As of Thursday, August 24, 2023

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JOHNATHON Lucius

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#JOHNATHON Lucius will represent The Bahamas for the second time at the International Esports Federation’s (IESF) World Esports Championship.

#The event is slated to begin today and continue until September 4 in Romania. The Bahamas continues to push the mark in traditional and nontraditional sports, proving to be a dominant small nation.

#The 2022 national Tekken champion won the qualifiers and represented the country in Bali, Indonesia, last year.

#Lucius said he felt excited to compete for the second consecutive year at the IESF World Esports Championship. The Tekken 7 player talked about his first introduction to the sport at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI).

#“It all started when I was in college at BTVI studying IT, there was a gaming club at school which showed and taught some of us what Esports was. I first started out trying different games because I didn’t know better at first but as soon as I got in the fighting genre for Esports, something clicked,” he said.

#Lucius is quite familiar with the Tekken series because it was a game he played a lot growing up. A childhood game led to him placing fourth out of five players in Group E last year.

#He will compete in Group M this time around against Norway, Iraq and Greece. The competition will begin for him at 7am on Friday against Norway. On the same day, he will also play Iraq at 7:40am and last will be Vietnam at 10am.

#The 2022 national Tekken champion’s expectations are to simply remain focused on his competitors in Group M.

#“My expectations for right now is to focus on the group stage that I am currently in right now, and then as I pass each stage or challenge, I would lean more into that,” he said.

#Although Esports is a relatively unorthodox concept to some, Lucius had words of encouragement for those passionate about gaming.

#“I would say to everyone that gaming is becoming the next big thing globally in this era now. When I started it was more of a niché market but now to see it thrive today I would say to any person passionate in games such as Fortnite, Apex, to give it a chance or to attend an Esports event, it will really amaze you,” he added.

#With this upcoming competition at the forefront of his mind, Lucius also has his sights set on the Evolution Championship Series 2024 in Tokoyo, Japan.

As of Thursday, August 24, 2023

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Stephen Brown, chairman of the San Salvador Sports Council.

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#FAMILY Islanders are once again appealing for better baseball facilities to aid in the development of youth on the respective islands.

#Yesterday, residents of Abaco, Bimini and Cat Island all spoke out against the lack of adequate infrastructure available for baseball on their islands.

#A representative of San Salvador has now reached out to speak on their plights as it relates to the baseball facilities on the southeastern island.

#Stephen Brown, chairman of the San Salvador Sports Council, said the island is seeking funding or assistance for the development of their baseball field.

#“Some of the biggest issues are based on space. We have not had any good facilities in a very long time and we still do not have any. We are hoping to get some funding or assistance to build the right size mounds because we are really lacking the right size pitching mound,” Brown said.

#Similar to the other Family Islanders that spoke to Tribune Sports on Tuesday, Brown believes the youth of San Salvador are the ones affected the most by the lack of sufficient facilities for play.

#“Without the facilities and without the equipment, we can’t get them to really perform to the best of their abilities.

#“I believe that if we would get some of these stuff in place on a timely basis, we would be able to produce some great talent,” the chairman added.

#Despite sending letters to the government in attempts to receive some assistance in prioritising the development of the sporting facilities, the chairman is just hopeful that after the sixth Bahamas Games, help will soon be on the way.

#Brown noted that if better infrastructure was in place, development of the youth would happen at a quicker pace.

#“We have the personnel who could help with the development. I am very acquainted with men who are also willing to come down and give their assistance in teaching the game of baseball,” he said.

#Although things are at a standstill on the island, Brown is optimistic about the future once the funding is provided or facilities are designed and developed.

#“I believe if we get these things in place you would see great things happening.

#“San Salvador is gonna make a play at it as long as we have the opportunity,” he ended.

#Following the sixth edition of the Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture (MOYSC) Mario Bowleg vowed to not only establish associations on islands without one, but also look into adding more facilities on the Family Islands.

#At the time, Bowleg said $40 million dollars had been allocated over the next decade – $4 million per year – to repair the facilities on the islands outside of New Providence.

#Family Islanders are hoping for some help in regards to not only baseball, but other sporting facilities soon.

LEFT: Steven Gardiner pictured after the 400m semifinal. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) RIGHT: Devynne Charlton in action. (File photo)

As of Wednesday, August 23, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#Devynne Charlton lowered her Bahamian national record yesterday to advance to the women’s 100 metre hurdles semifinals, but Steven Gardiner pulled up and he was unable to complete his men’s 400 metre race.

#The duo were the only two of the Bahamian 11-member team to compete on day four of the World Athletics Championships as the drama continues to unfold in Budapest, Hungary.

#Since the championships got started on Saturday, the Bahamas has already seen the exit of quarter-milers Shaunae Miller-Uibo and Alonzo Russell as well as sprinter Terrence Jones in the opening rounds of their respective races.

#Charlton moves on

#In an impressive run over the 10 flights of hurdles, Charlton showed that she’s in tip-top shape and geared up for the challenge ahead of her in winning the first of her two elusive medals at the World Championships and the Olympic Games.

#Only former world record holder Kendra Harrison from the United States of America was faster in winning the third of five heats in a world’s leading time of 12.24 seconds as she pulled Charlton through for second in her new national record time of 12.44.

#Charlton said she’s right on track to completing her task. “I did not have to really run with anybody, just do a clean run and if you run like that, big things can happen,” Charlton said.

#“I feel I still have more in the tank for the following rounds. The world record is definitely possible at these championships. The hurdles pool is so deep right now. As long as you make it to the final, anything can happen for any of these ladies.”

#The pair went into today’s semifinals with the top two times over a field of quality competitors with reigning world champion and world record holder Tobi Amusan having the third fastest time in 12.48.

#Among the rest of the qualifiers were Puerto Rico’s Jasmine Camacho-Quinn in 12.50 in fifth, Jamaicans Megan Tapper in 12.51 in fifth and Danielle Williams in 12.51 in sixth and American Nia Ali in seventh in 12.55, followed by rising collegian stars Jamaican Ackera Nugent and American Masai Russell, who finished in eighth and ninth in identical times of 14.60.

#What a line-up going into the semifinals.

AGONY AT WORLDS: Steven Gardiner, of The Bahamas, is wheeled off the track after being injured while running in a men’s 400-metres semi-final at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

#Gardiner makes exit

#After easily winning his first round heat in the third fastest qualifying time of 44.65, Gardiner seemed poised to strut it out on the home stretch for another victory in his semifinal heat yesterday.

#In the last of the three heats, Gardiner pulled up and away from American Quincy Hall on the back stretch to take control of the race going through the final bend.

#But as he came off the curve and into the home stretch, Gardiner hobbled on his right leg and eventually pulled up and dropped to the track in agony as he was unable to finish the race.

#On his Facebook page, Gardiner wrote about his disappointment after he was wheeled off the track for medical attention, but he expressed his gratitude for the love and concern displayed by so many people.

#“Heartbroken but will not give up. Today during my 400m semifinal I suffered a grade 1 sprain of the tendon extending into the knee of the right posterior thigh,” he wrote. “Unfortunately this will be season ending. But I’ll be okay.

#“I would kindly like to thank the Budapest medical staff, Team Bahamas, my management team (@ontrackmgnt) coaches and fans and sponsors for always believing in me.”

#Hall went on to secure the win in 44.43 and Jamaican Sean Bailey took the second automatic qualifying spot in 44.94. With Gardiner, the 2019 world champion and the reigning world champion gone, the field is left wide open.

#Another Jamaican Antonio Watson took the top qualifying spot in a personal best of 44.13, Great Britain’s Matthew Hudson-Smith posted an area record in 44.26 for the second fastest and veteran American relay specialist Vernon Norwood occupied the third in a personal best of 44.26.

#However, Grenada’s former world champion Kirani James is still alive with his fifth best time of 44.58 and world record holder Wayde van Niekerk follows with 44.65 with the fastest losing qualifying time.

#Still in contention for The Bahamas

#Today will be a busy day for the Bahamas with the bulk of the team competing.

#NCAA champion Rhema Otabor will get the ball rolling in the morning session as she makes her senior global debut in the women’s javelin as the eighth of 18 competitors in Group B with a personal best toss of 196-feet or 59.75 metres.

#A total of 18 competitors are also entered in Group A and combined, the automatic qualifying feat is 201-9 (61.50m) or the top 12 performers will move onto the final on Friday.

#LaQuan Nairn, the Commonwealth Games champion, will follow with his second appearance at the World Championships when he competes in the men’s long jump qualifying round as the third of 19 competitors in Group B. He has a lifetime best of 26-11 3/4 (8.22m) or a season’s best of 26-7 1/4 (8.11m).

#A total of 20 competitors will be participating in Group A. The automatic qualifying distance is 26-9 (8.15m) or the top 12 competitors will book their tickets to the final on Thursday.

#Veteran sprinter Anthonique Strachan will be running out of lane nine in the first of six heats of the women’s 200 metres. She enters the event with a lifetime best of 22.15 that she posted this year. The first three of each heat and the next six fastest times will make up the field advancing to the semifinal.on Thursday for a chance to get into the final on Friday.

#In the evening session, two more Bahamians will be in action.

#Versatile collegian Charisma Taylor will be the sixth of 18 competitors competing in Group B with a personal best leap of 48-10 (14.88m). Another 18 competitors will also make up Group A. The automatic qualifying leap is 46-11 (14.30m) or the top 12 performers will advance to the final on Friday.

#And Charlton will run out of lane six in the first of three heats to earn her second straight World Championship berth into the final on Thursday. The first two of each heat and the next two fastest times will fill out the lanes for the final.

#The championships will wrap up on Sunday.

As of Wednesday, August 23, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#NATIONAL Football League (NFL) Flag Bahamas continues to make preparations ahead of the flag football season, this time hosting an officiating and coaching clinic next month.

#The event will get underway from 6pm to 9pm on September 7 at the Thomas A Robinson national stadium.

#Persons can expect to learn the rules of NFL Flag Football under the tutelage of the director of officiating at RCX Sports and NFL Flag, Tom Laneve.

#Chris Prudhome, president of NFL Flag, talked about what potential participants can gain through the NFL Flag Bahamas coaching and officiating clinic.

#“Participants can expect to learn important personal and professional skills that will help them on and off the field…skills such as knowledge of the rules, mechanics, health and fitness, and character development [that] are important aspects of the game of flag football,” he said.

#The course is open to persons over the age of 18 with a passion, understanding and love for the game of flag football.

#The president added that the course will not be easy but will be worth it in the end as the opportunities that come with being NFL certified are endless.

#Following the announcement of NFL Flag Bahamas in June, the league has made the necessary preparations by hosting various clinics and spreading the word on Fox News about the youth and adult season scheduled for October.

#The officials recently hosted the first ever NFL Flag Bahamas football clinic on July 11, teaching the basic flag football skills and testing the agility of future players.

#“In order for the season to be successful, all coaches and officials must be NFL certified, hence why this officiating and coaching clinic is so important,” Prudhome said.

#Individuals that are interested in becoming a coach or referee for the first Caribbean country to join the NFL Flag can use the registration link https://register.ryzer.com/camp.cfm?id=252546. Before attending the officiating and referee clinic on September 7, persons are advised to attend the NFL Flag Rules Zoom call on August 29 or August 31. The Bahamas was the first Caribbean nation to come onboard with NFL Flag as the country continues to attract international talent and events to the “sporting paradise.”

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As of Wednesday, August 23, 2023

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#FAMILY Islanders are making a special appeal to the government for better baseball facilities on their respective islands.

#Family Islanders from Cat Island, Abaco and Bimini all expressed concerns about the state and lack of sporting facilities that exist on each of their islands.

#Mike Holmes, chairman of the Cat Island Sports Council, talked about the dire need for baseball facilities. “We have no facilities on the island to play baseball on and all of our facilities are not functioning, and run down,” Holmes said.

#Although facilities are being built for basketball, softball and track in the northern and southern parts of Cat Island, none of them are functioning at this time for children or adults to be able to use them.

#The chairman of the sports council said the issue is not a lack of talent on the island, but the kids simply need a chance to expose their talents.

#“Baseball or any other sporting discipline would greatly enhance the development of the kids and adults on Cat Island. The kids can’t wait for something to do on the island. Any sporting complex, facilities, and discipline will enhance the development of our kids greatly,” the chairman said.

#Troy Deanza Feaste, president and founder of the Abaco Youth Baseball and Softball League, talked about the state of facilities on Marsh Harbour, Abaco.

#“I think the lack of facilities is having a serious impact on bringing in more talented kids. The hazardous conditions like not having a backstop, proper fencing around the field, dugouts are not properly protected, it’s a lot of things that can be improved to make the field better,” he said.

#Currently operating from one field – for softball and baseball – on the island is not enough, according to Feaste.

#“I think if we had better facilities we could bring in more kids. I don’t think that one field is sufficient to build a proper programme because we have softball girls using the same facility as baseball.

#“So we have to share the field [and] there are sometimes 80-120 kids out there all learning the sports,” Feaste said.

#Despite the dilapidated state of the two fields in Cooper’s Town and Murphy Town, they were recently informed that the latter would transform into a ‘state of the art’ baseball field similar to the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

#“That is a collaboration between the government and a non-government organisation. We are waiting to see if that is going to materialise soon,” he said.

#Jeffrey Davis, former sports administrator, said although Bimini has a decent baseball field, more can be done to develop the sport on the island. “The game needs revival among the youth. Bimini needs a little league park on South Bimini and a track and facilities,” Davis said.

#“Our sports council is functional but no one works for the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture (MOYSC) in Bimini. The Family Island MPs have been grossly negligent in securing adequate school and community sports facilities, as small as Bimini is we built our own facilities.”

#The representatives of Abaco, Cat Island and Bimini all have the common plea of wanting better development and improved facilities for sports on their respective islands.

Forward Travis Munnings (6) and Lourawls Nairn (11) in action for The Bahamas against Argentina. Photos: FIBA Americas

As of Wednesday, August 23, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#AS the FIBA Pre-Qualifying Tournament came to a close on Sunday night with the Bahamas winning the title over Argentina, a few players were highlighted for their performances.

#The tournament concluded in La Banda, Argentina, with the Bahamas pulling off an 82-75 victory over Argentina to advance to the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in July for the Olympic Games in Paris, France.

#Head coach Chris DeMarco was quite thrilled in the fact that the team completed its mission.

#“We accomplished our goal. We moved on,” was how DeMarco summed up the team’s performance. “Now we can get ready for the next step, which is to qualify for the Olympics.”

#At the end of the tournament, the three National Basketball Association players for the Bahamas were listed among the top five players who shone the brightest in Santiago del Estero, while Travis Munnings was listed among three others who posted breakout performances in the tournament.

#Eric Gordon, the newest member of the NBA to suit up for the Bahamas, was the first to be highlighted for his performance.

#He had tournament statistics of 17.8 EFF; 20.3 PPG; 65.0 3PT% and was listed as the leading scorer with 20.3 points per game.

#He led the Bahamas with their championship victory with 27 points as the 34-year-old shot 54.5 percent from the field and 13-20 (65 percent) on three-pointers and averaged 2.3 assists, 2.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals per night.

#Deandre Ayton, who will team up with Gordon for the first time this season in the NBA with the Phoenix Suns, had tournament statistics of 25.3 EFF; 15.5 PPG; 13.8 RPG.

#Despite quiet offensive performances over the weekend, Ayton led the tournament in efficiency (25.3) after averaging 15.5 points, 13.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 steals.

#As the team’s centre, Ayton notched a 10-point, 21-rebound double-double in the final and his work on the defensive end was a big part of The Bahamas’ title run.

#Buddy Hield, the sharp shooting guard from Grand Bahama, had tournament statistics of 16.3 EFF; 19.8 PPG; 4.8 RPG.

#Hield’s scoring dropped with every game of the tournament, going from 25 against Cuba to 17 (Argentina), 15 (Uruguay in the semifinals) and 8 in the final.

#Although he didn’t display his shooting stroke, going just 29.3 percent on 10.2 attempts per game, Hield’s presence caused terror among opposing defences and the threat of his stroke opened things up for his teammates and allowed Bahamas to lead the tournament in scoring at 92.2 points per game.

#The Indiana Pacers guard also chipped in 4.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.3 steals per game and finished tied for 6th in efficiency (16.3).

#As a starter, forward Travis Munnings was listed among the breakout performers with his tournament statistics of 13.8 EFF; 11.5 PPG; 66.7 FG%

#Munnings was the unsung hero of The Bahamas’ title run as he complemented Ayton, Gordon and Hield, who drew most of the attention.

#The 28-year-old Munnings completed an excellent tournament as a jack-of-all-trades weapon, averaging 11.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 steals while shooting 66.7 percent from the field and 57.1 percent from the three-point line.

#Munnings, who plays professionally in France, was also clutch in the final, finishing with 16 points and draining a pair of key three-pointers in the first half.

#“Travis Munnings has been an asset for our national team,” said DeMarco, who spent the past five years working with the team. “He’s a talented player. “He’s a leader at his role, but it’s just a shame that he’s not playing at a higher or the highest level because he’s an incredible team player. He’s been able to make a valuable contribution to our team.”

#DeMarco, an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors, said he’s also been pleased with the management and coaching staff that the Bahamas Basketball Federation has been able to assemble.

#He noted that with LJ Rose as the team manager and Moses Johnson and Mikhail McKLean as assistant coaches, they have put together a solid squad that was able to get the job done in Argentina.

#“Every one of our players were able to contribute, so we just have to continue building,” DeMarco said. “I believe in this team and the goal is to go to every tournament and compete.

#“We have the talent to be successful and we should not take this for granted. This goes back a long way and what has become Bahamas Basketball and the Bahamas national team is not something that was easy to do.”

#DeMarco commended those coaches and players who made the sacrifices in the past to help pave the way for the success that the team has achieved so far. He said it’s all about building something special and they have been able to accomplish that.

#As they prepare for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in July, DeMarco said they will have to find a way to get the players together a little earlier than they did for this tournament so that they can gel and be better prepared for the competition.

#He noted that in qualifying for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament for the first time, DeMarco said the competition will only get harder, but he’s confident that they can put together another solid squad that will be able not just to compete, but to be a contender to qualify for the Olympics from July 26 to August 11.

Prime Minister Philip Davis and Zane Lightbourne, MP for Yamacraw, with Team Bahamas swimmers on their return home from the Goodwill Games over the weekend in Kingston, Jamaica. Photo: Moises Amisial/Tribune Staff

As of Tuesday, August 22, 2023

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#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#Prime Minister Philip Davis said Bahamas Aquatics can be assured of the Bahamas Government’s support as they continue to excel in the Goodwill Games as they have done in CARIFTA Swimming.

#Davis’ comments came yesterday as he and other government officials welcomed home the 40-member team that won the Goodwill Games for the first time over the weekend in Kingston, Jamaica, following on the heels of the oisland nation’s fifth straight title at CARIFTA in April in Curacao. Team Bahamas, which made the trip on a chartered Bahamasair flight, collected a total of 129 medals, including 55 gold, 45 silver and 29 bronze, well ahead of Barbados, who was second with 23 gold, 16 silver and 18 bronze for 57 medals.

#Trinidad & Tobago followed with 21 gold, 18 silver and 19 bronze for 58 medals.

#The Bahamas, which produced over 20 records, also accumulated the total amount of points with 1,418.50. Jamaica was second with 1,143.50 and Trinidad & Tobago came in third with 970.50.

#The welcome home ceremony was held in the VIP Lounge of the Lynden Pindling International Airport and was hosted by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. There was also a junkanoo rush-out for the swimmers as they greeted their family members, who were not on the flight that carried almost 200 persons to Jamaica.

#“I’m so proud and I could not let this moment pass without coming to greet you on your arrival for your accomplishment each of you received,” said Davis, who remembered being a parent and now a grandparent of the sport and a former vice president of the federation.

#He noted that in the former years, the federation never really embraced the Goodwill Games, but it was a few parents who took the interest in getting some exposure for their children.

#“So, I’m so happy and elated to see that the federation is now fully behind these games and fully behind the participation of our swimmers, particularly recognizing that CARIFTA is 12 and above and these games go from seven and above. It gives those younger athletes what it is to compete in international competition.”

#While the federation is going after its sixth straight title next year here in the Bahamas at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex, Davis said he’s looking for the Bahamas to continue to excel as champions at the Goodwill Games.

#Zane Lightbourne, the Acting Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture in the absence of Mario Bowleg, said the trip to Jamaica was a microcosm of what our country is all about.

#“The community coming together to build something nice and to achieve greatness,” he said. “I think that because of our parents, the government support and these students with their coaches, who are supported to do and to push them to where they can reach their full potential, that’s the formula for success for our country.”

#Lightbourne, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, said as the country celebrates its 50th anniversary, the team brought home the gold and he noted that the Olympic gold medal is on the way.

#Bahamas Aquatics’ president Algernon Cargill thanked team manager Rochelle Butler and her assistants Yvette Ferguson and Patrick Ferguson, head coach Dellan Brown and his assistants Kadesha Culmer, Dwayne Davis and Davis Del Cueto and the medical team of Dr William Hamilton, Jenna Gibson and Jade McCartney.

#Cargill also expressed his gratitude to Philice Davis-Albury, who headed the fund-raising team, which secured the sponsorship from KRC, RBC, Atlantis, Baha Mar Resorts Foundation, Titan Hospitality, Auto Mall, Lyford Cay Club and the Public Hospitals Authority.

#“We’ve earned our first Goodwill title and now that number one is in the bag, there is no longer coming second, third or fourth,” said Cargill, as he also lauded the parents, who were apart of the contingent that traveled to Jamaica.

#“Your parents and your federation will extend this level of support with our Bahamas Government partners and Corporate Bahamas. This is step one sand we will carry you to the end of your journey.”

#Cargill said the swimmers demonstrated that the Bahamas clearly have the next Arianna Vanderpool Wallace, Joanna Evans, Allan Murray, Jeremy Knowles, examples of Bahamian swimmers who have excelled at the global level.

#“I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been asked what we are doing different in The Bahamas than the other Caribbean countries to dominate Goodwill and CARIFTA,” he said. “I’ve even been asked by a parent to have her child come to the Bahamas to train instead of training in their country.”

#The team was led by divisional high point winners in Cailyn Sean in the girls 8-and-under; Nitayo Knowles in the boys 9-10; Siann Isaacs in the girls 11-12 and Tristen Ferguson in the boys15-17. All of the competitors talked about their experiences at the games.

#Additionally, the four team captains Errington Moncur, Grace Farrington, Tristan Ferguson and Bianca Johnson also expressed their delight in leading the team in and out of the water.

#Rochell Butler, the team manager, said the swimmers worked very hard during the three days of competition and many of them surpassed their own expectations. She said he was delighted to have been afforded the opportunity to manage the entire team of athletes and coaches at the games.

#And Dellan Brown, the head coach said he was thrilled to have returned to his native homeland to produce the historic feat with records upon records.

#Brown, the head coach of the Blue Waves Aquatic Swim Club, thanked coach Shirley Mireault for carrying the Bahamas banner with the teams to the games in the past. He noted that this year’s team just expanded on what she started, and they came home as champions for the first time.

 Home|Sports|Hepburn signs on to play in EstoniaSports

Simba FrenchSend an emailAugust 24, 2023 31 2 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

Bahamian professional volleyball player Shonari Hepburn recently signed a contract to take his talents to Estonia, playing for Barrus Võru Võrkpalliklubi in the Estonia League, the top volleyball league in that country.

Hepburn, who is entering his eighth professional season, didn’t have to scratch his head as signing with Võru was an easy decision after his former coach Oliver Lüütsepp reached out to him. He played for him in the 2018-2019 season for Akaa-Volley Club. That was in Hepburn’s third season as a professional.

“I took longer than I normally do to sign because I just wanted to make sure that I was making the right decision as to where I played this season,” said Hepburn. “There were some offers to return to Greece, but I just played the long game and I waited and a coach I had from when I played in Finland, he now coaches this team in Estonia and he reached out to me and immediately we got to work on making it happen because we worked well together in Finland. I know the type of environment that I’m going to be working in so I’m excited for this season.”

The middle blocker spent last season in Romania playing for Știința Explorări Baia Mare in the Romanian Divizia A1. They finished seventh last season with an 11-11 win/loss record.

“Individually, I just want to try to be the best middle in the league. My goal is to go and get better every season. As for team goals, I know this coach and I know that he’s all about winning. The team finished third last season, so I know his goal is going to be to win it all. That’s always my goal anywhere that I go – to win,” Hepburn said.

Usually when Hepburn comes home in the offseason, he does not get to play much, but this offseason was different as he was able to get in some match play in the Bahamas Games and then he played for The Bahamas senior men’s national team at the 18th Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association (CAZOVA) Senior Volleyball Championships in Suriname last month.

“Playing for The Bahamas was good. It was definitely exciting playing for the national team for the first time in five years. It also helped that we had some summer ball to play before going back overseas,” he said. “It was a good experience. I had a good tournament individually, playing for The Bahamas. I missed out on best server and one of the best middle spikers by a few points. I guess I had a breakout tournament in terms of production on the court and leadership off the court.

“It was fun playing in the Bahamas Games. At first I wasn’t sure what it was going to be. I wasn’t really super excited to play, but after the first day of competition and seeing everybody come out seeing who was playing, who was suiting up and who was there, it was great to be a part of it. It was exciting to see volleyball being played at that level again at home. I just hope that people stick with the sport and just start to revive it.”

The 30-year-old spoke about his ability to play for such a long time, about staying healthy and instead of worrying about how high he could jump or how hard he can hit the ball, to just go out there and play. He said it is something he learned early on in his career from his coaches. For now, he said he will be focusing on the little things that will keep him on the court for long periods of time.

 Home|Sports|Charlton advances to 100m hurdles finalSports

Sheldon LongleySend an emailAugust 24, 2023 22 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

BUDAPEST, Hungary – Devynne Charlton is once again into the final of a major athletics championships, extending her streak to four straight and five of the last six, indoors and outdoors. Outdoors, it’s her third straight appearance in the women’s 100 meters (m) hurdles, counting the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 Eugene World Championships.

On Wednesday, the Bahamian short hurdles technician had to come from behind to fly past two athletes and book her ticket into the women’s 100m hurdles final at the 19th World Athletics Championships at the National Athletics Stadium in Budapest, Hungary.

Charlton clocked 12.49 seconds – her second-fastest time of the season and third-fastest of her career, trailing just the national record setting run of 12.44 seconds she had in the heats of that event here in Budapest and the former national record of 12.46 seconds at last year’s world championships.

She saves her best for the world’s biggest stage and it was no different on Wednesday,

“I felt that the start was good but could have been better. I didn’t execute as well as I did yesterday (heats), but the fact that I still almost ran the same time is a good sign,” she said. “Once I clean this race up a l’il bit, tomorrow should be better. (Coming back in the race the way I did) shows that under pressure, I could dig down and find something. Coming down to the end, I was just trying to hold on and I was able to do that. It’s a good feeling.”

Former world record holder Kendra ‘Keni’ Harrison, of the United States, won the heat and qualified for the final with the fastest time, running 12.33 seconds. Charlton ran 12.49 seconds and held off Ditaji Kambundji, of Swizerland, for the second automatic qualifying spot out of the first semifinal heat. Kambundji was third in 12.50 seconds but still qualified for the final on time.

Charlton was able to pass Kambundji and Megan Tapper, of Jamaica, in the middle part of the race. Tapper was fourth in that semifinal heat in 12.55 seconds and ended up missing the final.

As for Charlton, she goes into a loaded final tied with the third-fastest time out of the semis. The final features world record holder Tobi Amusan, of Nigeria, former world record holder Harrison, former world champions Nia Ali, of the United States, and Danielle Williams, of Jamaica, and current Olympic Champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, of Puerto Rico.

Also in the final are Kambundji and Ackera Nugent, of Jamaica.

Charlton knows that she has to put the perfect race together in order to have a chance to stand on the medal podium at the end of the day. She is prepared for the challenge.

“I’m going to get back with my coach (Bahamian Rolando ‘Lonnie’ Greene) and see what we did wrong, definitely focus on that and make sure that I have a better race tomorrow,” she said. “I never show up to this type of meet and underestimate the competition. It’s always going to be a deep field; you just have to go out there and do what you need to do.”

The lineup for the final is out and Charlton will run just outside of the middle of the track, in lane six. The final will take place at 9:22 p.m. tonight, 3:22 p.m. back in The Bahamas. As mentioned, it’s her fourth straight global final, indoors and outdoors, and fifth in her last six global meetings. It’s her third straight global final outdoors.

“I think it speaks to my consistency and it also speaks to the training I have in place,” she said. “When it comes time to run big I’m able to put it together and that’s a good feeling.”

On Tuesday, one of The Bahamas’ best hopes for a gold medal Steven Gardiner went down with a grade one strain to a tendon attached to his posterior right thigh in the semifinals of the men’s 400m, and on Wednesday, LaQuan Nairn suffered what appears to be a combination of an ankle and knee injury in the qualifying rounds of the men’s long jump. Charlton said they are bonding together as a team and hoping for the best for Gardiner and Nairn.

“The team is just heart broken for both of them. You hate to see it happen to our own, but it’s something that comes with the sport and comes with the territory. We wish them well and hope that they come back stronger,” she said.

For now, the Bahamian national record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles has another global final to prepare for.

She has a silver medal in the 60m indoors, but hasn’t finished better than sixth in the 100m outdoors. She was sixth at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021 and seventh at the Eugene World Championships in 2022.

Now in the prime of her career at 27, this could very well be the time for Charlton.

 Home|Sports|Taylor miss out on triple jump final; Nairn injuredSports

Sheldon LongleySend an emailAugust 24, 2023 31 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

BUDAPEST, Hungary – Charisma Taylor gave it a gallant effort on Wednesday, competing in her first global championship, but at the end of the day, she couldn’t get that one big jump that she needed to advance to the final of the women’s triple jump at the19th World Athletics Championships at the National Athletics Stadium in Budapest, Hungary.

Taylor finished with a best leap of 13.51 meters (m) – 44’ 4”, ending the competition 13th in her group and 29th overall.

She leapt 13.37m (43’ 10-1/2”) on her first attempt, 12.17m (39’ 11-1/4”) on her second and 13.51m on the third. All season long, Taylor was searching for that elusive 14m (45’ 11-1/4”) jump outdoors that would have placed her among the world’s elite jumpers. Despite coming close a few times, she couldn’t get that elusive 14m jump. The versatile Bahamian athlete, who also competes in the women’s long jump and the women’s 100m hurdles, has a season’s and personal best leap of 13.99m (45’ 10-3/4”) outdoors, and was over 13.90m (45’ 7-1/4”) at three meets this season.

“Leading up to the competition, I felt really good – probably the best I felt all season. I just didn’t hit my phases the way I needed to, and that caused me a spot in the final,” said Taylor. “I’m definitely disappointed with myself because I know my ability. I feel like I could jump 13.5 in practice so this is a hard pill to swallow.”

Whilst disappointed, Taylor said she will sum it up as a learning experience and build off it for next year, looking to qualify for the Paris Olympic Games. She remains confident in her ability and said she will never miss a final again. The final qualifying distance for the final on Wednesday was 14.13m (46’ 4-1/2”).

“Being here feels great. Not many people could say that they made it to the world championships so that’s a blessing. I was here and I have this experience under my belt but I still want to go further. I will never miss a final again,” she said.

The weather conditions in Budapest were hot and humid on Wednesday like they have been all week. Quite a few athletes suffered from dehydration and some experienced cramps. Be that as it may, Taylor said that didn’t have an effect on her performance.

“I am very well hydrated and well conditioned. My body is used to this climate so I don’t think it had an effect on me. I just didn’t perform the way that I needed to,” she said.

Indoors, Taylor had a massive personal best and national record leap of 14.88m (48’ 10”) this season, but just couldn’t duplicate the same distance outdoors. had she done so, she would have certainly been in the world championships final. She didn’t get the big jump when she needed it the most. She’s just 23, and has a bright future ahead of her.

On the men’s side, LaQuan Nairn, the Commonwealth Games Champion, had a rough world championships, fouling on all three of his attempts in the men’s long jump and getting injured on the third jump. According to reports, team officials were still awaiting the result of an ultrasound scan that was performed on Nairn on Wednesday. Team physiotherapist Pharez Cooper said the injury appeared to be a combination of a sprained ankle and sprained knee and that Nairn was undergoing therapy and treatment.

It was the second consecutive day that a Team Bahamas athlete suffered an injury at the world championships. On Tuesday, Steven Gardiner, arguably The Bahamas’ best hope for a gold medal at these world championships, suffered a grade one sprain of the tendon that is attached to his posterior right thigh. He is now out for the season, and will attempt a comeback in an Olympic year in 2024, looking to defend his Olympic title.

“We’re a team and we’re here for them,” said Taylor. “I saw Stevie and I gave him a hug and let him know that I’m praying for him. He’s in good spirits. I haven’t seen LaQuan as yet, but he is like my brother to me. He knows how we are. I’m praying for him.”

Taylor said she’s sure Nairn is disappointed with his performance, and getting injured, because like her, he came into the world championships with high hopes.

“Both of us are disappointed I’m sure so we could lean on each other and the whole team could lean on each other,” she said. “Now we have to gather around and support those who are still competing – Devynne and Anthonique.- and just rally behind them and show them our love and support.”

Anthonique Strachan will run in the semifinals of the women’s 200m at 7:54 p.m. this evening in Budapest, 1:54 p.m. back in The Bahamas. She will be in lane seven in the second of three semifinal heats. Just the top two finishers and the next two fastest time will advance to Friday’s final.

Devynne Charlton will run in the women’s 100m hurdles final at 9:22 p.m. this evening in Budapest, 3:22 p.m. back in The Bahamas. She will run out of lane six. It’s the fourth straight global final and fifth in the past six, indoors and outdoors, for Charlton.