Home|Sports|Johnson looking to introduce national sports academySports

Sheldon LongleySend an emailAugust 28, 2023 50 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

BUDAPEST, Hungary – Not only did The Bahamas not win a medal in Budapest, but there was no relay team from the country for the third successive world outdoor championships. It’s an unwelcome occurrence given the country’s rich history with relay running, and particularly not a good sign with the world relays set to return to The Bahamas in 2024.

What kind of representation will The Bahamas have at the 2024 World Relay Championships at home, and will it be good enough to qualify relay teams for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. The top 14 teams in the men and women’s 4×100 meters (m) relay, the men and women’s 4x400m relay, and the mixed relay, from the world relays, will qualify for Paris.

Convinced that an aggressive agenda needs to be pursued, chairman of the World Relays Bahamas 2024 Dr. Daniel Johnson said that the planned implementation of a national sports academy will go a long way in ensuring success for The Bahamas in the relays both at the world relays at home and the Paris Olympic Games.

The World Relays Bahamas 2024 is set for May 4-5, 2024, at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium in New Providence, The Bahamas. The 2024 Olympics will be held July 26 to August 11, in Paris, France.

“This was really impressive what happened here in Budapest, and now all eyes are turning to The Bahamas for next year’s world relays. That will be our fourth edition of The Bahamas’ world relays, and we have to make sure it’s a fantastic event. Everyone is talking about it,” said Johnson, a former minister of youth, sports and culture. “We’re building around the world relays, planning some special events to the extent that no one has ever seen in sports.”

Johnson said the creation of the national sports academy, inclusive of a talent search from as early as next month, would pave the way for a respectable performance for the host nation at the world relays.

“When you look at other small island developing states around the world, they have really done well with national sports academies where they bring in expert assistance about twice per month. We are endeavoring for The Bahamas to have its national sports academy for the purpose of building better national teams,” said Johnson. “The one that jumps out at us right now is the world relays. As soon as next month, I believe that we have to start getting relay teams ready to compete. The people are out there. We just have to get them together in a structured environment and get them ready to run. We have the stars already.”

The Bahamas will have a golden opportunity to qualify relay teams for next year’s Olympics, just having to finish in the top 14 at the world relays at home next year. Johnson said it’s a situation that has to be taken advantage of, and the national sports academy, will pave the way.

Johnson said the idea behind the academy is to bring in college coaches to work with Bahamian athletes in assisting with their development. He said that could commence as early as next month. Already, a couple of Bahamian coaches in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) system have pledged their support – Rolando ‘Lonnie’ Greene who is the head athletics coach at the University of Kentucky, and Leevan Sands who is an assistant coach with responsibility for jumps with Florida State University (FSU).

Johnson said following the world relays in May of next year, it would be the intention for the national sports academy to branch off into other areas and other sports.

“We have to begin with a specific goal in mind, which is a fantastic showing at the world relays; but after that, there are sports like baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball and others that need attention,” said Johnson. “To all of our national and elite athletes who need sports science, discipline training, injury prevention and sports psychology, we invite you to get on board. We will begin exposing them to this on the national level, and at the end of the day, have teams training at home.”

Just one Bahamian relay team qualified for the Budapest World Championships, the women’s 4x100m relay, but that team was unable to compete due to a conflicting schedule between one of the lead runners and her individual event, injuries to others, and simply a lack of legs.

The 19th World Athletics Championships wrapped up at the National Athletics Stadium in Budapest, Hungary, on Sunday. There were just two finalists for The Bahamas – Devynne Charlton who was fourth in the women’s 100m hurdles in 12.52 seconds, and Anthonique Strachan who was sixth in the women’s 200m in 22.29 seconds.

Unlocking athletic performance: Essential role of fats in an athlete’s diet

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.

Grand Bahama Amateur Boxing Association president Jermaine Gibson presents Geddet Williams with her certified coaching certificate.

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.”

President Vincent Strachan presents coaching certification to Keishno Major.

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.

 Home|Sports|Fourth in the worldSports

Sheldon LongleySend an emailAugust 25, 2023 35 3 minute readFacebookTwitterLinkedInShare via Email

BUDAPEST, Hungary – Devynne Charlton produced her best ever finish at the world outdoor championships, finishing fourth in the women’s 100 meters (m) hurdles at the 19th World Athletics Championships at the National Athletics Stadium in Budapest, Hungary, on Thursday.

The rising Bahamian star was a bit shaken and disappointed for missing out on the medal podium, but at the end of the day, no one could complain about her effort. She was so close, and yet so far. It’s a hard pill to swallow for the Bahamian star but there is little doubt that she will be back stronger in the not too distant future.

Charlton produced the best collection of races in her career outdoors and has her highest-ever finish at the world outdoor championships. In fact, it’s the highest-ever finish for any Bahamian in the short hurdles at a major meet outdoors and trails just the bronze, in any hurdles event, by Jeffery Gibson in the men’s 400m hurdles in Beijing, China, in 2015.

Jamaican Danielle Williams was the surprise winner, winning her second world championships title in that event, but eight years in between. She prevailed in 12.43 seconds. Olympic Champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, of Puerto Rico, was close behind, finishing second in 12.44 seconds. American Kendra ‘Keni’ Harrison, the former world record holder, came up short of the top spot at a global outdoor 

championships again, finishing third in 12.46 seconds.

Charlton was right on their tails, finishing fourth in 12.52 seconds. She had a blazing start, so fast that it might have thrown off her steps a bit and she hit the first hurdle. Still, she recovered to produce one of the better races of her life, particularly in the back half of the race when she maintained her form and speed. Charlton was in the mix for much of the race, but the top end speed of Williams, Camacho-Quinn and Harrison eventually caught up with her, passed her, and she had to settle for fourth.

“There are a lot of mixed feelings going on right now,” she said afterwards. “I felt I would be on the podium coming into this meet. I knew that if I was in the mix, I could sneak into the medal picture. I was there; I just made some mistakes early on and I think I paid for it, but I’m happy with the way I fought back. A couple weeks ago, a mistake like the one I made would have taken me out of the race. That just speaks to my strength. I put up three of my best times ever at this meet. I feel like I was in shape to do something big, just didn’t take advantage of the opportunity.”

As she mentioned, it was her best trio of races at any one meet outdoors, and it ended with her fourth-fastest time ever in that event. She ran times of 12.44 seconds, a national record, 12.49 seconds and finally 12.52 seconds at these world championships. Finishing fourth is a hard pill to swallow, but with her progression, there is little doubt that Charlton will once again be in peak form in time for next year’s Olympics in Paris, France.

“Any time I come to a meet like this I’m always fit and always ready. I just need more big races under my belt and I have to get used to being at the front of the pack. I’m happy that I made it to the final, but fourth place, I don’t think there is anything worse,” she said. “I knew I had the best start, bringing so much speed into it and I smashed the first hurdle. If you take that away, I was easily in the medal mix.”

In finishing fourth, Charlton beat some big names in the race. Ackera Nugent, of Jamaica, was fifth in 12.61 seconds, world record holder Tobi Amusan, of Nigeria, followed in 12.62 seconds, Ditaji Kambundji, of Switzerland, was seventh, in 12.70 seconds, and 2019 World Champion Nia Ali, of the United States, brought up the rear, in 12.78 seconds.

Charlton said she’s thankful for all the prayers and support she has received. It was her fourth straight global final and fifth in the last six, indoors and outdoors. Outdoors, it was her third straight appearance in the women’s 100m hurdles final, and her highest finish, counting the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 Eugene World Championships. She was sixth in Tokyo and seventh in Eugene.

“I saw the well wishes and the congratulations. I am so happy and proud to represent The Bahamas and I’m so thankful for everyone who supported me. It means so much,” she said. “I knew that I had a whole nation behind me and that’s a great feeling.”

At 27, Charlton has a long way to go in the sport. She has no plans of slowing down any time soon, and could very well be among the favorites going into next year’s Olympics in Paris, France.

The sky is the limit for Charlton.

 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.