Jamaica's sporting community continues to mourn the passing of Olympic gold medalist George Rhoden on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at the age of 97. Rhoden, the last surviving member of Jamaica's legendary 4x400m relay team that won gold at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, leaves behind a legacy of excellence that has deeply impacted Jamaican athletics.

In the wake of his passing, Jamaica Olympic Association President Christopher Samuda and Jamaica’s Minister of Sport Olivia Grange have expressed their heartfelt condolences to Rhoden’s family, friends, and the wider athletic community.

President Samuda reflected on Rhoden’s life with admiration, highlighting his commitment, resilience, and the pride he took in representing Jamaica on the global stage.

“A life lived nobly and with national pride on the track. A Morgan State University alumnus, who studied and learnt lessons of commitment, resilience, and excellence which he exemplified in his golden exploits in the Helsinki 1952 Olympic Games and preceding Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games. A Jamaican who understood the value of legacy creation in sport as a critical element of nation building," Samuda said.

He emphasized that Rhoden's life and achievements serve as an inspiration for future generations of athletes, illustrating that greatness is within reach for those who are determined.

"Olympian George Rhoden has bequeathed, generously, to the athletic world a script that we can become what we will ourselves to be and that in any endeavour your footprints will blueprint the length and greatness of your stride," Samuda added.

"My heartfelt regrets to his family who mourn his passing amidst a celebration of a life characterized by values in sport and a pilgrimage on the track, the end of which will continue to inspire the beginning of many a journey by youth."

Minister Grange also paid tribute to Rhoden, recognizing his pivotal role in Jamaican track and field history and his enduring impact on the sport.

“It’s so sad that Vincent George Rhoden, the last of the celebrated quartet that won the gold medal for Jamaica in the mile relay at the Helsinki Olympics in 1952, has left us,” Minister Grange said.

She recalled the historic victory of Rhoden and his teammates Herb McKenley, Les Laing, and Arthur Wint in Helsinki, where they not only won gold but set a new world record in the process.

“The team of George Rhoden, Herb McKenley, Les Laing, and Arthur Wint took the gold in world record-breaking time in Helsinki. This they did after their disappointment in the London Olympics in 1948 when Arthur Wint pulled up in the race. Of note also is the fact that before the relay, George had beaten his close friend, Herb McKenley, to win the gold medal in the 400m,” Grange reflected.

Minister Grange also pointed out Rhoden’s significant achievements prior to the Olympics, including his world record in the 400m in 1950, a performance that set the stage for Jamaica’s future successes in track and field.

“There is no doubt that Vincent George Rhoden played his part in paving the way for future generations of Jamaican track athletes, who have certainly not let him down,” she said.

 Expressing her condolences, she added, “My most sincere condolences to his family, relatives, friends, and associates. A sprinter par excellence but whose long life was more like a marathon. Rest in peace, Vincent George Rhoden.”

George Rhoden’s passing marks the end of an era for Jamaican athletics, but his legacy will continue to inspire and guide future generations of athletes as they strive to emulate his achievements and uphold the proud tradition of Jamaican excellence on the track.

Cucho Hernandez insisted that Columbus Crew's Leagues Cup triumph is now in the past as they return to MLS action to face Philadelphia Union in midweek. 

Hernandez, who scored twice in their 3-1 win over LAFC in the final, was named the tournament's MVP for his impressive displays throughout the competition. 

The Colombian registered seven goal involvements (four goals and three assists) during the Crew's run to the final, including a strike against the Union in the semi-finals.

But sitting third in the Eastern Conference table, five points behind Cincinnati with three games in hand, Hernandez said the mentality of the team has already switched.

“We are so proud of doing this,” Hernandez said on his sides Leagues Cup win. “We work every day to do this. It’s not lucky; it’s work.

"We are always thinking about what’s coming [next]. That’s the mentality of this team.

“Now, we enjoy ourselves. Of course, we deserve it. But tomorrow we have MLS, and that’s the mentality.”

Philadelphia, meanwhile, will be aiming to exact revenge on their Leagues Cup foes as they look to mount a push for the playoffs in the final stretch of fixtures.

The Union were beaten 3-1 by Columbus in the semi-finals of the tournament and lost on penalties to Colorado Rapids in the third-place match. 

Ahead of the Leagues Cup, Jim Curtin's side had won consecutive MLS games, propelling them into the playoff picture and currently sit 10th in the Eastern Conference table, a point behind Atlanta United with a game in hand.

And the Philadelphia head coach said his players acknowledged the task ahead of them, emphasising the importance of taking every opportunity coming their way. 

"The players are looking forward to returning to league play," Curtin said. "We recognise now we are not where we want to be in the standings this year. 

"We have an opportunity to maximise the amount of points we take down the stretch and make things right and find a way to get into the playoffs. 

"It's a difficult test for sure, it's not a lot of rest, but we are on the same amount of rest as Columbus, so we have to have a good reaction in our building."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Philadelphia Union – Daniel Gazdag

Daniel Gazdag scored a hat-trick in the Union’s last regular-season match, taking the Hungarian's tally to 14 goals in 21 MLS appearances.

It was Gazdag’s third career MLS treble, surpassing Julian Carranza (two) for the most in team's history.

Columbus Crew – Cucho Hernandez

Hernandez will be hopeful of continuing his electric Leagues Cup form upon his return to league action. He has recorded 60 goal contributions (38 goals and 22 assists) in 61 career regular-season MLS matches.

Since the beginning of June, the Colombian has been involved in 16 goals (nine goals and seven assists) in nine league matches.

MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW

Columbus suffered a 2-1 defeat at Atlanta United in the club’s final regular-season match before the Leagues Cup break. The Crew haven’t lost consecutive regular-season matches in over a year, since defeats at Cincinnati and Nashville in May 2023.

Philadelphia have won their last two league matches before the Leagues Cup break after a run of 10 MLS games without a win (D4 L6). In fact, the Union had won just one of its previous 17 regular-season encounters (D5 L11) before winning the last two.

The Union are unbeaten in eight straight home fixtures against the Crew (W7 D1) including winning the last five in a row. Only one team in the last 20 years has won six straight regular-season home matches against Columbus – Orlando City (six) from 2018-23.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Philadelphia Union – 35.5%

Draw – 26.1%

Columbus Crew – 38.5%

Hosts West Indies secured a 3-0 series sweep over visiting South Africa with an eight-wicket victory in a rain-affected third T20 International at the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium in Tarouba on Tuesday.

In the match that was shortened to 13 overs per side, the West Indians restricted to South Africa to 108-4 from their 13 overs thanks to an excellent 2-14 from two overs for man-of-the-match Romario Shepherd.

Tristan Stubbs was the main scorer for South Africa with 40 from 15 balls including five fours and three sixes while Ryan Rickelton made 27 off 24 balls at the top of the innings.

Chasing a revised target of 116 in their 13 overs, the hosts made light work of it, using only 9.2 overs to secure the win and the series sweep.

Man-of-the-series Shai Hope led the way with 42* off 24 balls while Nicholas Pooran continued the excellent form he’s shown in the last few months all over the world with 35 off just 13 balls including two fours and four sixes.

Shimron Hetmyer also looked good for his 31* off 17 balls.

Defending champions Fairfield United retained the SDC National Community T20 Cricket title in a low scoring final against Links United at Chedwin Park on Sunday, August 25th. 

After losing the toss and being invited to bat, Fairfield United managed only 147 runs when their innings came to an end with 3 balls remaining in the innings. However, the reigning champions were not prepared to go down without a fight and managed to restrict Links United to 117 all out to win by 30 runs and take the trophy back to Manchester for the third time overall. 

Leighton Leslie, player and manager of Fairfield United said that his team was never worried about retaining their title despite putting less than their targeted total on the board.

“We had a target in mind of 180, however we fell short. But as usual, we back our bowling. We have one of the better bowling (attacks) in this complete competition and after getting the 147, we knew that we were going to defend it. If they were going to get it, they would have to go to the last ball. So, at no point we were fretting or worried about the total that we got,” he said. 

Leslie noted that the team had to overcome early season difficulties from which they learned as the season progressed. 

“We had a rough start in this competition. We almost didn’t make it to the parish stages, but we got a lifeline and from there on, we have just been playing more disciplined cricket,” he noted. 

Leslie hinted at continued success for Fairfield United based on the composition of his squad.

“We have a lot of youngsters in our programme. We have a good crop of youngsters coming up.”

He was also impressed with the preparation of the grounds for the finals, thanks in part to sponsors such as Wray & Nephew. 

“When I came to the cricket ground and looked at it closely, I must say it is at international standard. I must say this competition is well put together and it’s a joy to win it back-to-back. 

During their time at bat, Jamaine Morgan got Fairfield off to a flier but fell to the penultimate ball of the second over with the score at 20/1, amassing 15 runs off 10 deliveries. 

A second wicket stand of 37 runs between Javed Williams and Zidane Gordon pushed the score along to 57 in the 8th over before Gordon departed for a quick fire 25 off 20 deliveries. Williams was next to go at 65/3 in the 9th over as the Links United skipper captured two wickets for 35 runs from his spell of four overs. 

Fairfield tried to push the score along, but Tevin Gilzene stymied the run chase as the chief wicket taker for Links United put the brakes on the defending champions when he snapped up the next five wickets to fall in the middle overs to end with figures of 5 for 19 off his 4 overs. 

Roshawn McKenzie was the only batsman of the last four wickets to get into double figures as he made 16 runs from 13 deliveries before he went caught off the bowling of Amoi Campbell. 

Links United got off to the worst possible start in their quest for 148 runs to win when they lost their first wicket off the third ball of the innings with the score at 4/1. Damion Bryce returned to the pavilion, caught by Jamaine Morgan off the bowling of Romario Marshall.

Tevin Gilzene, who had been magical with the ball, tried to replicate the performance with the bat, but he went for 19 runs, of 8 deliveries at 39/2 in the 4th over. 

Things were still within reach for Links at that stage, but a steady stream of wickets from the 4th to the 7th over, saw them slip from 39/2 to 64/6 due to injudicious shots from the batsmen coupled with good fielding from the defending champions. 

A brief recovery saw Links get beyond the 100-run mark for the loss of just one more wicket, but two wickets in two balls to end the 13th over and start the 14th over saw them reduced to 106/9 which left the defending champions on the verge of a repeat victory.

Roshawn McKenzie then completed the final rites when he bowled Nashawn Campbell for 4 runs with the second ball of the 16th over to leave Links United all out for 117 runs. McKenzie ended with figures of 2 wickets for 10 runs from 2.2 overs while Richard Thomas with 4 for 17 from 4 overs was the pick of the bowlers for Fairfield. 

Kerry-Ann Bryan, Brand Manager of Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum could not hide her excitement after watching an engaging and exciting final.

“It’s been a pleasure to be here with you at Chedwin Park, where we come together to celebrate not just a game but a tradition that runs deep in the heart of our nation. Cricket, like Wray & Nephew, has a longstanding tradition in Jamaica and it is synonymous with passion. It’s not just a sport; it’s a way of life. A good cricketer plays with heart, not just skill, bringing a level of energy and enthusiasm that inspires everyone around them,” Bryan remarked.

“The game isn’t for individual glory; it’s about teamwork and community. A good cricketer knows that the success of the team comes first. They play for something bigger than themselves, representing their community, their culture, and their shared values,” she continued.

Earlier in the afternoon, Angel’s defeated Bushy Park by eight wickets to win the Masters title. 

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has appointed Nyssa Pierre as its new Communications and Media Manager.

It was announced on Tuesday.

Pierre, Trinidad & Tobago national, holds a bachelor's degree in Communications and Spanish from York University in Canada, Executive Diplomas in Protocol & Soft Diplomacy from the ISPD in Belgium, and a Graduate Certificate in Destination Marketing from Temple University in the USA.

She is highly qualified, with 15 years in regional and international strategic communications and public relations roles. She has worked with some of the Caribbean's most recognisable brands and personalities, developing and executing branding and communication strategies, creating compelling content, and organising high-visibility events.

Pierre’s expertise includes crisis communication, government communication, and sports, where she has collaborated with current and former West Indies players, cricket leagues, Olympians, and state sports agencies.

CWI’s Chief Executive Officer, Johnny Grave, welcomed Pierre to the organisation.

“We are delighted that Nyssa Pierre will join us as our new Communications and Media Manager. Her appointment followed a transparent and competitive recruitment process, and she is the ideal person to take up this crucial role. Nyssa is an experienced senior communications professional, and we look forward to her playing an active role in our management team,” he said.

Pierre also expressed her delight at being on board.

“My career in communications spans several industries, including corporate, aviation, international development, and government advisory, but I always seem to make it back home to sport. I am honoured to be tasked with telling the stories of West Indian passion, excitement, and determination through our most unifying pastime. Win, lose, or draw – we are the incomparable West Indies, and I am excited to rally as only we can,” she declared.

Pierre will officially join CWI in September and will be based at the CWI headquarters at Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG), Antigua.

After a topsy-turvy week in which they lost their opening Concacaf Caribbean Cup encounter, sacked Harold Thomas, and brought back Theodore ‘Tappa’ Whitmore, Mount Pleasant FA will be hoping to ride a more positive wave when they engage Arnett Gardens on Tuesday.

While it will be Mount Pleasant’s second Group A outing, having lost 0-2 to reigning Jamaica Premier League (JPL) champions Cavalier last week, Arnett Gardens will be wetting their feet in the tournament for the first time since winning the Caribbean Club Shield, and they will be intent on maintaining their rich vein of form.

Sabina Park should be abuzz for the 5:00pm encounter, which has mouth-watering prospects, as Arnett Gardens and Mount Pleasant have met several times in the JPL with both teams securing six wins apiece while drawing another five. However, this will be their first ever meeting in this tournament.

With both teams hunting their first point to stay in touch with group leaders Cavalier (three points), as well as Trinidad and Tobago’s Police FC and Haiti’s Real Hope on a point each, it is anybody’s guess where the points will go, if not being shared.

Though targeting victory on return to the St Ann-based club, Whitmore is by no means grandstanding against a high-riding Arnett Gardens.

“Arnett Gardens are just coming out of a tournament, which they won. So they will be upbeat. Our players know the task at hand. They know it’s going to be a difficult game, but I think this unit is up for it,” Whitmore said in a pre-game conference.

“It’s for us to put ourselves out there and give 110 percent. But there is one other thing, and that is to get a positive result. We have not spent a lot of time with the players, so we are still trying to put the pieces together. Hopefully, come match day, we will be ready,” he added.

For Arnett Gardens Head coach Xavier Gilbert, this encounter represents the start of their quest to cop a coveted double-title feat, much like last year’s winners, SV Robinhood of Suriname.

“It would be nice to win the double, but we just want to take it one step at a time and not think too far ahead. This first game is going to be extremely tough because Mount Pleasant are coming off a loss, and I am sure they will want to ensure that they stay in the hunt,” Gilbert stated.

“They are a quality team, and they have acquired some good players, so it is going to be tough, but we are going to put our best foot forward and ensure that we get something out of the game. We anticipate that Whitmore, who coached them last year, knows the players well, and he will probably put the pieces together despite not having a lot of time,” he noted.

Elsewhere in Group B on Tuesday, Dominican Republic’s Moca FC will host Trinidad and Tobago's AC Port of Spain at the Estadio Moca 85.

Both are on a point each, same as another Dominican Republic outfit, Cibao FC, who will also host Antigua and Barbuda club Grenades FC at the Estadio Cibao.

Grenades FC, who were runners-up to Arnett Gardens in the CFU Club Shield, will be out for the first time in this tournament.

Meanwhile, Group A leaders Cavalier will be back in action on Thursday against Police FC at Sabina Park.

Alinton Frankson’s name was once synonymous with grit and determination on the football field, but he now faces his toughest battle yet—not against an opposing team, but against a severe medical condition that threatens his quality of life.

The former schoolboy football standout, who represented Paul Bogle High and Excelsior High with distinction in the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) schoolboy football competitions and later played in the SportsMax Elite League, is in dire need of Complex Lymphoedema Therapy (CLT) following an injury that has left him with complications requiring urgent treatment.

Lymphoedema, a condition characterized by severe swelling due to fluid retention, has taken a toll on Frankson, limiting his mobility and causing immense discomfort. The treatment he needs, CLT, is a highly specialized form of care that requires significant financial resources—resources that are beyond the reach of the former athlete and his family.

But Frankson’s story is not just one of adversity, it is also one of hope and community. The now 24-year-old’s plight has touched the hearts of many, leading to a remarkable outpouring of support from several major Jamaican corporations and influential figures in the sports community.

In a show of solidarity, Digicel and Wisynco, two of Jamaica’s leading brands, committed $300,000 each for Frankson’s treatment, while KFC committed a generous $500,000 through their Add Hope program, and a well-known figure in Jamaican football, Craig Butler, pledged another $800,000. ISSA has also hosted a silent auction to raise funds for the cause.

ISSA President Keith Wellington (second right) greets Alinton Frankson as Cari-Med Group's Brand Manager Stephen Reid (right) and Tynielle Chambers look on.

Frankson, who was initially reluctant to make his situation public, is now overwhelmed by the tremendous outpouring of support, which provides a much-needed boost in his efforts to secure the treatment.

“I'm really grateful, especially knowing that I don't have that strong family support. At first, I didn't want to take it to the media, but I realized that I had no choice but to do so because I wasn't getting the help that is needed, so I am happy that I did. I want to say thanks to each and everyone who have come forward to provide support, and I will make the most of it,” Frankson told SportsMax.Tv.

Since being diagnosed with the condition, Frankson revealed that he has endured bouts of depressive episodes, but he continues to draw strength from the fact that recovery is very much possible and, as such, he refuses to be defeated.

“To be honest, some of the times when I see football playing, my emotions set in, and there are times when I feel depressed knowing that I don't have the chance to play the game that I love so much. But at the same time, I have to try to encourage myself, knowing that it's not the end of the world and I still have life and there is still hope. So I just keep a positive mind and just try not to stress or think about the situation,” Frankson, who was present at this year’s ISSA schoolboy football launch at Stadium East, shared.

“So, even though the foot at this moment is swollen and sometimes there is a little stiffness and discomfort, my spirit has been lifted even more now knowing that so many people are behind me and knowing that I am supposed to do some therapy session in Jamaica sometime soon. So again, I am really grateful and just looking ahead with a positive attitude,” he added as he fought back tears.