Home|Sports|Swim nationals set for next weekendSports

Meet serves as an early qualifier for the Paris Olympic Games

Simba FrenchSend an emailJune 8, 2023 294 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

The Bahamas Aquatics Federation is set to host its 51st national championships at the Betty Kelly-Kenning National Swim Complex. It gets underway on June 15 and wraps up on Father’s Day, June 18.

President of the federation Algernon Cargill said he expects high quality swims from Bahamian and international swimmers. The boys and girls age groups that will be participating are 8-and-under, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-17 and 18-and-over.

“This nationals is very important to the federation because it is a qualifier for Paris 2024 Olympic Games and we will see approximately 50 international swimmers coming to The Bahamas to participate in the championships,” Cargill said. “We will see our own international swimmers who will be competing at home and they’ll be excited to swim at home. We are very grateful for Corporate Bahamas for stepping forward to fund these championships.”

Bahamian swimmers such as Olympian Izaak Bastian, Lamar Taylor, DaVante Carey and Lilly Higgs will come home to compete for their respective clubs as well as attain cuts for various meets. Swimmers from Bermuda, the Dominican Republic and the United States of America (USA) will be looking to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics Games. The international swimmers will be competing for time and not points or medals.

Taylor holds the national record in several swim events and recently was named the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II Swimmer of the Year. He won three individual NCAA DII championship titles. Carey, Bastian and Higgs are all national record holders. Bahamian swimmers who want to compete on national teams must participate at the nationals unless they are exempted.

The meet is club oriented in that a club is crowned the overall champion. The defending champion is Mako Aquatics Club and they will be looking to win their fifth straight title like The Bahamas’ CARIFTA swim team did earlier in the year.

“It is an outstanding accomplishment to win four straight titles. We operate in a very competitive arena in the swimming community, and we have had a lot of dynamics change in the swimming communities here with clubs combining. Mako has gotten even stronger as well as Alpha because they combined with a part of the YMCA WaveRunners club in Freeport. YMCA was second overall to Mako last year, so Alpha would emerge very strong in these national championships. The Barracudas will pose a significant threat also to Mako’s attempt at a five peat,” Cargill said.

Apart from being an Olympic qualifier, the meet serves as an early qualifier for the CARIFTA Games. The junior swimmers try to achieve the qualifying standards. The Bahamas hosts the championships in 2024.

“We know that all the younger kids are trying to get their CARIFTA qualifying times early, and it is one of the reasons why we do so well at CARIFTA. We’re excited about that and that’s why all of the swimmers are competing,” Cargill said.

After the CARIFTA Swimming Championships in April, a club meet had to be cancelled because the pool was not up and running. Swimmers are currently practicing at the pool and Cargill said that the pool is expected to be functional from now until it closes for maintenance after the Bahamas Games in July.

“The National Sports Authority (NSA) has been working very closely with the federation to ensure that proper maintenance is provided but our biggest challenge would be during these hot summer months to keep that water temperature cool. The automatic chillers that are installed are no longer functional. We’re happy that we partnered with the NSA. We’re having weekly meetings to discuss some of the challenges, and we expect to have the pool working. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that everything goes well,” Cargill said.

The support from the crowd plays a huge role in the performance of the swimmers, said Cargill. They will support their favorite club and reunite for CARIFTA swimming as they cheer for The Bahamas. Cargill described the swimming community as being one of the best supporters of local sports and he expects the crowd to be loud as usual.

 Home|Sports|Gardiner goes down in men’s 400m semisSports

Sheldon LongleySend an emailAugust 23, 2023 369 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

• SIMBA FRENCH Guardian Sports Reporter simba@nasguard.com
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A number of athletes were in action at the first track and field meet of the year — the T-Bird Flyers Track and Field Classic at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium this past Friday and Sunday. There were even a few qualifiers for the 2023 CARIFTA Games.

One of those athletes was Speed Begins Keyezra Thomas who qualified for CARIFTA last year but could not participate because she was too young. She turned 14 years old on Friday and was all smiles after she qualified for CARIFTA again this year, this time in the high jump event in the under-17 girls division.https://4f4599a2c289414ef9731ca6aa9aac38.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

The Grand Bahamian won that event after she cleared a personal best 1.70 meters (m) (5’ 7”) to surpass the 1.63m (5’ 4-1/4”) qualifying mark. The height that Thomas cleared also surpassed the qualifying standard for the under-20 girls division. She is known for her prowess on the track and just started competing in the high jump event last year.Three possible breakout prospectsThree possible breakout prospectscloseNextStay

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“It feels good to qualify for CARIFTA. Last year I could not go. I watched it but this year I could go and I feel like when I compete, I will do extremely well. I am happy to have an injury-free competition and glad I was able to qualify,” Thomas said.

Also qualifying for that event was Speed Dynamic’s Alexandria Komolafe. The 14-year-old cleared 1.63m (5’ 4-1/4”) to finish second behind Thomas.

“I have bene working hard over the past couple months in the offseason. I trusted my coach, the approach and trusted God. I am happy to qualify early. I know I can jump higher and I will do it next time,” Komolafe said.

Finishing third was Leap of Faith’s Paris Rolle who cleared 1.55m (5’ 1”).

Thomas came close to qualifying for the 200m when she ran away from the field to clock a time of 24.93 seconds, just short of the 24.65 seconds qualifying standard. She has a long season ahead of her and will have other chances to go under the standard as the season progresses. Komolafe was second again in that event after clocking 26.66 seconds. Team Velocity’s Nataya Watson was third in a time of 27.32 seconds.

One of the most competitive events of the meet was on Saturday under the lights — the under-17 girls javelin throw. A trio of throwers were able to surpass the qualifying standard but it was reigning CARIFTA gold medalist and CARIFTA record holder Kamera Strachan who won the event. She threw a distance of 43.70m (143’ 4-1/2”) to beat CARFITA silver medalist, Dior-Rae Scott, of Air Assault, whose best throw on Saturday was 43.32m (142 1-1/2”). Scott had previously qualified for CARIFA at last year’s Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) Odd Distance meet. As expected, they both obliterated the qualifying mark of 25m (82’ 0-1/4”).https://4f4599a2c289414ef9731ca6aa9aac38.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

Finishing third in that event and surpassing the qualifying mark was Valiyah Farquharson who recorded a throw of 26.45m (86’ 9-1/4”).

There were two qualifiers in the under-20 girls discus throw as Blue Chips’ Annae Mackey and Triple Threat’s Cailyn Johnson both qualified. They both threw past the qualifying mark of 40.36m (132’ 5”). Mackey won with a throw of 44.46m (145’ 10-1/2”) while Johnson recorded a throw of 43.80m (143’ 8-1/2”). They joined Calea Jackson who qualified in this event at the Odd Distance meet.

“I am grateful for the throw. I just need to trust the process. I was able to follow through with what coach told me and was able to execute,” Mackey said.

Johnson said: “It is great to qualify early. I felt like I left a lot out there and next time I’ll get a personal best. I got aggressive on the qualifying throw because I wanted to qualify.”

Quick Step’s Garette McIntosh was third with a throw of 24.40m (80’ 0-3/4”).

Fast Forward’s Koi Adderley got a new personal best in the under-20 girls high jump, clearing 1.70m (5’ 7”) to win that event. In clearing that height, she surpassed the qualifying mark of 1.65m (5’ 5).

“I was relieved after clearing 1.65m because that is the qualifying standard. I was able to get a personal best but I was disappointed when I could not clear 1.75m (5’ 9”) because I was so close. I just need to work on my form a little more in practice,” Adderley stated.

Placing second was Andros Heats’ Tylah Pratt who cleared 1.60m (5’ 3”).

The under-20 boys high jump also produced a qualifier as Leap of Faith’s Jelani Morrison achieved the mark. He cleared the qualifying mark of 2m (6’ 6-3/4”). He won that event. Xtreme Athletics’ Anthony Sweeting was second after clearing 1.85m (6’ 0-3/4”).https://4f4599a2c289414ef9731ca6aa9aac38.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

In the under-17 boys shot put, Blue Chips’ Jaylen Stuart qualifyied for CARIFTA after turning in a toss of 14.40m (47’ 3”) to surpass the 14.03m (46’ 0-1/4”) qualifying mark. Andros Heats’ Kashawn Russell was second with a best throw of 11.63m (38’ 1-3/4”).

The next meet on the calendar, the Beverly Wallace-Whitfield Track Classic, hosted by the DTSP Track and field Club, is set for Saturday January 20 at the same location.

Some of the champions crowned on Majority Rule Day at the Bahamas Golf Federation’s Practice Facility for the second event of the Front 9 Golf Tournament series presented by the Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy.

As of Friday, January 12, 2024

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A JOYOUS FEAT: Champions were crowned on Majority Rule Day at the Bahamas Golf Federation’s Practice Facility for the second event of the Front 9 Golf Tournament series presented by the Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy.

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#While many were enjoying the festivities on Majority Rule Day, juniors along with adults participated at the third Front 9 Golf Tournament Series drive, chip and putt event at the Bahamas Golf Federation’s Practice Facility. The one-day event was the third of ten scheduled in the series and the first Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy event for 2024. Fifty-six participants came out on the holiday to compete in friendly competition which was deemed a success by the club’s founder Georgette Rolle-Harris.

#“For our first drive, chip and putt event of the season it was awesome. Hosting it on a holiday allowed for a really great family atmosphere. We had 56 participants which was also great and it was really good to see parents competing in the same skill sets as their juniors. It allows a great opportunity for more conversations at the dinner table and the parents get to experience some of the highs and lows their juniors go through. All in all it was a really great event,” according to Rolle-Harris.

#On Majority Rule Day, Nathalee Tynes led all competitors in the adult female division while Johnathan Cunningham put out a top performance in the adult male category.

#Tynes totaled 73 points in the event, with her best performance in the putting exercise, to secure a win. Payton Haye trailed for second with a score of 61 and Lori Greaves took home third place with 35 points

#In the male event, Cunningham totaled 99 points after collecting scores of 65 (putt), 21 (chip) and 13 (drive) in the trio of events for first place. Elliot Harvey dropped to the second podium spot with his score of 81 points. Shaun Mahalis fell behind both competitors for third place with 69 points.

#Maddisson Carroll, left it all on the course in the 13-15 girls division. She rounded up a score of 74 in the various events to be crowned champion. Jacara Forbes was not too far away on the scoreboard with 68 for the second position. Anissa Robinson ended third a mere point behind Forbes with 67.

#Zachary Joseph did a number in the boys division of the same age group. He totaled 91 points for the victory and turned in his best performance in the putting exercise. Next up was Juan Wilson who finished up with 79. Rashawn Hanna settled for third best collecting a score of 61.

#Angelino Cooper was the lone competitor in the 16 and over category. He pulled out scores of 55 (putt), 24 (drive) and 16 (chip) to end with 95 in the competition.

#Moving along to the girls and boys 10-12 division, Haley Hall and Briland Cunningham took the reins in the respective age groups. Hall bested her competitors in dominant fashion putting up a score of 88. Kaleah Brown came second with 58 points and Kayleigh Rolle wrapped up third with 47.

#Cunningham racked up a score of 80 for the boys. Caleb Davis got the second spot after finishing five points behind the victor with 75. William Mahalis completed the trio with a score of 66.

#Advik Arora won the boys 7-9 category and Sarah Scheidecker got bragging rights for the girls. Liam Miller took control in the mixed 6-and under age group winning with a score of 35.

#After another successful drive, chip and putt event, the founder of Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy talked about its importance in having the juniors practice in an almost identical environment to that of the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals in Augusta, Georgia.

#“The Masters Drive, Chip and Putt event is a big event for junior golfers aged 7-15 to get to play on the final stage which is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We set up very similarly to what you see at any of their qualifying sites. For putting we have the same distances, three chip shots to the same similar grid and driving is set up in the same 40-yard grid”

#“If we could get our players competing and starting to match their scores with the scores that are actually winning those qualifiers and make it to Augusta they can see where they are excelling and where they need to improve. I think that this year we can have some players make it through the final qualifying stage and hopefully we can see some bright young Bahamian players on TV playing at Augusta,” Rolle-Harris said.

#The next event of the tournament series will take place on January 21.

An Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves on the ball against Dame Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins. Photo: Moise Amisial

As of Friday, January 12, 2024

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#IN two contrasting ends of the spectrum, the Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves senior girls and boys pulled off a double dose of victory over the Dame Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins in the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association’s basketball action on Thursday at the CI Gibson Gymnasium.

#In the senior girls opener, Anatol Rodgers needed an extra three minutes in overtime to hold off Dames Doris Johnson 27-22. But in the senior boys’ feature contest, the Timberwolves routed the Mystic Marlins 92-24.

#Anatol Rodgers’ 68-point rout over Dame Doris Johnson was the second largest, following the defending champions CI Gibson Rattlers’ 90-point, 106-13, massacre over the Government High Magicmen last week at the DW Davis Gymnasium.

AT the scorer’s desk are Rochelle Kemp and her new recruit Keiara McKenzie, a 12-year-old seventh grader at HO Nash Junior High, who started scoring since the GSSSA 2023-24 season started.

#Timerberwolves 92, Mystic Marlins 24

#Cavelle Ferguson, Xavier Thompson and Derek Francis all contributed 15 points to lead a balanced scoring attack for Anatol Rodgers as they made this one look so easy as they remained undefeated at 4-0.

#Also in double figures were Jefferson Bethel with 12 and Jasmen Rock with 11. Kirkwood Rolle scored eight and both Mario Nottage and Carlan Cleare added four apiece. Aiden Gustave, Jordan McKenzie, Rico Pierre and J’Vaughantrae Albury had two each.

#The Timerberwolves opened a 23-8 lead, sparked by six apiece from Ferguson, Thompson and Francis. They extended it to 38-15 at the half as Rock came through canning a pair of three-pointers and Thompson and Ferguson helped out with four and three respectively.

#By the end of the third, they pushed it ahead 68-19 as Bethel contributed eight and Francis had seven. Ferguson paced the fourth with six, but just about every player scored in the period as they cruised the rest of the way.

#“We played pretty well on both ends. We just need to be a little more consistent,” said Anatol Rodgers’ head coach Denykco Bowles. “But all in all, I think we had four solid quarters.

#“We just need to clean it up if we are going to allow ourselves to make a push at the end of the season for the playoffs and eventually the championship. We just need to be more disciplined on the defensive end.”

#The bright spot for Dame Doris Johhnson came from Sheldon Nelson with 10 points, He was the only player in double figures, Stephen Robiunson followed with four, while Jeffery Musgrove had three and Matthew Cezalien, Keron Walderon and Treyon Wilson all added two.

#It was the third straight loss for the Mystic Marlins, but coach Kevon Spence said his young squad will have to use this season as a learning experience.

#“We played against a very well seasoned team and they played extremely well,” Spence said. “We played as best as we could, but when you are so young, you can only expect so much from them. We will get better from the experience as the season progresses.”

#Timberwolves 27, Mystic Marlins 22

#Tied at 21-21 at the end of regulation, Anatol Rodgers went on a 6-1 scoring spree in the extra period, thanks to two consecutive baskets from Nazariah Taylor and another on the final buzzer from Halley Hall to seal the deal.

#“I think the girls played a lot more aggressive,” said Timberwolves’ coach Theodore Hanna as they won their first game in three outings.

#“I have some 11 graders and some 12 graders, but ther 11 graders are still learning when to dribble the ball and when to pass it and top attack the rim. We still have a lot of learning to do.”

#In getting their first taste of victory this season, Taylor, who produced eight in the first half and four in the fourth quarter, finished with a game high 16 points. Hall had seven and Tyesha Farrington and Diamond Newbold both had two.

#Suvhanna Adderley, Dionntay Roxbury and Elyssa McKenzie all had four in a losing effort for Dame Doris Johnson Bernelle Clarke, who scored the only point on a free throw in overtime, had three.

#“We have some inexperienced players. When it came down to the pressure moments with the game in the balance, the other team got away from us,” said Mystic Marlins’ coach Vandyke Bethel. “When they had a problem with the clock, we were down by one after coming back from being behind by six.

#“But we just let the game slip away from us. That showed the lack of experience on this team. We slacked up on the momentum. We should have put this team away, but they got away from us.”

#Dame Doris Johnson is still looking for their first win of the season.

As of Friday, January 12, 2024

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FROM left, top row, Gerald Gabriel, Ethan Burnside, second row, Jaycob Clarke, Archie Michelmore, bottom row, Aamir Rahming, and Madela Curry.

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#Reloaded Baseball celebrated its first year in existence last year and after surpassing most of their goals they intend to knock it out the park with regards to development in 2024. Since day one, Reloaded Baseball has been committed to furthering the development of the youth within their programme while elevating their level of play to be on par with international standards. After a successful start for the relatively new baseball club, the plan for 2024 is to kick it into high gear and check off more objectives on the way to their ultimate goal.

#Peron Burnside, president of the Reloaded Baseball programme, was proud of the steps made towards the right direction in 2023 and wants to take it up a notch locally, nationally and internationally in 2024.

#“In 2023 we surpassed our initial objectives which was to host at least one invitational and take the kids to international competition. We actually were able to host two invitationals one around Easter and later in October which we had over 30 teams compete in including some Family Islands. It was very successful from a development standpoint; the kids got a lot of reps in. We did our travel ball and hammered down development every week of the year,” Burnside said.

#The programme saw their kids compete at their first international event in July at the 10U Perfect Game Florida Summer Select Championship Open in Sanford, Florida. Additionally, Reloaded Baseball had 24 players selected to compete at the Perfect Game 2023 Series Texas Challenge last December.

#“In 2024 we want to surpass that because the ultimate goal is to take the kids to international standards. We are now gonna tap into a lot of international entities who are interested in engaging us in developing which comes with camps, training and competitive play. You are going to see Reloaded doing a lot of international engagements to take it to the next level,” the Reloaded Baseball president said.

#Some of the international interests on the radar for the programme will include the team traveling to United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) tournaments in Georgia and South Florida this summer. Also, Jovon Edwards, of Palm Beach Select, will join the Reloaded team to conduct a pitchers and catchers camp following the third Reloaded Invitational set for March 29 to April 1. The programme has also garnered attention from high school scouts and coaches abroad who intend to play at the open invitational.

#The four-day event will not only see international teams in competition but also clubs from the Family Islands. Reloaded Baseball has made it a point of emphasis to partner with Family Islands to aid in their development and establish more opportunities for interactive play.

#“We went into Freeport and spoke with both leagues and we are now planning a weekend tournament between Reloaded teams and the teams in Freeport. They wanted to see how we can interactively come to Freeport to help with the training of the kids. They have been following our programme and are impressed with what we have done in such a short time,”

#“We donated some equipment to Abaco to Troy Feaste and his crew and we are also building a pitching mound to send over there to them because pitchers are at a disadvantage. We have Long Island, Exuma, San Salvador, Cat Island, Andros, Bimini, Freeport, Eleuthera and Abaco and we are trying to see how we can enhance and help them with their development initiatives in conjunction with what we are doing,” Burnside said.

#Another initiative carried out by Reloaded Baseball was the addition of softball to their programme late last year. The sport is being spearheaded by Stephen “Bishop” Beneby and is set to experience great progress in 2024.

#“We had an overwhelming response for softball and have now added a few more coaches to assist Stephen “Bishop” Beneby. The registration for our softball programme involves high school teams coming on board. Also; the coach of the Venezuela national team will be coming down to do some camps with our kids to reach our ultimate goal. A lot more is coming for Reloaded Softball,” he said.

#The Reloaded Baseball/Softball executive team members are ready for a prosperous 2024.

As of Thursday, January 11, 2024

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#The International Elite Sports Academy 2024 signing class will feature Bohan Adderley and Javado “JT” Bain Jr who are both looking to take the next step on their baseball journeys. Adderley has committed to the New York Mets, while Bain will sign with the Toronto Blue Jays. The two I-Elite prospects will make their signings official with the respective teams next week Monday and Tuesday.

#Adderley, who plays as a centre fielder and shortstop, is grateful to embark on his new path with the Mets.

#“It feels great because I know that the team is invested in me and they have a plan for me. I feel safe going there because it feels like it is not just any pick but they actually like me and want to see the best version of me,” he said.

#Although the 6-foot-3 shortstop, who is also right handed, will now enter a new arena, he has some expectations for himself as he prepares for his next sporting milestone.

#“My goals are to be a leader on the team, leading the team and just being the best teammate that I can be to my teammates. Also, I want to be the best player for all the other coaches and the organisation and of course make it to the big leagues,” he said.

#With the foundation set by the I-Elite Sports Academy, including the various opportunities for exposure via frequent traveling, allowing players to display their talent at showcases and placing emphasis on training, Adderley was thankful for their continued support.

#“It was continuous trips over the summer and sometimes in the fall which allowed for scouts to see us play in games and showcases. They definitely put a lot of effort into us whether it was food, gym and training. It was a lot of effort put into us so they helped a lot,” he said.

#The swift shortstop offered a special thanks to his family for their support over the years leading up to this momentous occasion.

#Bain, who is an infielder and outfielder, narrowed his list of teams, which included the St Louis Cardinals and the Boston Red Sox, down to the Blue Jays. He was excited to start the new experience which not only involves baseball but more opportunities for travel and meeting new people.

#“It feels great I am very excited and waiting to see this new chapter of my life and where exactly it is going to take me. I wanted to sign with the Blue Jays because of their development and my teammates,” he said.

#The 5-foot-7 Class of 2024 prospect credited the work of I-Elite Sports Academy in helping him get to this next step.

#“They were consistent with the showcases and making sure the scouts saw me. They paid a lot of attention to me and they flew scouts down to see me. Because I come from I-Elite I like to push. I know I have to work harder and be consistent to continue to prove myself to everyone,” he said. The duo will complete their signings next week beginning with Bain at the Andre Rodgers National Baseball Stadium on Monday followed by Adderley at the Charlottesville ClubHouse on Tuesday.

As of Thursday, January 11, 2024

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Dr Kent Bazard

#In the world of professional sports, injuries are an unfortunate and often inevitable part of an athlete’s journey. Whether it’s a torn ligament on the basketball court, a strained muscle during a game, or a debilitating stress fracture, these injuries can have profound physical and psychological implications. However, there’s an often-underestimated ally that plays a crucial role in the recovery process – sports psychology.

#Understanding the Psychological Impact of Sports Injuries

#When a high-profile athlete like Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets suffers a significant injury, the spotlight is often on the physical aspect of the damage. Yet, what’s equally impactful is the psychological toll. These athletes invest not just their bodies but their entire identities into their sport.

#An injury can evoke emotions like shock, anger, frustration, and even depression. The fear of losing one’s competitive edge or disappointing their team looms large, and uncertainty about the future can be daunting.

#Real-Life Resilience: Kevin Durant’s Inspiring Comeback

#Kevin Durant’s journey back to the basketball court after a devastating Achilles tendon injury is a prime example of the profound role that sports psychology plays in injury rehabilitation. In 2019, Durant faced an injury that had the potential to alter the trajectory of his career. The physical aspect was daunting, but the mental challenge was equally formidable.

#Durant’s recovery was not merely about the physical therapy and rehab; it was about fortifying his mindset. With the guidance of a sports psychologist, he adopted a growth mindset.

#He saw his injury as an opportunity to become mentally tougher, more determined, and resilient. Instead of fixating on setbacks, he focused on what he could control—his attitude and unwavering dedication to the recovery process.

#Goal Setting and Visualisation

#Durant worked closely with sports psychologists to set comprehensive and realistic goals for his recovery. These goals encompassed not only physical milestones but also critical mental attributes like confidence and resilience.

#Visualisation techniques helped him mentally rehearse his triumphant return to the basketball court, enhancing his confidence and alleviating anxiety.

#Managing Fear and Anxiety

#Fear of re-injury is a common concern for athletes returning from significant injuries. In Durant’s case, sports psychologists equipped him with a toolbox of techniques to manage anxiety and fear, allowing him to regain his competitive edge without hesitation.

#Social Support and Communication

#Throughout his rehabilitation journey, Durant highlighted the importance of open communication with his teammates, coaches, and support systems. This maintained his sense of belonging and prevented feelings of isolation during the challenging recovery process.

#Returning to Play: Beyond Physical Rehabilitation

#While physical rehabilitation is a critical aspect, sports psychology helped Durant prepare mentally for his triumphant return to the basketball court. It involved building unwavering confidence, managing performance anxiety, and gracefully handling the immense pressure to perform at the highest level.

#A Testament to Sports Psychology

#Kevin Durant’s remarkable journey serves as a testament to the indispensable role of sports psychology in injury rehabilitation. It exemplifies how the right mindset, goal setting, and mental resilience can heal not only the body but also fortify the mind. As athletes confront adversity, the guidance of sports psychologists becomes the bridge not just to recovery but also to reaching new heights in their careers.

#• 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 Thursday, January 11, 2024

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#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#The Nassau Netball Club is looking to expand their membership in the upcoming months. Netball, a sport primarily played by women, can be considered a non-traditional sport in The Bahamas but the Nassau Netball Club is hoping to mount a resurgence not only in the sport but in various communities.

#Marisa Mustard, coach at the Nassau Netball Club, shared some of the benefits in joining the club which was established in 2021.

#“Netball is generally a women’s sport. It is similar to basketball but it has set positions, with seven people on the team, so it is very team based. A lot of what I want to do with the club is to have an opportunity for girls and women to get fit and active, have a bit of a social atmosphere, while being able to get back into sports and maintain their fitness,” Mustard said.

#The club is open to women 18 and over. They usually train on Wednesdays from 6.30 to 8pm at the Windsor School. For anyone interested, sessions are typically priced at $10 each week.

#Next Wednesday will be a special one for the Nassau Netball Club as members of the public have an opportunity to try out a free session along with a friend. Individuals with experience and those without are encouraged to join in on the camaraderie among women while getting active.

#With approximately 18 members in total since their start in 2021, a major goal of the Nassau Netball Club is to recruit more members in 2024.

#“I would like to keep building in numbers,” Mustard said. “Ideally I want to be able to have sessions in the West and in the East. However, it is proving to be challenging in terms of facilities in the East with lights so that we could train in the evening. I just want the club to continue growing so as many women as possible can get the opportunity to get in the sport and back to being active within a social atmosphere for a positive experience.”

#The Bahamas had a women’s national netball team which competed at the 1971 and 1979 World Netball Championships. The team was also in action at the 1976 and 1977 Caribbean Games, but since then, netball has been a sport of the past.

#Individuals interested in joining the experience with the Nassau Netball Club on Wednesday can contact 242-820-9767 for more information.

#As previously mentioned, next week Wednesday the club will host a free “Bring a Friend” session at the Windsor School.

As of Thursday, January 11, 2024

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INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION: The Bahamas Youth Flag Football League (BYFFL) closed out their 2023 season with three teams competing at the USA Flag Youth World Championships in San Antonio, Texas. Ultimately, all teams came up short in the elimination round with one of the teams advancing to the semifinals.

#By TENAJH SWEETING

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

#The new year is set to be a promising one for the Bahamas Youth Flag Football League (BYFFL) with lots of development initiatives on the horizon. After making great strides in 2023 including youth football clinics, an inaugural high school tournament along with international play at the USA Flag Football World Championship in December, the youth league is expecting to take things a step further in 2024.

#Jayson Clarke, programme director of the BYFFL, said they have wasted no time in starting their development exercises beginning with an offensive camp which got underway this month.

#“We have started the year off already with a free offensive camp during the month of January. We are gonna hit the ground running this year. Although we just returned from Texas last week there are a lot of things we have planned. We have a full year of activities and this is actually the fullest calendar we have ever had. To increase our development and level of play we already have two camps scheduled,” Clarke said

#Among some of the events expected to be on the 2024 BYFFL calendar will be the second edition of the high school flag football tournament. The event, which was introduced last year, saw St Augustine’s College High School take home the trophy for the under-14 division. Meanwhile, Kingsway Academy hoisted the first championship trophy for the inaugural tourney in the 14 and over division.

#“We did introduce the first high school tournament and that is also on our calendar for this year in April. We have already reached out to all of the schools that participated last year and we have an additional two schools who have already said they want to participate. We are working on some promotional material to invite some other schools,” the programme director said.

#In the latter part of 2023, the BYFFL partnered with the Barracudas Flag Football Club in Harbour Island to host a youth clinic. However, in 2024, Clarke is expecting to expand their presence throughout the Family Islands starting with Eleuthera and Freeport with the long term goal of having nationals for the sporting discipline.

#“We started to work with Eleuthera and there is a team in Harbour Island right now working and we are partnering with them so they intend to be a part of the high school tournament. We have also reached out to Freeport as well as it relates to youth flag. We are looking to expand youth flag being played across more and more islands,” he said.

#Additional plans for the year will include the implementation of a spring and fall season due to high demand to allow the young athletes to play more and aid in their development.

#The 2024 BYFFL schedule of events is slated to be released in upcoming weeks.