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• Dominica’s Olympic champion Thea LaFond-Gadson awarded nation’s highest honour

  Paris Olympic gold medalist Thea LaFond-Gadson was conferred with Dominica’s highest honour, the Dominica Honour Award, on Sunday in recognition of her extraordinary achievements in 2024. LaFond-Gadson, who made history by becoming Dominica’s first Olympic medalist with her gold in the triple jump in Paris, also won the triple jump title at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, earlier in March. Each of these remarkable victories marked a historic first for a Dominican athlete, solidifying her legacy as one of the country’s most celebrated sports figures.

   Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerritt had previously announced that LaFond-Gadson would be honoured with the Dominica Honour Award during her visit to the island shortly after the Olympics. The formal recognition took place during the National Parade, where the Prime Minister addressed the nation, and all honorees were celebrated for their contributions to Dominica.

   

  The Dominica Honour Award is presented annually during the Independence Day Rally to individuals who have significantly impacted the nation’s landscape. This year, LaFond-Gadson was one of 18 Dominicans and international honorees recognized. The award was presented by Dominica’s President, Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, in a ceremony that highlighted LaFond-Gadson’s exceptional achievements and the pride she has inspired across the nation.

   Speaking to the media after receiving the award, LaFond-Gadson expressed that the honour was her “greatest achievement ever” and encouraged young Dominicans to pursue their dreams with dedication and passion.

   

  The celebration of LaFond-Gadson’s accomplishments does not end with Sunday’s parade. A luncheon hosted by a private sector organization was scheduled for Monday in her honour, extending the nation’s gratitude for her contributions. Her recognition comes in addition to being named a Sports Ambassador two months ago, along with receiving a $400,000 gift and a land grant from the government.

   Prime Minister Skerritt, in his address, acknowledged the immense pride that LaFond-Gadson has brought to Dominica, calling her achievements a source of inspiration for the entire nation. With her historic Olympic victory and her continued dedication to her country, Thea LaFond-Gadson has undoubtedly secured her place as a Dominican icon.

   

   

• Reggae girl Shania Hayles scores as Newcastle United Women defeat league leaders Birmingham to climb to fourth in Barclays Women’s Championship

  Shania Hayles continued her strong season with Newcastle United Women by scoring in their 2-0 victory over league leaders Birmingham City Women on Sunday, propelling her team to fourth place in the Barclays Women’s Championship. The goals from Hayles and substitute Isabella Sibley proved decisive in a thrilling encounter that saw Newcastle showcase their resilience under heavy pressure from the league leaders.

  The match started with both sides exchanging early opportunities, but Birmingham had the first real chance after eight minutes when Ivana Fuso set up Lily Agg in the box, only for Agg’s shot to soar over the crossbar. Newcastle responded strongly, and in the 22nd minute, Hayles, recently named October Player of the Month, put her team ahead. Beth Lumsden created the opportunity with swift footwork on the right, setting up Hayles at the penalty spot, where she struck cleanly to make it 1-0.

  Birmingham looked to level the score immediately and came close several times, especially after capitalizing on a loose pass from Newcastle's goalkeeper, Claudia Moan. Moan redeemed herself, however, by pulling off a crucial save to deny Fuso’s shot. Agg then came within inches of equalizing, only for her header to be cleared off the line by Newcastle defender Charlotte Potts.

  The second half saw Birmingham intensify their attack, dominating possession and creating numerous chances. Tegan McGowan nearly scored with a well-struck volley, and Birmingham rattled the woodwork three times in quick succession, with close calls from Fuso and McGowan showcasing their relentless pursuit of an equalizer. Despite the near-constant pressure from Birmingham, the Newcastle defense held firm, backed by Moan's strong presence in goal.

  With Birmingham pushing for an equalizer, Newcastle struck again on the counter. Lumsden broke down the left wing and unleashed a powerful shot that ricocheted off the crossbar, falling to substitute Sibley. The forward controlled the rebound and calmly slotted it past the last defender, sealing Newcastle’s 2-0 victory.

  Sibley nearly added a second just minutes later, but her shot was blocked by a Birmingham defender in a last-ditch effort. Despite Birmingham’s relentless attacks, Newcastle’s defense held strong, securing a crucial win that underscored their tactical discipline and ability to capitalize on opportunities.

  The victory marked a significant step for Newcastle United Women in their championship campaign, with Hayles’ contributions reinforcing her role as the team’s top scorer.

• Llori Sharpe claims historic gold for Jamaica at the 2024 Elite Caribbean Cycling Championships

   Jamaican cyclist Llori Sharpe made history this weekend, powering to gold in the Elite Women’s Road Race at the 2024 Elite Caribbean Cycling Championships, marking the first time a Jamaican woman has claimed the Caribbean Champion title at the elite level in road racing.

  The two-day championship event was held in Georgetown, Guyana, and saw the Jamaican contingent, led by Coach Carlton Simmonds, deliver mixed results across several competitive races. The team comprised four riders: Sharpe, Andrew Ramsay, Obrian Madourie, and Damaine Douglas.

  Day one saw Sharpe and Madourie in action in the Individual Time Trial, covering 18km and 36km, respectively. Sharpe narrowly missed out on a podium finish, coming in fourth and missing bronze by just 30 seconds. Madourie finished seventh in his category, putting in a commendable effort.

  However, it was on day two that Sharpe cemented her place in the history books. Competing in the Elite Women’s Road Race, she bided her time before surging ahead in the final kilometre of the 67km course, distancing herself from the pack to secure the gold medal. Bermuda's Gabriella Arnold claimed silver, while Berenice Paul of Guadeloupe rounded out the podium with a bronze.

  This victory marked a remarkable improvement over Sharpe's silver-medal finish at the 2023 championships in Guadeloupe and set a new standard for Jamaican women in Caribbean road cycling.

  While Sharpe shone on day two, other members of the Jamaican team faced challenges. Douglas, competing as an under-23 rider in the grueling 155km event, was dealt a setback after a flat tyre forced him to fall behind the main peloton, finishing in 12th place. Ramsay finished 24th in the Elite Men’s event, and unfortunately, Madourie did not complete the race.

  Cory Williams of Belize won the men’s elite title, with Jesus Cespedes from the Dominican Republic and Guyana's John Briton securing second and third, respectively.

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