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Caribbean Roots Tennis Star Completes First Major Win In four Year

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 28, 2024: Caribbean heritage tennis star Naomi Osaka is back at the US Open, securing her first major win in more than four years by defeating top-10 player Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia. After openly discussing the mental health challenges she faced since returning from maternity leave, Osaka rediscovered her form with a commanding first-round victory.

Caribbean heritage tennis star, Naomi Osaka reacts to defeating Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia in the first round on Day 2 of the US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 27, 2024 in New York City (Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images)

The Japanese-Haitian star also made a fashion statement during her match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, Queens. Dressed in a custom Nike outfit featuring a green ruffled skirt with a white bow tied around her waist, the four-time Grand Slam champion showcased resilience far beyond her wardrobe. Despite a challenging season, Osaka proved she wasn’t giving up easily.

Naomi Osaka of Japan appears to cry after beating Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia in a U.S. Open women’s singles first-round tennis match in New York on Aug. 27, 2024. (Photo by Kyodo News via Getty Images)

In front of a packed crowd at Louis Armstrong Stadium on August 27, Osaka exuded positivity and determination as she took down her Latvian opponent—also a Grand Slam champion—who had 11 more match wins than Osaka this year.

Fighting back tears, Osaka spoke emotionally after the match, moved by the audience’s standing ovation. “I so badly wanted to step on these courts again,” she shared. “I didn’t know if I could. … Just to win this match, just to be in this atmosphere, means so much to me.”

Osaka’s performance was remarkable, making no unforced errors in the first set and finishing the match with only five, 16 fewer than Ostapenko. Reflecting on her victory, she added with a smile, “I do remember thinking, ‘I need to win this match so I can wear my other color.’ That was very important to me. I guess you’ll see my other color next time.”

Ranked 88th in the world, Osaka had earned a wild card spot in the women’s singles main draw after not qualifying directly. She entered the tournament with an 18-15 record, following her most recent loss in the qualifying rounds of the Cincinnati Open. On Instagram, she candidly discussed the mental struggles she faced since giving birth to her first child, baby Shai, in July 2023.

“I don’t feel like I’m in my body,” Osaka wrote, before signing off with a promise to give it her best as she headed for New York. So far, her hard work appears to be paying off.

Osaka will next face 2023 French Open runner-up Karolina Muchova, who advanced with a 6-3, 7-5 win against Katie Volynets of the U.S.

Osaka and her boyfriend, rapper Cordae, welcomed baby Shai in July 2023. Speaking to Vogue earlier, Osaka shared her excitement about becoming a mother. “Everyone I know that has had a kid, it has changed their life,” she said. “I don’t think I can prepare for it. I think I’m gonna have to go with the flow.”

West Indies Win Over South Africa

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Sun. August 25, 2024: Led by superb bowling performances from Romario Shepherd and Shamar Joseph, the West Indies pulled off a stunning 30-run victory against South Africa, securing the three-match T20 series with a game to spare.

Romario Shepherd (L) of West Indies celebrates the dismissal of Reeza Hendricks of South Africa during the 2nd T20i match between West Indies and South Africa at Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago, on August 25, 2024. (Photo by Randy Brooks / AFP) (Photo by RANDY BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)

After being sent in to bat, West Indies posted a competitive total of 179 for six in their 20 overs at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Sunday.

Ottniel Baartman (L) of South Africa congratulates Matthew Forde (R) of West Indies for winning the 2nd T20i match between West Indies and South Africa at Brian Lara Cricket Academy Stadium in Tarouba, San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago, on August 25, 2024. (Photo by Randy Brooks / AFP) (Photo by RANDY BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)

Man-of-the-Match Shepherd and Joseph then spearheaded a middle-order collapse, taking six wickets between them, as South Africa was bowled out for 149 with just two balls remaining in the match.

This win gave the home side an unassailable 2-0 series lead, following their seven-wicket victory in the opening T20 on Friday.

Despite the eventual outcome, South Africa seemed poised to level the series after a strong start to their run chase. Openers Ryan Rickelton (20) and Reeza Hendricks, who top-scored with 44 off just 18 balls, powered South Africa to 63 in under five overs. Hendricks was especially dominant, hammering off-spinner Roston Chase for two sixes and two fours in an over that yielded 23 runs.

However, Joseph made the breakthrough by having Rickelton caught at deep backward square by Matthew Forde, attempting a pull shot. Shepherd then claimed the crucial wicket of Hendricks, who had struck six fours and two sixes, as the batter dragged a wide ball onto his stumps, leaving South Africa at 71-2 in the sixth over.

Even after Shepherd trapped South African captain Aiden Markram lbw for 19, the visitors appeared in control with Tristan Stubbs and Rassie van der Dussen adding 43 runs, taking their total to 129-3 after 14 overs.

But in a dramatic collapse, South Africa lost their final seven wickets for just 20 runs. Stubbs was caught at long-off by substitute fielder Fabian Allen for 28 off spinner Akeal Hosein, and five runs later, Donovan Ferreira was stumped off the bowling of Gudakesh Motie, reducing South Africa to 134 for five.

Hosein also took the wicket of van der Dussen (17), and when Bjorn Fortuin was bowled by Joseph, the visitors had tumbled to 144 for seven in the 17th over. Shepherd returned to claim his third wicket, with Patrick Kruger caught on the cover boundary by Shai Hope, and Joseph and Forde finished off the tail to seal the win.

Shepherd ended with outstanding figures of 3-15 from his four overs, while Joseph achieved his best-ever T20 figures of 3-31 from his four overs. Hosein contributed with 2-25.

Earlier, after losing the toss and being asked to bat on a flat, dry pitch, the West Indies got off to a steady start with openers Alick Athanaze and Hope putting on 41 runs together. Athanaze became the first of three wickets for South African bowler Lizaad Williams when he was caught at midwicket for 28, attempting a pull shot.

West Indies To Face South Africa Today

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News Americas, New York, NY, Fri. Aug. 23, 2024: West Indies head coach Daren Sammy is determined to transform the regional cricket team from a series-winning side into a championship-winning force ahead of the next T20 World Cup in 2026. As the white-ball head coach, Sammy has set his sights on achieving consistency and excellence, the Windies prepare for their upcoming three-match T20 series against South Africa, which begins today, August 23, 2024 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad.

West Indies men face South Africa in Trinidad from today, Aug. 23, 2024.

Despite the West Indies winning four of their last five T20 series, including a dominant 3-0 sweep over South Africa in May, the team was eliminated at the Super 8 stage of the recent T20 World Cup by the Proteas. Sammy, who led the West Indies to T20 World Cup titles in 2012 and 2016, emphasized the need for consistency and growth if the team aims to reclaim their championship status.

“We need to find ways to continuously evolve and improve. I want us to become a championship-winning team,” Sammy said. “Right now, we are a series-winning team. We play one team over a three or five-game period, and we know what to do, but I want this team to be able to play different opposition in a tournament and deliver every single game.”

Sammy stressed that while the long-term goal is to win championships, the immediate focus is on winning the upcoming series against South Africa. “I wouldn’t call it revenge, but it’s a great opportunity for us to regroup and refocus. Winning the series is our main goal, but we also want to fine-tune the areas where we need to improve to win tournaments,” he added.

The three-match T20 series against South Africa will run from August 23 to 27, 2024, in Trinidad. The West Indies squad for the series includes:

Rovman Powell (Captain)

Roston Chase (Vice-Captain)

Alick Athanaze

Johnson Charles

Matthew Forde

Shimron Hetmyer

Fabian Allen

Shai Hope

Akeal Hosein

Shamar Joseph

Obed McCoy

Gudakesh Motie

Nicholas Pooran

Sherfane Rutherford

Romario Shepherd

With Sammy’s vision and leadership, the West Indies will be looking to build momentum, starting with the series against South Africa, as they set their sights on future championships.

Caribbean Roots Runners Win Gold for Canada

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 10, 2024: Immigrants make the world go round. Caribbean roots sprinters Aaron Brown, Jerome Blake, Brendon Rodney, and Andre De Grasse gave Canadians something to cheer about on Friday as they claimed gold in the Men’s 4x100m Relay final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The team clocked an impressive 37.50 seconds, securing the top spot on the podium.

Caribbean roots Aaron Brown, Jerome Blake, Brendon Rodney, Andre De Grasse of Canada celebrate after competing in the Men’s 4 x 100m Relay final during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Team Canada placed first winning the gold medal. (Photo by Andrea Staccioli/Insidefoto/LightRocket via Getty Images)

This same Canadian team previously competed at the 2020 Tokyo Games, where they initially finished third with a time of 37.70 seconds. They were later upgraded to a silver medal after one of Great Britain’s relay members tested positive for performance-enhancing substances. The quartet also teamed up at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, where they won gold with a world-leading time of 37.48 seconds.

The runners have strong Caribbean roots. Aaron Brown, 32, has Jamaican heritage through his father, Ian. Brown is the second of three children and married his college sweetheart, Preeya, in February 2020. Their son, Kingsley, was born in January 2021.

Jerome Blake, 28, was born in Buff Bay, Jamaica. Initially a 400m hurdler, he transitioned to sprinting after moving to Canada with his family in 2013. Blake became a Canadian citizen in 2018.

Brendon Rodney, 32, was born in Etobicoke, Canada, to Jamaican parents, Basil Rodney and Nerissa Maxwell. Rodney is committed to giving back to Jamaican athletes through his Life Beyond Sports Foundation, which provides scholarships to students at the GC Foster College of Physical Education and Sport in Jamaica.

Andre De Grasse, 29, was born in Scarborough, Ontario, to a Trinidadian mother, Beverley De Grasse, and a Barbadian father, Alexander Waithe. De Grasse and his wife, American hurdler Nia Ali, have two children, Yuri, born in June 2018, and another child born in May 2021.

Other athletes with Caribbean roots also found success at the 2024 Olympics, including the US’ Gabby Thomas and Great Britain’s Matthew Hudson-Smith.

Caribbean Athletes Shine at 2024 Olympics, Securing Over 20 Medals

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 10, 2024: The Caribbean has concluded the 2024 Paris Olympic Games with an impressive combined haul of 23 medals, leaving sports fans across the region and its diasporas beaming with pride. Athletes from seven Caribbean nations showcased their exceptional talent, contributing to this remarkable achievement.

Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia became the world’s fastest woman at the Paris Olympics. (Photo by Li Gang/Xinhua via Getty Images)

Leading the region’s medal tally was Cuba, which earned eight medals, including two gold, one silver, and five bronze. Cuban boxer Erislandy Alvarez Borges clinched gold in the Men’s 63.5kg boxing match, while Mijain Lopez Nunez secured gold in the Men’s Greco-Roman 130kg wrestling. Other notable performances from Cuba include Gabriel Alejandro Rosillo Kindelan’s bronze in the Men’s Greco-Roman 97kg wrestling, Arlen Lopez Cardona’s bronze in the Men’s 80kg boxing, and Yusneylis Guzman Lopez’s silver in the Women’s Freestyle 50kg swimming. Additional bronze medals were won by Yarisleidis Cirilo Duboys in the Women’s Canoe Single 200-m, Rafael Alba in the Men’s Taekwondo +80kg, and Luis Alberto Orta Sanchez in the Men’s Greco-Roman 67kg.

Gold Medalist Erislandy Alvarez Borges of Team Cuba with his gold medal on the podium as the Cuban national anthem plays during the Boxing Men’s 63.5kg medal ceremony after the Boxing Men’s 63.5kg Final match on day twelve of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Roland Garros on August 07, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Mustafa Ciftci/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Jamaica followed closely with six medals: one gold, three silver, and two bronze. The nation celebrated its first gold medal on August 7, thanks to Roje Stona’s victory in the Men’s Discus Throw. Earlier, silver medals were earned by Kishane Thompson in the Men’s 100m, Wayne Pinnock in the Men’s Long Jump, and Shanieka Ricketts in the Women’s Triple Jump. Jamaica also took home bronze medals from Rajindra Campbell in the Men’s Shot Put and Rasheed Broadbell in the Men’s 110m Hurdles.

Roje Stona of Team Jamaica poses with his Gold medal from the Men’s Discus Throw on day thirteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 08, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

St. Lucia made history by winning its first-ever Olympic medals, both earned by Julien Alfred. She captured gold in the Women’s 100m, claiming the title of the World’s Fastest Woman on August 3, and followed up with a silver in the Women’s 200m.

Dominica also secured its first Olympic medal, a gold, won by Thea LaFond in the Women’s Triple Jump.

The Dominican Republic celebrated a successful campaign, with Marileidy Paulino taking gold in the Women’s 400m. Yunior Alcantara Reyes and Cristian Javier Pinales added to the tally with bronze medals in the Men’s 51kg and Men’s 80kg boxing matches, respectively, bringing the country’s total to three medals.

Grenada’s athletes earned two bronze medals: Lindon Victor in the Men’s Decathlon and Anderson Peters in the Men’s Javelin Throw.

Puerto Rico also contributed to the Caribbean‘s medal count with Jasmine Camacho-Quinn securing bronze in the Women’s 100m Hurdles.

As the Olympics draw to a close on August 11, the Caribbean can take great pride in the achievements of its athletes, who have once again demonstrated their prowess on the world stage. The closing ceremony, featuring performances by Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, will begin at 3 p.m. ET on NBC, with an encore telecast available for U.S. viewers during prime time.

Great Britain’s Matthew Hudson-Smith Celebrates Caribbean Roots

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News Americas, PARIS, France, Thurs. Aug. 8, 2024: Great Britain’s Matthew Hudson-Smith may have cursed his bad luck at losing the gold medal to the US’ Quincy Hall, but he did find time to celebrate his silver medal and Caribbean roots.

Hudson-Smith, 29, proudly held up both the British and Jamaican flags during his lap of honor after the 400-meter final. He finished with a silver medal and a European best time of 43.44. “I haven’t seen both my Jamaican grandmothers in a while, so I held the Jamaican flag as an ‘I love you’ to them,” he stated.

Caribbean roots Matthew Hudson-Smith of Great Britain holds both the British and Jamaican flags after his silver medal in the Men’s 400m Final during Day 12 of Athletics – Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 7, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Andy Astfalck/BSR Agency/Getty Images)

Hudson-Smith’s parents are reportedly from Hanover, Jamaica. They surprised him by showing up at the stadium for his race and were there to wipe away his tears after his four-second loss to Hall.

Once an academy footballer at Wolves who also worked at a supermarket, Hudson-Smith received a late call-up to the 2014 Glasgow Diamond League and seized his opportunity by running under 45 seconds for the first time. He went on to win European silver at the age of 19. Driven to maximize his potential, he undertook a significant change in 2017 by relocating his training to Florida, temporarily living with US sprint star Noah Lyles.

That move came after placing last in the final on his Olympic debut in Rio, a remarkable feat itself after recovering from several stress fractures to make the team. Just a year later, he won his first individual international title at the European Championships, but his promising trajectory was abruptly halted.

A series of physical issues led Hudson-Smith to accrue substantial debt due to medical costs and a loss of sponsors, before injury ended his hopes of competing at the Tokyo Olympics. These events coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, and Hudson-Smith struggled with his mental health through three years of “absolute hell” as he remained isolated from his family in the United States.

It was not until the 2022 World Championships, overcome with emotion after claiming his first individual global medal, that he revealed the true depths of his darkest days. At his lowest, Hudson-Smith attempted suicide.

Speaking after winning his Olympic silver, Hudson-Smith said: “I saw everyone in the crowd, they were all proud. They know what I have been through. They know that it has been a rough journey. Incredible highs and deep, deep lows.”

Caribbean Athletes Bag 16 Medals At 2024 Paris Olympics to Date

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 8, 2024: Caribbean athletes from six countries have given the region and its Diaspora much to cheer about, securing 16 medals to date at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Mijain Lopez Nunez of Cuba celebrates after winning the wrestling men’s Greco-Roman 130-kilogram competition at the Paris Olympics at Mars Arena on August 6, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Kadir Caliskan – United World Wrestling/Getty Images)

Cuba and Jamaica lead the medal tally with five medals each. Cuba has earned two gold medals, one silver, and two bronze. Erislandy Alvarez Borges took gold in the Men’s 63.5kg boxing match, while Mijain Lopez Nunez won gold in the Men’s Greco-Roman 130kg wrestling match. Gabriel Alejandro Rosillo Kindelan earned bronze in the Men’s Greco-Roman 97kg wrestling match, and Arlen Lopez Cardona also won bronze in the Men’s 80kg boxing competition. Yusneylis Guzman Lopez is the only woman to medal for Cuba so far, securing a silver in the Women’s Freestyle 50kg swimming competition.

Roje Stona of Jamaica stands with his new record after winning gold at the end of the Men’s Discus Throw final on day twelve of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 7, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)

Jamaica secured its first gold medal on August 7, with Roje Stona’s win in the Men’s Discus Throw. This adds to the silver medals won by Kishane Thompson in the Men’s 100m on August 3, Wayne Pinnock in the Men’s Long Jump, and Shanieka Ricketts in the Women’s Triple Jump. Rajindra Campbell rounds out Jamaica’s medal tally with a bronze in the Men’s Shot Put on August 3.

Silver medallist Jamaica’s Wayne Pinnock celebrates on the podium during the victory ceremony for the men’s long jump athletics event during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on August 7, 2024. (Photo by ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty Images)

St. Lucia celebrated its first-ever Olympic medals, both won by Julien Alfred. She claimed the title of World’s Fastest Woman on August 3 by winning the Women’s 100m and also took silver in the Women’s 200m race.

Dominica secured its first Olympic medal ever, a gold, won by Thea La Fond in the Women’s Triple Jump.

The Dominican Republic’s Yunior Alcantara Reyes and Cristian Javier Pinales both bagged bronze in the Men’s 51kg and Men’s 80kg boxing matches, respectively.

Grenada’s Lindon Victor won his country’s only medal so far, a bronze in the Men’s Decathlon.

These achievements highlight the incredible talent and determination of Caribbean athletes, showcasing their dedication and excellence on the world stage. As the 2024 Paris Olympic Games continue, the region remains hopeful for more victories and inspiring performances from its athletes.

Like Kamala Harris, Gabby Thomas Too Has Caribbean Roots

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. Aug. 7, 2024: American sprinter Gabby Thomas thrilled many and disappointed others when she won gold in the women’s 200-m finals at the 2024 Olympics Games in Paris Tuesday. But did you know that Thomas, like Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic Presidential hopeful, has Caribbean roots too?

US sprint start Gabrielle Thomas reacts to winning gold in the women’s 200m Final on Day 11 of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 6, 2024 in Saint-Denis, France.
Thomas has roots in the Caribbean. (Photo by Henk Jan Dijks/Marcel ter Bals/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)

Thomas’ dad, Desmond Thomas, is Jamaican-American while his dad, like Harris’ dad, was born in Jamaica. Desmond Thomas enjoyed a football career at Duke University and had a brief career as a defensive back, appearing in games for the Blue Devils in 1995. He now lives in Chicago.

Gabby Thomas was born on Dec. 7, 1996, in Atlanta. Her mother, Jennifer Randall, is an African-American who earned a PhD from Emory University in 2007 and worked as a professor at UMass Amherst. In 2007, Randall moved the family to Massachusetts to teach at the University of Massachusetts. She now works as the Dunn Family Endowed Professor of Psychometrics and Test Development at the University of Michigan’s School of Education.

Gabby Thomas has given props to her Jamaican roots. Ahead of the Monaco leg of the Wanda Diamond League last year she stated: “Everyone knows that I am Jamaican because I do believe that that’s where I get my fast roots from. I’m just not going to sugarcoat it that’s what it is,” she had put it straight.

“My grandfather is actually Jamaican,” she added. “He lives there and he is from there and then my dad didn’t grow up in Jamaica, but he is Jamaican and he always liked to bring the culture home with me .. um make sure that I was proud to be Jamaican.”

Initially a softball and soccer player, Gabby Thomas joined the track and field team at the Williston Northampton School. Inspired by Allyson Felix, she set multiple school records and was named the most valuable player each year. A Harvard University graduate, Thomas studied neurobiology and global health, later earning a master’s degree in epidemiology from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston in 2023.

During her time at Harvard, Thomas won 22 conference titles and set records in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and indoor 60 meters. She turned professional in October 2018, signing with New Balance.

Thomas faced a health scare in 2021 with a benign tumor on her liver but went on to represent the U.S. in the 200m at the Tokyo Olympics. Her 21.61-second finish at the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials was the second-fastest ever at the time.

Gold for Gabrielle Thomas of the USA with Caribbean roots, silver for Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia, bronze for Brittany Brown of USA during the Athletics Women’s 200m Final on Day 11 of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 6, 2024 in Saint-Denis, France. (Photo by Henk Jan Dijks/Marcel ter Bals/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)

In March 2022, she started her outdoor season with the fastest-ever season opener by any female sprinter in the 200m at the Texas Relays in Austin. Despite a hamstring injury in June 2022, she returned strong, setting a personal record of 49.68 seconds in the 400-m in April 2023. She became the U.S. national champion in the women’s 200m in July 2023 and won silver at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, contributing to Team USA’s gold in the women’s 4×100-m relay.

Gabby Thomas qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics by winning the U.S. Olympic Trials 200m race and went on to win gold in the 200m at the final pre-Olympic Diamond League meeting. At the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, she clinched gold in the 200-m women’s race with a time of 21.83 seconds, finishing ahead of Caribbean sprint star and world’s fastest woman, St. Lucian Julien Alred.

Caribbean Athletes Shine At Paris 2024 Olympics

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 5, 2024: St. Lucian born sprinter Julien Alfred and Dominica-born Thea La Fond made history for their individual countries on August 3rd in Paris while uniting Caribbean nationals globally in joy and celebration as other athletes kept the small region shining at the Paris 2024 Olympics and in the winning circle.

Gold medalist Julien Alfred of Team Saint Lucia celebrates on the podium during Women’s 100m medal ceremony on day nine of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 4, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Kevin Voigt/GettyImages)

St. Lucian born sprinter Julien Alfred is now the fastest woman in the world, winning the finals of the women’s 100-m and besting the much-touted American runner, Sha’Carri Richardson at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de France in Saint-Denis.

Gold medalist Thea Lafond of Dominica gestures during the women’s triple jump medal ceremony on Day 9 of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 4, 2024 in Saint-Denis, France. (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

La Fond, meanwhile, produced her gold winning leap on her second attempt, adding to her triumph at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow earlier this year while erasing the disappointment at last year’s World Championship in Budapest when she finished fifth. The 30-year-old produced a new national record 15.02 metres in the women’s triple jump, to also clinch her country’s maiden medal at an Olympic Games and spark similar euphoria in Roseau.

ALFRED

“It feels amazing to be honest. After waking up this morning I wrote it down: Julien Alfred – Olympic champion,” Alfred told reporters after the win. “So I think just believing in myself and trusting that I could do it is what really mattered to me. I’m going through the motions right now – it hasn’t sunk in yet. I had to go out there, trust myself, trust my coach and most importantly trust God.”

Alfred won in a time of 10.72 to Richardson’s 10.87. American Melissa Jefferson took bronze (10.92). For her home country, it’s the first Olympic medal of any kind. Alfred, 23, also set a new national record of 10.72 s. She is coached by Edrick Floreal, the man behind the rich athletic careers of athletes like Rhasidat Adeleke and Leo Neugebauer.

Born in the south Castries community of Ciceron, Julien Alfred attended Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School in Saint Lucia from 2013 to 2015, and then moved to Jamaica at age 14 where she attended the St. Catherine High School from 2015 to 2018. She then pursued a bachelor’s degree in Youth & Community Studies at the University of Texas in the United States, balancing her academic and athletic commitments.

St Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre celebrated Alfred’s achievement, posting on his Facebook page: “Today is great day for OECS member states and the people of the Caribbean! In one day Saint Lucia and Dominica have created history by winning our first Olympic medal and bringing home the GOLD. 

“Congratulations to Saint Lucia’s very own, Julien Alfred for winning gold in the Women’s 100m …”

LA FOND

“This season wasn’t easy but we did it when it mattered and that’s what counts,” La Fond said. “All that matters is what happened tonight.”

Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit was quick to congratulate La Fond on the behalf of a grateful nation.

“Your outstanding accomplishment on the global stage fills our nation with immense pride and joy,” he wrote on his Facebook page. “We celebrate your success and hope that your dedication and perseverance will inspire future generations of athletes in Dominica. Thank you for always representing our country with such grace and dignity. Your triumph in Paris stands among our proudest moments as a nation!”

JAMAICA

Silver medalist Shanieka Ricketts of Team Jamaica celebrates on the podium during Women’s Triple Jump medal ceremony on day nine of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 04, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

While Jamaican fans globally were stunned by news that three-time Olympic gold medallist, Jamaican Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and Shericka Jackson, the reigning World 200 metres champion, had pulled out of their races, fans still had something to cheer about both on August 3rd and August 4th.

On August 3rd, Shanieka Ricketts measured a season-best 14.87 to finish with silver in the triple jump while Rajindra Campbell took bronze in the men’s shot put with a mark of 22.15 metres.

AGONY

Kishane Thompson of Jamaica reacts after the Men’s 100m Final on day nine of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 04, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Christian Liewig – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

There was anguish for Jamaican fans again on August 5th when Kishane Thompson of Jamaica came agonisingly close to capturing gold in the men’s 100 metres at the Paris Olympics ahead of the boisterous American Noah Lyles.

In one of the closest ever finishes in the event in Olympics history, Thompson and Lyles both clocked 9.79 seconds in a pulsating final that had to be determined by a photo finish.

Lyles’ teammate Fred Kerley won bronze in 9.81 seconds.

Initially, it appeared as though the burly 23-year-old Thompson had crossed the line first. However, following the use of the photo finish technology, Lyles (9.784) was declared the winner ahead of Thompson (9.789).

Lyles, who together with Thompson watched the big screen anxiously as they awaited the winner to be announced, raised his hands in triumph before taking off for a lap of honour around the track when the decision was made.

A dejected looking Thompson could only look on in disbelief. He was hoping to become the first Jamaican man to win the event since Usain Bolt in 2016, got off to a fast start and led the field after 65 metres.

“Honestly it’s not just that I didn’t win the gold, it’s that I didn’t better myself in that sense,” a devastated Thompson said after the final.

GRENADA

Lindon Victor of Grenada celebrates after the men’s decathlon of Athletics at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, Aug. 3, 2024. (Photo by Li Ming/Xinhua via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Grenadian Lindon Victor pulled out the stops to also clinch bronze in the men’s decathlon with 8711 points to put his country on the medal table as of press time on August 5th.  He is just the second athlete – behind Kirani James – to win a medal for Grenada at the Olympics.

His outstanding achievement was recognized by Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dickon Mitchell, who described Victor as “one of the greatest athletes in the world.”

“The Government of Grenada congratulates Mr Lindon Victor, OBE, on his amazing performance at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Government expresses its deepest gratitude to Mr Victor for his continued stellar representation of our nation on the world stage,” a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office stated.

“Once again, Lindon Victor has shown that he is one of the greatest athletes in the world by copping bronze in the decathlon, giving Grenada its first medal at the Paris Olympics.

“His determination and perseverance embody the Grenadian spirit and its testimony to his dedication and persistent pursuit of excellence,” it added.

CUBA/DR

Arlen Lopez Cardona (blue) of Team Cuba during the Men’s 80 kg preliminary round match in the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at North Paris Arena on July 30, 2024 in Paris, France. Cardona won the match. (Photo by Mustafa Ciftci/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Arlen Lopez landed Cuba its first medal of this Olympics, taking bronze in the Men’s 80 KG Boxing competition while Yunior Reyes and Cristian Javier Pinales of the Dominican Republic, also placed their country on the medals table, winning bronze in their Men’s 51 KG and Men’s 80 KG boxing matchups.

Cristian Javier Pinales of Dominican Republic celebrates after winning the Men’s 80kg Quarterfinal match against Gabrijel Veocic of Croatia during the Men’s 80kg Quarterfinal match on day seven of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at North Paris Arena on August 2, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pixsell/MB Media/Getty Images)

Billal BENNAMA of France (red) and Yunior ALCANTARA REYES of Dominican Republic (blue) during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games – Day 9 at North Paris Arena on August 4, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Anthony Dibon/Icon Sport via Getty Images)

As the Olympics continue until August 11th, the Caribbean region proudly celebrates the achievements of its athletes on the global stage.

Did You Know The US’ Olympic Swim Team Coach Was Born In The Caribbean?

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 1, 2024: Anthony Nesty’s role as the US Olympic men’s swimming head coach is a vision fulfilled. Nesty, who was born in the Caribbean Community nation of Suriname, was named head coach last fall. He led the US men’s swim team at the 2024 Paris Olympics in what was a groundbreaking and historic appointment.

Caribbean born Anthony Nesty, Head Coach of Team United States, addresses during the Team United States Swimming press conference ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 24, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Nesty, 56, initially only swam because his father made him. “I didn’t enjoy swimming,” he shared in an interview with TODAY.com recently. “Why he chose swimming, I think, is because of the discipline of the sport. It’s just you and the clock.”

Nesty’s first swim at age five was in Suriname, where he grew up. At the time, the country had only one 50-meter pool. What began as a reluctant activity turned into a distinguished career, culminating in his appointment as the head coach for the men’s Olympic team for the 2024 Games in Paris, making him the first Black person to hold this position in U.S. Olympic swimming history. He previously served as an assistant coach for the Tokyo Games.

“My dad, he had a vision for me,” said Nesty.

Nesty’s journey to the top began with victories in local and regional meets across Suriname, the Caribbean, and South America. His specialty, the butterfly stroke, earned him a gold medal in the 100-meter race at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, making him the first Black male swimmer to win individual gold.

Nesty continued his swimming career at the University of Florida on an athletic scholarship, becoming a three-time NCAA champion in the 100-yard butterfly from 1990 to 1992.

As a prominent Black coach in a predominantly white sport, Nesty understands the significance of his role. “You know you’re a role model,” he told The Associated Press in June 2023. “You have to take that very seriously. Maybe it’s why I work so hard at what I do. I try to be the best Anthony Nesty I can be.”

Nesty’s ascension to head coach is particularly significant given the complicated history of Black people and swimming in the U.S. Access to swimming facilities directly correlates to whether Black people swim, a barrier Nesty and experts are keenly aware of.

Nesty moved to Florida as a teenager to pursue swimming more seriously. He attended the Bolles School in Jacksonville, where the rigorous practice routine was a stark contrast to his previous training in Suriname. “We used to only train five days a week, Monday through Friday, maybe two hours per practice,” he said. “And then you come to the States, you’re running nine practices, two hours-plus, dry land, weights. For me, I had to get adjusted to that for sure.”

Despite the challenges, Nesty thrived, advancing to collegiate and Olympic competition. Reflecting on his achievements, he said, “I stay busy preparing the athletes. I don’t think of my accomplishments. Our sport is demanding for the athletes, the coaches, the families. I want to be the best coach for the University of Florida and of course this summer for us.”

Nesty’s father, who invested significant time, effort, and financial support into his son’s swimming career, would be thrilled to see how far Nesty has come. “He would be jumping up and down to see that his son is the head coach of the U.S. men’s team,” Nesty said. “That’s kind of the pinnacle of our sport and he would be happy that I’ve reached the top now.”

In recent years, the sport has seen contributions from standout Black swimmers such as Simone Manuel, Lia Neal, and Natalie Hinds. “It’s very encouraging,” Nesty said of the increased representation in swimming. “The sport is going to keep growing. There are a lot of opportunities for all races to get scholarships in our sport.”

Despite these advancements, racial disparities in swimming persist. A 2023 demographics report by USA Swimming revealed that only 2.1% of athlete members identified as Black or African American, while 62.4% identified as white.

Nesty believes the lack of Black swimmers in the sport is more of a socioeconomic issue than one based on ability. “It’s also very expensive,” he noted. “And you have to find a pool.”

For Nesty, creating a welcoming environment on his teams is paramount. “Whichever team you belong to, you’re going to be welcomed with open arms because the sport is so demanding,” he said. “You have to have empathy for each other. I tell our athletes you got to respect the athlete next to you because you guys are doing the same thing. If you do it as a group, it becomes more palatable. It becomes more fun, and that’s the experience I had as a swimmer. And I would love to hear the athletes of color, when they join a team, sense that they have that camaraderie.”

As Nesty leads the U.S. men’s swimming team to the Paris Olympics, his story serves as an inspiration, highlighting the importance of perseverance, representation, and breaking barriers in sports.