want on your plate. Foods rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, are excellent choices. These fats support cardiovascular health and provide lasting energy without the drawbacks associated with unhealthy fats. No, your favourite fast food burger or fried chicken joint is not your new ultimate source for fats and proteins. Just in case you were thinking that.

#Striking the Balance

#Balancing your macronutrients – carbohydrates, proteins and fats – is essential for optimal athletic performance. While carbohydrates remain a primary energy source, fats offer sustained energy, protect against inflammation, and contribute to overall health. Athletes should aim to allocate about 20-35% of their daily caloric intake to healthy fats, depending on weight goals and training phases.

#In conclusion, embracing fats as a valuable component of your nutrition strategy can elevate your performance and well-being. The next time you plan your meals, remember that fats are not foes but allies in your journey toward peak athletic excellence. By incorporating a variety of healthy fats into your diet, you’re providing your body with the tools it needs to conquer challenges and excel in your athletic pursuits.

#• Dr Kent Bazard, is a Bahamian sports medicine physician, sports performance coach, sports nutrition specialist and founder of Empire Sports Medicine.

#Our mission is to empower athletes to reach new heights while safeguarding their health and well-being. We understand the unique demands of sports activities, and we are dedicated to helping athletes prevent injuries, overcome challenges, optimise nutrition and performance.

As of Friday, August 25, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#THE Bahamas Triathlon Association (BTA) will host the 2023 CARIFTA Triathlon and Aquathlon for the first time in New Providence, Bahamas, this Saturday and Sunday at Goodman’s Bay.

#The event will feature about 200 athletes from ages 11 to 21 years old.

#The athletes will represent 10 Caribbean countries, including The Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Barbados, Jamaica, Aruba, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada and Antigua and Barbuda.

#The host country will begin the event with the triathlon on Saturday at 7:30am and the aquathlon on Sunday at the same time along with the mixed relays later in the day.

#Lori Roach, BTA secretary general, said there is an excitement surrounding this weekend’s CARIFTA event and she expects some tough competition between the Caribbean countries.

#“It is always tough competition with these kids in the Caribbean but we have great athletes too and we actually have the luck of home court advantage so we know the course, the kids are familiar with it and we did a test event in May,” Roach said.

#She added that BTA’s National Championships previously held in May was instrumental as it proved to be a test event for athletes to familiarise themselves with the course and weather conditions.

#After being unable to host the event despite winning the bid in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the BTA has fielded its largest team ever with 36 members preparing to shine at home this weekend.

#The female athletes selected include Nai’a Belton, Taylen Nicolls, Lenika Hamilton, Tessa and Taylor Knowles, Issa Bournas, Chelsea Smith, Emma Barigelli, Kami Roach, Erin Pritchard, Anjaleah Knowles, Sienna Culmer-Mackey, Alissa Ferguson, Blue Gray, Madison Gilbert, Alanna Murray, Grace Farrington, and Layla Saidi.

#For male athletes the selected team members are Sibby Potter, Lauchlan and Malcolm Menzies, Mathis Bournas, Kendrick Cargill, Ayden Bain, Lenin Hamilton, Jayden Smith, Callum Pritchard, Launy Duncombe, Enea Gervasini, Barron Musgrove, Jason Cates, Ellie Gibson, Blair Thompson, Kriston Rolle, Kyle Murray, Will Farrington, and Brian Burrows.

#“We have a great group of kids this year because we have had the group for so many years, they are now aging into the top groups so they are the top competitors and we are really looking for some medals,” the secretary general said.

#She added that she expects last year’s 13-15 triathlon silver medallist E Pritchard to medal along with Menzies, who also placed second in the male division of the same age group. Expectations are also high for Wood, who collected bronze in the 20-21 aquathlon division at the 2022 CARIFTA Triathlon and Aquathlon in Bermuda.

#Due to the nature of this event, the public is advised of subsequent road closures to accommodate the participating athletes.

#The stretch from Goodman’s Bay to Baha Bay at Baha Mar resort will be reduced to single lane traffic from 6:45am to 11am on Saturday.

#On the consecutive day, there will be single lane usage for motorists from 10am to 11am.

#Team Bahamas will look to capitalise on the home turf advantage after placing fifth in the last two competitions.

#The event is sponsored by JS Johnson, Albany, Westside Construction, Corner Bank, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, McVitie’s, Cycles Bahamas, Powerade, Panama Jack, Baha Mar and Bahamas Waste.

THE CAMP drew an average attendance of 30 female athletes daily. Photo: BFA

As of Friday, August 25, 2023

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#IN a bid to champion the cause of women’s football and to promote the sport at the grassroots level, the Bahamas Football Association (BFA) recently wrapped up its invigorating Girls Beach Soccer Camp.

#The camp, an intrinsic part of the FIFA Girls football campaign, drew an impressive average attendance of 30 budding female athletes each day.

#Held at the scenic Beach Soccer Stadium, the camp became a vibrant ground for these youngsters to not only develop their soccer skills, but also bond over shared experiences, stories and aspirations.

#The ocean’s rhythm combined with the melody of laughter and the thumping soccer balls painted a picture of joy, dedication and passion.

#Under the expert guidance of seasoned coaches, the young participants received insights into the intricacies of beach soccer.

#Through dedicated training sessions, interactive drills and real-time match situations, the girls showcased commendable progress, reflecting the effectiveness of the camp and the potential future stars of Bahamian football.

#Adding to the atmosphere was a series of snapshots capturing the essence of the camp.

#It’s evident that such initiatives by the BFA, backed by global campaigns like that of FIFA, are instrumental in shaping the future of women’s football in the Bahamas.

#The association recognises and appreciates the enthusiasm of participants, the dedication of coaches and the unwavering support of the staff who together crafted this success story.

#Given the camp’s palpable impact, there’s a hopeful buzz in the air.

#One thing is certain, the future of women’s football in the Bahamas is as bright as the sun that shone down on the BFA Girls Beach Soccer Camp.

As of Friday, August 25, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#SHE’S broken grounds as a referee and judge, now Grand Bahamian Geddet Basden-Williams has added her certification as an International Boxing Association’s Star 1 Coach to her résumé.

#Two months after she became national certified referee/coach under the guidance of Grand Bahama Boxing Association president Jermaine Gibson, Williams took the bold challenge and successfully completed the two-week coaching course.

#She is now the second Bahamian IBA Star 1 female coach, joining Kayla Johnson, who made history as the first Bahamian female international coach a few years ago.

#Gibson, who also serves as the head coach of the All Out Boxing Club, presented Basden-Williams with her certification and she was congratulated by Bahamas Boxing Federation president Vincent Strachan, who welcomed her along with former super heavyweight Kieshno Major, who also passed the course.

#The 52-year-old Basden- Williams is a language arts specialist, but currently serves as the librarian at Sir Jack Hayward High School where she has formed a club for the students. “I was very elated because being a teacher, it’s really great for me to be in a position to impart my knowledge to my students in the boxing club and to work with my president Jermaine Gibson so that we can get more young people involved in the sport,” said Basden-Williams.

#Three years ago, Basden- Williams was serving as a coordinator for a summer school programme and she noticed the constant fighting among the campers every day. She noted how she jokingly said to one of them that she will make them put on some boxing gloves and fight for real. She was shocked to hear the emphatic “yeah” from the boys, one of whom had two pairs of gloves that he brought the next day and she hosted a match. “They really enjoyed it. The anger tension was removed as they did it for fun,” she recalled. “So I decided to take their energy into a different direction and I started a boxing club there.

#“Immediately after that, I was introduced to the Grand Bahama president Jermaine Gibson and then to Mr Vincent Strachan, the president for boxing in the entire Bahamas. We did several matches and the students were successful and they are looking to move forward.”

#As a former sportswoman, who participated in just about every sport, including track and field, softball, netball and basketball, Basden-Williams said she’s not concerned about being a woman in a male dominated sport. “They don’t say hi you’re a male. We just do what we have to do and it just gets done,” she said. “Everybody is respectful of each other’s role.”

#Basden-Williams said she hopes that she can inspire more women to get involved in the sport as coaches, referees and judges as she is doing as a trailblazer in Grand Bahama.

#Strachan anticipates that there will be more certified coaches and officials, including women, by the end of the year as a result of Basden-Williams’ accomplishment.

#“I am encouraging all coaches to be certified referees/judges to better prepare them to develop their boxers and educate them on international rules,” he said.

#“From time to time I will conduct clinics for all persons associated with the federation, in order to equip them with the standards.”

Former amateur boxer Kieshno Major now IBA certified coach

As of Friday, August 25, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#KIESHNO Major is now the latest former amateur boxer to become an International Boxing Association Star 1 certified coach in the Bahamas.

#Major, who competed on the national team as a super heavyweight boxer, recently passed his certification along with Grand Bahamian female referee/judge Geddet Basden-Williams.

#He was presented with his certification certificate by Bahamas Boxing Federation president Vincent Strachan during a ceremony at the National Boxing Gymnasium.

#“This is a certificate that I was working on for a long time and the opportunity just presented itself,” said Major, who officially retired from boxing about five years ago.

#“A lot of coaches in the Bahamas don’t have this certification, so it’s a breath of fresh air to finally achieve this goal.”

#He endured an intense two-week training course that took place around 3am in the morning because of the time zone with the other parts of the world where other candidates participated.

#“I didn’t know what to expect because this was actually the first time that I took a course like this,” Major said. “It was kind of scary in a way, but I was able to pull through.”

#Through this certification, Major said he feels he’s one step closer to achieving his goal of getting boxers to not only compete, but to win international medals at the major competitions like the Commonwealth and Olympic Games, something that he fell short of accomplishing in his career.

#Major, 38, previously teamed up with fellow International certified boxing coach Valentino Knowles to form the After Shock Boxing Club.

#Together, they also hosted a few amateur boxing shows at the National Boxing Gymnasium.

#However, Major said they decided to expand their operation and he ended up forming the 7th Ranked Boxing Club a year ago, which included such promising boxers as Erin Fowler, Eric Williams, Austin Minnis, Aimi Newchurch and his two sons Khalius and Zion Major.

#Strachan said it’s the federation’s intention to produce a cadre of coaches, referees and judges by the end of the year and these certifications for Major and Basden-Williams are just a step in that direction.

#“The number is expected to increase after a review of some of the results from the course just before Major’s,” he said.

#Strachan said having more internationally certified coaches on board will help to provide the assistance that is needed for the boxers when they travel to compete on the national teams.

#“For many years, local coaches refused to travel with our national boxing teams. We relied on coaches from other countries to assist us,” Strachan said. “Not having your coaches wearing your country’s colours is a major disadvantage to us.

#“That has to change because a female nationally certified referee/judge from Grand Bahama was also successful in the Star one coaches course.

#Geddet Williams has become only the second female in the Bahamas to be an international certified coach. She is the first to be certified as both a coach and referee/judge. She will also move toward the Star two online coaches course later this year.”

#Hopefully, this will enable Major, Basden-Williams, Knowles and Strachan and other qualified coaches to get more opportunities to travel on the national teams that represent the Bahamas at the CAC, Pan American, Commonwealth and Olympic Games in the future.

LEFT: Devynne Charlton is overjoyed after finishing a women’s 100-metres hurdles semifinal during the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, yesterday. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) RIGHT: Anthonique Strachan competes in the women’s 200-metre heat yesterday at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

As of Thursday, August 24, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#Following a record-breaking performance on Tuesday, Devynne Charlton remained poised in the 100 metre (m) hurdles semifinals yesterday and booked her ticket to today’s finals.

#Sprinter Anthonique Strachan has all the momentum behind her this track season as she left it all on the track in heat one of the 200m sprint race at the National Athletics Stadium.

#Day five was a busy one for Team Bahamas at the 19th World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, with the majority of the 11-member team competing on the track and field.

#Joining Charlton and Strachan in action were long jumper LaQuan Nairn, javelin champion Rhema Otabor and jumper Charisma Taylor.

#TRACK

#Charlton was on a mission from the opening round of the women’s 100m hurdles on Tuesday. She finished heat one behind the United States of America (USA) world record holder Kendra Harrison in record-breaking fashion, clocking 12.44. After cementing a new national record time, Charlton stepped on the track one day later and placed second once again, this time stopping the clock at 12.49 seconds to qualify for today’s finals.

#The Bahamian will prepare to be the first of the 11-member team to medal following the unfortunate injuries of Shaunae Miller-Uibo during training and Steven Gardiner in the men’s 400m semifinals on Tuesday.

#Charlton will battle for a spot on the medal podium against Harrison, Ditaji Kambundji, Tobi Amusan, Jamaica’s Ackera Nugent, Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, Nia Ali and Jamaica’s Danielle Williams.

#The 27-year-old will no doubt have to hit the next gear in the race after notching the third fastest time in the semifinals. The record holder Harrison blitzed the competition, clocking the fastest time of the semifinals combined with 12.33.

#Additionally, in the opening round on Tuesday, Harrison ran a swift 12.24 to lead the world.

#The second fastest time of the semifinals belongs to Camacho-Quinn of Puerto Rico who ran 12.41 to lead heat three yesterday.

#Ultimately, Charlton has the full support of The Bahamas in her quest to medal today in lane six of the 100m hurdles at 3:22pm local time.

#Strachan has had a fantastic track season leading up to round one of the 200m heats on Wednesday.

#In the morning session, The Bahamian sprinter crossed the finish line first with a time of 22.31 to qualify for the semifinals today. She finished ahead of Daryll Neita hailing from Great Britain and Jaël Bestuè of Spain. The two clocked 22.39 and 22.58 respectively.

#Strachan is hoping to advance and enter her first global finals on the big stage.

#“I feel very excited. I pulled out of the 100m just to do the 200m so I have basically been sitting down here for five days waiting to run…I hope to produce way faster times and hopefully make my first global finals,” she said.

#Following a quad injury at the 18th World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon Strachan said she used the heartbreaking moment to fuel her momentum this season.

#“Last year I was very heartbroken in Oregon so it sort of changed my method in how I look at things and made me look at myself and see what I actually did wrong and what I have constantly been doing wrong so I have been trying to revamp those things there,” she said.

#Going to the semifinals round with Strachan is none other than the newest 100m world champion from the USA Sha’Carri Richardson. The latter has been on a mission all season long having quite the comeback year following a disappointing stint last time around. The sprinter reeled off the fastest time of the opening round with a blistering 22.16 to win heat two.

#Nonetheless, a motivated and rejuvenated Strachan will compete in the semifinals in lane seven at 1:45pm today (local time).

Rhema Otabor, of Bahamas, competes in the Women’s javelin throw qualification during the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

#FIELD

#NCAA javelin champion Otabor, the youngest member of Team Bahamas, made her global debut in Group B of the women’s javelin. She came into the international competition with a personal best throw of 59.75m and has been on a mission to cross the 60m mark all season long.

#Ultimately, the 20-year-old wrapped up her competition debut ranked 15th in Group B with a final throwing distance of 53.62m.

#Despite the event not turning out the way the second best women’s javelin thrower in Bahamian history wanted, Otabor is taking it as a learning experience.

#“It felt amazing being able to compete with the world’s greatest at this time. I was really excited and a bit nervous but I felt like I was ready to go. Things didn’t turn out how I wanted but I guess it’s still a learning experience,” she said.

#University of Tennessee collegiate athlete Taylor got in on the action in the women’s triple jump qualification. The automatic qualifying mark was 14.30 or at least the best twelve qualify for the finals. Taylor came up short in Group B after jumping to 13.51m in the competition.

Terrence Jones, of Bahamas, is helped after injuring himself in an attempt in the Men’s long jump qualification during the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)