Three track and field meets have been scheduled in 2022 for the Ansin Sports Complex in Miramar, Florida, the training base of Olympic gold medalist Briana Williams and the home for a new life-size statue of the greatest sprinter of all time, Usain Bolt.
Bolt, the eight-time Olympic gold medalist and an 11-time World Champion, owns the world records for 100m (9.58), 200m (19.19) and the 4x100 meters relay (36.84).
The Miramar Invitational (Saturday, April 9, 2022), the Coach O Invitational (Saturday, June 11, 2022) and the NACAC New Life Invitational (Sunday, June 12, 2022) will be held at the complex where the city will pay tribute to the Jamaican and global sprint icon, Miramar Commissioner Alexandra Davis announced via a public statement on Tuesday.
“Artist Basil Watson has been commissioned to create the sculpture in Usain Bolt’s iconic “TO THE WORLD” pose from a position of kneeling on one knee,” Davis said.
“I proposed the Art in Public Places ordinance to be able to promote art throughout the City. The sculpture of the international and world-renowned track and field athlete will be funded in part by the Art in Public Places Fund as well as the Art in the Parks capital project.
“It will spur on economic development and serve as an inspiration for up-and-coming athletes of all ages and backgrounds.”
The monument is expected to be ready to be mounted by October 2022.
In 2021, the Ansin Sports Complex hosted two track meets that attracted hundreds of international athletes, more than 5,000 spectators and 30,000 international viewers via live stream.
At the Miramar Invitational that was held on Saturday, April 10, 2021, more than 160 international athletes including Justin Gatlin, Mike Rodgers, Ajee Wilson, Natoya Goule and Grant Holloway.
Akeem Bloomfield, Briana Williams, English Gardner, Kahmari Montgomery, Mike Rodgers, Kendra Harrison, Wil London and Elaine Thompson also participated at the meet.
It was also at that meet that Sha’Carri Richardson set a lifetime best 10.72 seconds to win the 100m. The performance moved her to the sixth all-time in the 100m.
On Saturday, June 5, 2021, the NACAC New Life Invitational- World Athletics featured approximately 200 international athletes, of which over 100 were Olympic qualifying athletes including Zachary Campbell, Jeims Molina and Kaden Cartwright.
It was there that Williams broke her national U20 record running 10.93 seconds before going on to become the youngest Jamaican to win an Olympic gold medal as a member of Jamaica’s 4x100m relay team in Tokyo.
The USA’s Trayvon Bromell also set his personal best and world-leading time of 9.77 seconds at this event.
“We were so thrilled to have welcomed these talented athletes and have them take advantage of the world-class amenities including the FTX Mondo Olympic track at Ansin Sports Complex. We look forward to hosting more international track and field competitions in 2022,” said Davis.
Over his 40-year career, Watson has completed major works in Guatemala, China, Jamaica, and the U.S. Some of his major commissions include “Ring of Life” in London, “Martin Luther King” in Atlanta and “Cradle-The Future in our Hands” in Fulton County, Georgia.
Olympic 800m finalist Shafiqua Maloney awarded USD$10,000 at homecoming ceremony in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Paris Olympics 800m finalist Shafiqua Maloney was celebrated during a welcome home ceremony at the Argyle International Airport in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Wednesday, where it was announced that she would receive USD $10,000 in recognition of her outstanding performance at the Games.
Maloney delivered a remarkable performance in the 800m final at the Paris Olympics, finishing fourth with a time of 1:57.66. In a fiercely contested race, Great Britain's Keely Hodgkinson clinched gold in 1:56.72, followed by Ethiopia's Tisge Duguma, who secured silver in a lifetime best of 1:57.15, and Kenya's Mary Moraa, who claimed bronze in 1:57.42. Maloney's near-podium finish was a significant achievement, especially considering the financial challenges she faced during her preparation for the Olympics.
The St Vincent Times reported that during the ceremony, Maloney reflected on her journey, expressing gratitude to those who supported her along the way. "This journey was not an easy one, but the support I received made all the difference," she said. With her sights set on further success, Maloney spoke about the road ahead and her aspirations for medals at the 2028 Olympics.
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves praised Maloney for her perseverance and announced that the government would present her with USD $10,000 in recognition of her accomplishments and the pride she has brought to the nation.
Maloney's achievements have also earned her a place in the SVG delegation at the upcoming United Nations meeting, where she will accompany Prime Minister Gonsalves as he delivers his speech. This opportunity marks another milestone in her growing profile as a prominent athlete and representative of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
A grand celebration has been planned for Maloney on October 9th, where the nation will come together to honor her accomplishments and contributions to Vincentian sports. Her performance at the Paris Olympics, coupled with her resilience and ambition, has cemented her status as a national hero and a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes.
Wanda Diamond League to increase athlete prize money to historic high
The Wanda Diamond League will increase athlete prize money to the highest levels in the series’ history from next season.
Following a decision by the Diamond League General Assembly on Sunday, the total amount of prize money paid over the course of the season will increase to US$9.24 million in 2025.
The new total is almost a third higher than the sum paid during the pandemic-affected period of 2021-2024 and the highest ever since the Diamond League’s launch in 2010.
Including promotional fees for top athletes, a total of around US$18 million will be paid to athletes in total over the course of the 2025 season, with many more millions being invested in athlete services such as travel and transport, accommodation, and medical and physio provision.
Under the new structure, the total prize money awarded per meeting will be US$500,000 at each of the 14 regular series meetings and US$2.240 million at the Wanda Diamond League Final.
The total prize money per discipline will be between US$30,000 and US$50,000 at the series meetings and between US$60,000 and US$100,000 at the final.
As always, prize money is entirely gender-equal, with exactly the same rates for male and female athletes. The increase will also apply to all 32 Diamond disciplines, benefitting athletes across the full diversity of track and field.
The increase in prize money reflects the Wanda Diamond League’s position as athletics’ premier one-day series and the backbone of the outdoor season for the world’s biggest stars.
With 15 meetings in 13 countries on four different continents, the series provides elite athletes from across the globe with a chance to compete at the highest level from April to September.
Since 2010, the series and its meetings have invested an estimated US$270 million in athletes: US$180 million in promotional fees and prize money, and around US$90 million in athlete services.
As it enters its 16th season in 2025, CEO of Diamond League AG, Petr Stastny, said the series will continue to provide the best conditions possible and highest level services for athletes in all disciplines.
“The Wanda Diamond League remains committed to rewarding the athletes more whilst at the same time ensuring the long-term sustainability of the series, so it continues to provide vital competition to the athletes for many more years to come,” Stastny declared.
“In an ever-changing landscape in the sports, media, and entertainment world, we have always been on the forefront of innovation in our sport of athletics. Featuring a total of 32 disciplines over each season, we provide the world's best athletes the opportunity to compete at the highest possible level. Having competitors from around 100 countries every year allows for TV audiences in 150 countries and territories, making our series a truly universal and global league,” he added.
Grenadian 400m icon Kirani James and Antigua's Sir Curtly Ambrose to receive UWI honorary doctorates
Decorated Grenadian quarter-miler Kirani James and West Indies cricket legend Sir Curtly Ambrose are set to be honoured with honorary doctorate degrees from the University of the West Indies (UWI), according to reports. They are among 13 distinguished individuals recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Caribbean region, with ceremonies scheduled across UWI's five campuses from October 12 to November 9, 2024.
Kirani James, renowned as one of the most accomplished 400m runners in history, will receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD). James, who made history as Grenada's first Olympic gold medalist, has consistently excelled on the global stage. He is one of only nine athletes ever to win world titles at the youth, junior, and senior levels and is the first athlete to secure three individual Olympic medals in the 400m, with gold in 2012, silver in 2016, and bronze in 2020. James also boasts three World Championship medals, including gold in 2011.
Beyond his illustrious athletic career, James has demonstrated a commitment to education and community development. He holds a Bachelor's degree in General Business and serves on the Board of Directors of the Windward Islands Research & Education Foundation (WINDREF), where he contributes to the Sport for Health programme. His recognition by UWI not only celebrates his athletic achievements but also acknowledges his broader contributions to Grenadian society and the Caribbean region.
Joining James among the honorees is Sir Curtly Ambrose, the legendary fast bowler from Antigua and Barbuda, who will also be conferred with an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree. Ambrose, one of cricket's all-time greats, terrorized batsmen worldwide during his career, helping to cement the West Indies' dominance in the sport during the late 1980s and 1990s. His remarkable impact on cricket has left a lasting legacy, making him a fitting recipient of this distinguished recognition.
In its official statement, UWI emphasized the importance of celebrating individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields, including sports, culture, medicine, and human rights. "This year's recipients have excelled in advocacy, medicine, tourism, culture, sports, business, education, science, and music," UWI stated, highlighting the diverse achievements of those being honored.
The UWI graduation ceremonies will take place across its campuses in Antigua, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and globally via the UWI Open Campus, each marking the contributions of the honorees in their respective fields. James' recognition will take place on November 9 at the Global Campus, while Sir Curtly Ambrose will be honoured at the Five Islands Campus ceremony in Antigua on October 12.
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