Bahamian Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture Mario Bowleg has congratulated Bahamian athletes on their performance at the recently concluded Paris Olympic Games.

For the first time in 36 years, the nation failed to win a medal at the Olympics but, nevertheless, Bowleg has offered his congratulations to those who represented the country at the global athletics showcase, noting how difficult it is to even qualify to participate.

“The Bahamas has a proud and storied history at the Olympics, and this year, our athletes continued to build on that rich tradition,” he said in a statement.

“While winning medals is often seen as the pinnacle of success, it’s crucial to recognize that qualifying for the Olympics is an extraordinary achievement in itself. Only a small percentage of athletes worldwide earn the chance to compete on this prestigious stage. Reaching this level is a testament to the unparalleled dedication, sacrifice, and commitment of our Bahamian athletes,” he added.

He continued, “becoming an Olympian is a monumental achievement in itself, regardless of whether one wins a medal. It reflects years of grit, sweat, hard work, and relentless training. Olympians are those who have earned the right to compete on the world’s most prestigious stage, displaying exceptional athletic prowess and representing the pinnacle of sportsmanship.”

Bowleg specially congratulated Devynne Charlton who finished sixth in the Women's 100m hurdles final. The World Indoor champion and record holder was the only Bahamian to advance to a final.

“She showed grit, determination, and true Bahamian spirit on that track. Keep shining and inspiring us all. Your journey is far from over.”

He also praised Charisma Taylor for reaching the semi-finals in the 100m hurdles and Denisha Cartwright, whom he said has a promising future.

The minister lauded swimmers Lamar Taylor and Rhanishka Gibbs for representing the nation in the aquatics events.

He also praised returning Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo, and made special mention of Ken Mullings, the first Bahamian decathlete, and Wayna McCoy, the first Bahamian to reach the 200m semi-final.

Also recognized by Bowleg was Mancer Roberts Sr, technical director of Bahamas Aquatics, as the first Bahamian to serve as one of 26 officials in the swimming competition.

He also noted that Bahamas Aquatics President Algernon Cargill presented medals to the 4x200m freestyle male relay winners, and former athlete Mike Sands presented medals to the men’s 400m and women’s triple jump finalists.

Antigua and Barbuda’s National Hero and iconic West Indies batsman, Sir Vivian Richards, has hailed the accomplishments of St. Lucia's Julien Alfred and Dominica's Thea LaFond at the just-concluded Paris Olympic Games.

In fact, Richards, while sharing his excitement about the athletes' achievements, believes their historic feats are something that the entire Caribbean should be proud of, especially given the fact that both are from tiny islands with a combined population of 250,000.

“We all should be proud, and I feel like I am them [athletes] on the podium too, because you can feel it [the pride] when they hold their hearts. This is just a special time, and you have to big them up because it’s huge, especially coming from small territories as we do at times, and being able to make an impact in the world, and you have the world media saying beautiful things about you; there is no better feeling,” Richards said on the Good Morning Jojo sports show.

Alfred, 23, won gold in the women’s 100m in 10.72s, beating American Sha’Carri Richardson, the reigning World Champion, who was heavily favoured to take the race. The feat delivered St. Lucia’s first ever Olympic medal, before Alfred added another when she placed second in the 200m in 22.08s

Prior to Alfred's feat, LaFond again etched her name in history books for Dominica when she won triple jump gold with a leap of 15.02m. That was her country's first ever Olympic Games medal.

The accomplishments of both Alfred and LaFond followed their exploits at the World Athletics Indoor Championships earlier this year, where they also won their respective events.

While heaping praise on outgoing Cricket West Indies (CWI) CEO Johnny Grave, veteran cricket commentator Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira believes the next candidate will have big shoes to fill to ensure that the region’s cricket will be in a better place in years to come.

Perreira, who believes Grave enjoyed a successful tenure since he was appointed in 2017, highlighted the Englishman’s recent vocal advocacy for more funding from the ICC. Grave is set to depart the post in October.

“I think he’s had a long run as CEO in the Caribbean. On behalf of the West Indies Board, he has overseen many negotiations and many tours. Of late, he’s been talking about the poor financial cake and the small amount of money the West Indies have been getting from the ICC,” Reds said in an interview with Barbados TODAY.

“But I think he probably feels that he’s going to look down where he wants to maybe have his final job, whether it’s an English county, where his children can be educated. And I suppose it’s that time where he feels that he’s exhausted all his energy. He’s fulfilled, in his opinion, all what he could do for the West Indies Cricket Board, and it is time to move on,” he opined.

That said, Perreira pointed out that the new CEO must build on the work started by Grave, especially in the area of addressing the financial imbalance in the global game, a theme that was also taken up in recent weeks by former West Indies captain Sir Clive Lloyd.

He also stressed that the mandate of Grave’s replacement must be to secure sponsorship for the regional first-class season, along with possibly enticing overseas teams to take part in regional cricket to elevate the game.

“Whether there’s someone earmarked, whether there’s someone within the regional market, I do not know, but it might be best for the West Indies board to advertise the post to try and get the best available person with that kind of experience. The kind of person who will follow up what Grave has been working on, what the West Indies board has been working on in terms of negotiations, in terms of the ICC share of the cake, which is adequate right now. So it’s not just a new man coming in and starting all over again; he’s got to hit the road running,” Perreira reasoned.

Meanwhile, former president and CEO of the West Indies Players Association (WIPA), Dinanath Ramnarine, agrees that Grave’s loss will be significant.

“His expertise in the sports business industry, coupled with his extensive experience, made him an invaluable asset to the organisation. Replacing someone of his calibre will be an incredibly challenging task, as the person who follows in his footsteps will undoubtedly have big shoes to fill,” Ramnarine noted.

Sixteen seasons, seven Grand Finals, and four Premierships. 

Romelda Aiken-George’s CV borders on unrivalled in Australian netball circles, making it even more incredible that she has been one of the final players signed over the past two Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) League seasons.

The Jamaican superstar played every game of the 2023 season for the NSW Swifts as a replacement player, including a losing Grand Final against the Thunderbirds, but was informed she would not be offered a Swifts contract ahead of the 2024 campaign. 

“At the end of last season, I knew my role in the Swifts environment,” Aiken-George said. 

Fortunately for Aiken-George, the Adelaide Thunderbirds, which also boast her Jamaican compatriots Shamera Sterling-Humphrey and Latanya Wilson, were in the market for an experienced goal shooter. 

“Tania made it clear, 'you’re coming to play your role. You’re not filling in for anyone; you’re just coming in to do your thing'. I knew I still had so much more to give,” Aiken-George explained. 

Since joining the Thunderbirds, Aiken-George has flourished under the tutelage of Obst.

The Sunshine Girl veteran played every game of the Thunderbirds premiership campaign, as she tallied more than 500 goals and led the league in offensive rebounds. 

Aiken-George cut a cool and composed figure in the goal circle for the Thunderbirds all season, offering a consistent out ball for those up court. 

She saved her best until last, though, with the champion shooter named the 2024 Grand Final Player of the Match with 42 goals and 10 offensive rebounds. 

Reflecting on the campaign, the 35-year-old said the Thunderbirds environment has allowed the best version of herself to flourish. 

“This environment I’m in, everyone is always having a hand in what I do, making sure when I rock up to training, I’m in the best mental headspace. When I look back at when I first came here, I was very closed off, but just being here, I feel like everyone helps me to bring out my weapon and to be comfortable,” Aiken-George shared.

“In that final game, Tania said something to me, and I went back out on court, and my shoulders felt as big as a backboard, and I felt like a superwoman,” she added.

With 227 games of national league experience, Aiken-George is well placed to comment on club environments and coaching structures. 

She said the Thunderbirds approach is unique and believes the open lines of communication between Obst and her players were key to their success. 

“This group is just so amazing. Every week we held each other so accountable, and there was a lot of space for learning each week. The way we analyse the game is so different from any other team I’ve been a part of, and by doing that, we pick up on little things I don’t think other teams pick up on,” Aiken-George reasoned.

“The way we look at the game through our own eyes and then chat with Tania, it’s just so great. By having those tough conversations each week, we grew and grew every week. We expect so much from each other, but in a loving way. We’ve got something special over here,” she noted.

Despite missing the 2022 season due to pregnancy, Aiken-George has maintained her lofty standards since her return, but she was quick to point out that the drive to improve still burns deep inside her. 

“I’m still trying to find ways I can make myself better. I’m just one of many women who have had a child and gone back into sports yearning for success, because that’s how we rate how we’ve done. So, I just want to play, and I just love the game,” Aiken-George ended.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced that Johnny Grave will step down as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the end of October 2024, bringing to a close a transformative tenure that has spanned over seven years. Since assuming the role in February 2017, Grave has navigated the organization through some of its most challenging and pivotal moments, leaving an indelible mark on West Indies cricket.

Grave’s departure comes at a time when CWI is celebrating several significant achievements under his leadership, including the recent success of the T20 World Cup hosted in the Caribbean. Reflecting on his tenure, Grave expressed both pride and a sense of fulfillment:

“It has been an absolute privilege to have been CEO of CWI since February 2017. Having just hosted a successful T20 World Cup and delivered significant surpluses for CWI for the third consecutive year, I do feel it is the right time for me and my family to seek a new challenge.”

These words capture the essence of Grave’s impact—a leader who has overseen a period of financial stability and growth for CWI, even as global sports organizations faced unprecedented difficulties. Grave’s tenure, however, was not just about balance sheets; it was about steering the ship through rough waters, including the challenging years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I have received tremendous support from so many people since becoming CEO, and I’d like to thank everyone, especially the staff and the players, particularly during the difficult pandemic, for their trust in me and their commitment to West Indies cricket.”

These sentiments highlight Grave’s appreciation for the team that worked alongside him through one of the most tumultuous periods in recent history. The pandemic disrupted global sports, and yet under Grave’s guidance, CWI managed to keep the game alive in the region, hosting key tournaments and ensuring the continuation of cricket in the Caribbean.

One of the most noteworthy achievements during Grave’s tenure was the acquisition and full ownership of the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG). This historic move provided CWI with a permanent home and established the CCG as the headquarters and training ground for the Men’s and Women’s Academies—a legacy that will benefit West Indies cricket for generations to come.

CWI President Dr. Kishore Shallow commended Grave’s leadership, particularly during the pandemic, and the successful hosting of three World Cups:

“Johnny’s efforts, particularly through challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as successfully hosting three World Cups including the Women’s World T20 in 2018, the Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup in 2022, and the recent Men’s T20 World Cup, have made a lasting impact on CWI.”

Dr. Shallow’s remarks underscore the significance of Grave’s contributions, not just in terms of event management but in ensuring that West Indies cricket remains competitive on the global stage. The hosting of these tournaments was a testament to CWI’s organizational capability and its standing within the international cricket community.

Looking ahead, Dr. Shallow emphasized the importance of building on the strong foundations laid by Grave:

“As we look forward to embracing a new chapter in the organization’s evolution, CWI is poised to deliver the new strategic plan and enter a new era of governance. This transition reflects our commitment to adapting and innovating in response to the evolving landscape of cricket.”

CWI will soon initiate a comprehensive recruitment process to select the next CEO, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity in leadership. The process will be conducted transparently, with details to be announced in the coming weeks.

Jamaican sprinting legend Veronica Campbell Brown, one of the most decorated athletes in the history of track and field, was recently honored with a series of prestigious awards at a ceremony in New York. The event, which celebrated Campbell Brown’s incredible contributions to the sport, saw her receive accolades from various prominent figures and organizations.

Campbell Brown, who won gold in the 200m at the 2004 Athens Olympics and successfully defended her title at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, was recognized by the Jamaica Independence Foundation (JIFI) with the Trailblazer and Sports Icon Award. This recognition highlights her role as a pioneer and inspiration for countless athletes in Jamaica and around the world.

In addition to the honours from JIFI, Campbell Brown was awarded a Proclamation from United States Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, a Proclamation from New York State Senator Kevin S. Parker, and a Certification of Recognition from Mayor Eric Adams on behalf of the City of New York. These awards underscore her impact not only on the track but also as a cultural ambassador for Jamaica.

Reflecting on the ceremony, Campbell Brown expressed her gratitude for the recognition. "It was an honour to be recognized by the Jamaica Independence Foundation and the State of New York through several prestigious awards. It was a great night spent with a group of distinguished individuals," she shared.

Campbell Brown's illustrious career is marked by numerous achievements, including becoming the first Jamaican to win a global 100m title at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka, Japan. Her legacy as a trailblazer in sprinting continues to inspire new generations of athletes, and these awards serve as a testament to her enduring influence in the world of sports.

The ceremony in New York not only celebrated Campbell Brown’s athletic achievements but also her contributions to the broader community, both in Jamaica and internationally. As she continues to be recognized for her outstanding career, Campbell Brown remains a shining example of excellence and dedication in the world of athletics.

Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada starred on a rainy fourth day of the first Test between the West Indies and South Africa at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port-of-Spain on Saturday.

The West Indies, after starting the day 145-4, were eventually dismissed for 233 in 91.5 overs, trailing South Africa by 124, after the day’s first two sessions were rained out.

Jason Holder and Kavem Hodge, the not our batsmen overnight heading into the day, made 36 and 25, respectively while Jomel Warrican made a significant contribution with 35* batting at number 10.

Maharaj was causing consistent problems for the West Indies batsmen, eventually taking 4-76 off an impressive 40 overs while Rabada took 3-56 off 18 overs.

At stumps, South Africa reached 30-0 off five overs in their second innings, leading the West Indies by 154 runs. Tony de Zorzi was 14* and Aiden Markram 9*.

Full Scores:

South Africa 357 off 117.4 overs (Temba Bavuma 86, Tony de Zorzi 78, Wiaan Mulder 41*, Kyle Verreynne 39, Jomel Warrican 4-69, Jayden Seales 3-67, Kemar Roach 2-53) & 30-0 off 5 overs

West Indies 233 off 91.5 overs (Keacy Carty 42, Jason Holder 36, Kraigg Brathwaite 35, Mikyle Louis 35, Jomel Warrican 35*, Keshav Maharaj 4-76, Kagiso Rabada 3-56)

The St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots will be without the services of the Sri Lankan pair Wanindu Hasaranga and Nuwan Thushara for the 2024 Caribbean Premier League as both players suffered injuries during Sri Lanka’s recent white-ball series against India.

While Thushara missed the entire series with a finger injury, Hasaranga played all three T20Is and the first ODI before being sidelined with a hamstring injury.

The Patriots have signed the South African pair Tabraiz Shamsi and Anrich Nortje as replacements.

Nortje is yet to make his CPL debut while Shamsi has played 32 games, including 27 for the Patriots.

Shamsi has taken 33 wickets in those matches for Patriots at an economy rate of 7.06.

Nortje and Shamsi will join South African teammate Tristan Stubbs on A Patriots side that finished last in CPL 2023 with just a solitary win in ten games.

The Patriots open their 2024 campaign against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons on August 29 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

Full Squad: Kyle Mayers, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rilee Rossouw, Evin Lewis, Sherfane Rutherford, Sikandar Raza, Anrich Nortje, Andre Fletcher, Tristan Stubbs, Dominic Drakes, Mikyle Louis, Odean Smith, Joshua da Silva, Veerasammy Permaul, Ryan John, Ashmead Nedd, Johann Layne

A new chapter for Jamaica’s football was confirmed on Thursday as new Reggae Boyz Head Coach, Stephen McClaren, was officially introduced at the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) headquarters in Kingston.

McClaren was announced as the new Head Coach of the Jamaica Men’s Senior National team last week, replacing former head man Heimir Hallgrimsson, who has since taken up the position of Head Coach of Ireland.

The 63-year-old, who has 35 years of managerial experience with clubs like Middlesbrough, FC Twente with whom he won the Dutch Eredivisie in 2009-2010, Newcastle United and Manchester United who he left to take up this job.

The Fulford-born McClaren also has experience at the international level, serving in the roles of coach and assistant manager for England from 2000-2007.

He has signed on as Head Coach for Jamaica for the next 18 months, with his main objective being to lead the Caribbean Island nation to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted jointly by the USA, Canada and Mexico. Jamaica’s only previous trip to a World Cup was back in 1998.

“The moment I got on the plane to come over yesterday, through the airport, at the hotel and coming to meet the staff this morning, I’ve had a real warm welcome and a really good feeling about coming here and taking this job with the vision of the World Cup in 2026,” McClaren said at Thursday’s press conference.

McClaren first became aware of Jamaica during his stint as a technical expert for FIFA analyzing the FIFA ecosystem.

“I always knew that this country had unbelievable potential and talent because I was technical expert for FIFA for two years working on the ecosystem which really analyzed every country in the world. We analyzed 210 countries. I analyzed about 20 of which Jamaica was one of them,” he said.

“After doing the analysis and the report three years ago, Jamaica has always been in the back of my mind because it was the one country in which the potential and talent is here and there is such a lot to do. What I’ve seen over the last two years is unbelievable development. It’s my job now to take the baton and carry that on,” McClaren added.

One of the main questions posed to McClaren during Thursday’s proceeding was the fact that he left a club like Manchester United to come and coach Jamaica, a third world country.

McClaren insists that resources are not the main drivers to success of national teams.

“It’s not about resources. It’s about people, it’s about behaviors and it’s about standards. They are the three main things that will be targeted. We might not have the greatest resources but it’s the people, commitment, standards and behaviours that will make the difference that we are all here to work towards,” he said.

President of the JFF, Michael Ricketts, is excited for the future of the National Team under McClaren’s leadership.

“When you think of Mr. McClaren’s achievements as a coach, it gives us reason to feel extremely optimistic. The big picture here is the 2026 World Cup and coach will be charged with getting us there,” he said.

Chairman of the JFF Technical Committee, Rudolph Speid, commented about the process of hiring McClaren.

“We got people from all over the world but at the end of the day it was always going to be one coach. He literally ticked all the boxes,” he said.

“It was a no-brainer to choose him,” he added.

McClaren’s first assignment will be a CONCACAF Nations League clash with Cuba on September 6.

Jamaican goal shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard has once again demonstrated her dominance in the Suncorp Super Netball League by winning the prestigious Stacey Marinkovich Medal for the sixth time. The 35-year-old star player, who has been a cornerstone of the West Coast Fever team, secured the award after polling 10 out of 14 votes in a remarkable season.

Fowler-Nembhard, who has won the medal in six of the seven seasons she has played with the Fever, expressed her profound gratitude and joy at receiving the accolade. "Having won the Stacey Marinkovich Medal for the sixth time is an overwhelming feeling. It’s great. I am beyond honoured," she said. "I am happy to know that my performance and my hard work have been paying off and I am grateful to know that it has been recognized."

In the recently concluded season, the Fever narrowly missed out on reaching the final, losing 73-72 to the Melbourne Vixens in a nail-biting Preliminary Final last month. The Vixens went on to lose 59-57 to the Adelaide Thunderbirds, who clinched back-to-back titles. Despite the team's narrow miss, Fowler-Nembhard's individual performance was nothing short of spectacular. She led the scoring for the Fever and league with an impressive 813 goals and accumulated 1571.5 Nissan Net Points.

Reflecting on her achievement, Fowler-Nembhard said, "To be MVP for my club is a great feeling and will definitely be something that I have to look back on after I hang up my boots, knowing that I have put out so much in my career and it has paid off in numerous ways, winning these awards year-in, year-out."

The veteran player also acknowledged the collective effort of her teammates throughout the season. "I am grateful for it. I am over the moon. I am humbled by these awards as well because my teammates have put in a lot of work this season, and anyone could have won this," she noted. "But the fact that I have won gives me great pleasure to know that I am still performing at a very high standard which is what is required when you’re playing at this level, but to be able to maintain this over the years has been really good."

Fowler-Nembhard's consistency and excellence have not only been crucial for the West Coast Fever but have also set a high benchmark in the league. Her sustained performance over the years underscores her dedication, skill, and passion for the sport.

Her latest accolade adds to a storied career that will be remembered long after she decides to retire.

The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) has announced that Derek King has been appointed as the Caretaker Coach of the Trinidad and Tobago Men's Senior Team. King will step into the role immediately following the departure of Angus Eve late last month.

King's appointment comes at a crucial time as the team prepares for the upcoming Concacaf Nations League matches in September against Honduras and French Guiana. With his extensive experience and deep understanding of Trinidad and Tobago football, King is well-positioned to lead the team during this transition period, the TTFA said in a statement on Tuesday.

Having served as assistant coach under the outgoing Head Coach Angus Eve, King has been an integral part of the senior team setup. His familiarity with the players and the team's dynamics will be invaluable as he takes on this new responsibility.

In addition to his recent role, King boasts an impressive track record as a coach. As Assistant Coach to Stephen Hart, he helped guide Trinidad and Tobago to successive Gold Cup quarterfinal appearances in 2013 and 2015 and achieved a FIFA ranking of 49th in the world. King first took on the role of Assistant Coach in 2012.

King's coaching prowess is also evident from his leadership of the National Under-20 Men's Team to victory in the 2014 Caribbean Championship, showcasing his ability to guide and develop young talent.

Upon his appointment, King expressed his honor and readiness to lead the national team. "I am honoured to take on this responsibility and lead our national team during this important time," King stated. "Our immediate focus is on the upcoming Nations League matches, and I am confident that with good planning, hard work, and dedication, we can achieve positive results. I look forward to working closely with the players and staff to ensure we get the results and performances we all desire."

The TTFA is confident in King's ability to steer the team towards success in these important matches while the search for a new full-time head coach continues. The association extends its best wishes to Derek King and the Men's Senior Team as they embark on this new chapter.

Arnett Gardens Head coach Xavier Gilbert continues to bask in the glow of his team’s recent CFU Club Shield triumph, which he believes, is not only a testament to their hard work, but also a significant boost for the club and the surrounding community.

In fact, Gilbert pointed out that the Club Shield win –a first for any Jamaican club –also provides a solid platform on which they will seek to build ahead of the upcoming Jamaica Premier League (JPL) and more importantly, the Concacaf Caribbean Cup.

The ‘Junglists’ wrapped up victory courtesy of Rushane Thompson’s all-important 73rd-minute strike against Grenades Football Club of Antigua and Barbuda in Curacao.

“It wasn’t easy, there were a lot of different challenges that we had to navigate during the tournament, but I think we handled ourselves pretty well. There are a lot of things that we have to work on heading into the other tournaments but I am happy with most things,” Gilbert told Sportsmax.TV.

“This victory augurs well for the club and the community. It has been a while since they won anything, so I am happy to bring a silverware to the club and I hope it’s the first of many because the aim is to continue on that vein in the upcoming competitions,” he added.

Reflecting on the knockout tournament in which they played four hard-fought games across nine days, Gilbert said their triumph was highlighted by tactical prowess, coupled with the unwavering hunger and determination of his players.

“I have to lift my hats off to the players, my staff and the medical team for the way they acquitted themselves. Four games in nine days was not easy, but the management staff did their part in putting the necessary things in place to ensure that life was a little easier for us while we were here,” he shared.

“So again, it (Shield win) is a reflection of the dedication of the players, the support of our fans, and the commitment of everyone involved with Arnett Gardens. It is a significant achievement that sets a positive tone in more ways than one. It brings a sense of joy and unity because it’s not just about the players on the field but also about the fans and everyone who supports the team. This triumph is for all of us,” he noted.

Looking ahead to the Jamaica Premier League and the Concacaf Caribbean Cup, Gilbert expressed optimism about their prospects. However, he is well aware that it will require continued hard work and significant improvements to prove competitive, particularly in the Caribbean up.

By virtue of topping the CFU Club Shield, Arnett Gardens will be placed in Group A of the Concacaf Caribbean Cup alongside fellow JPL outfits Cavalier and Mount Pleasant, as well as Haitian club Real Hope and Trinidad and Tobago’s Police FC.

“For sure. Winning the CFU Club Shield has given us the confidence and momentum we need. We know what we are capable of, and we are ready to take on the challenges ahead in the Premier League. Our aim is to ensure the players are well prepared to build on this success and continue to perform at a high level,” the tactician stated

“The Concacaf Caribbean Cup will be a different level of competition, and we have to be at our best. Again, we know we have the potential to compete with the best, and we are committed to working hard and improving our game,” Gilbert ended.