Head of Sports Performance Angelo Garland and Carifta medalist Love Joseph have praised the significant strides made by the Turks and Caicos Islands in athlete development, crediting structured training regimens and cutting-edge sports performance technology for enhancing national athletes' strength and conditioning.
As part of these ongoing initiatives, the TCI Sports Commission continues to take proactive measures to ensure athletes reach their full potential.
Currently, national athletes enrolled in the Sports Performance Centre are engaged in their first full macrocycle of strength and conditioning training. This structured program divides the training year into 4-5 week cycles, focusing on phases such as testing, general physical preparation (GPP), basic strength, strength and power, power, and maintenance.
Athletes’ progress is closely monitored through advanced software like ‘Output,’ which provides data-driven insights into key performance metrics, including strength and power.
Output sensor being attached to barbell to track movement of back squats and general lifts to hit target velocities
In fact, TCI's Sports Commission pointed out that recent data highlights significant improvements, as male athletes have increased lower body strength by 51%, upper body strength by 20%, and core strength by 24% since August 2024.
Meanwhile, female athletes have seen a 55% increase in lower body strength, a 25% rise in upper body strength, and a 33% boost in core strength since October 2024.
TCI's long-distance runner, Joseph, who is benefiting from the program, has already noticed tangible improvements in his performance.
"The training is working—my core strength is better. During the race, I didn’t break my form, and the isolation work has helped a lot while running on uneven paths," Joseph shared.
Beyond track and field, the Sports Performance Centre has also welcomed national football athletes, who have demonstrated noticeable progress both in training and on the field, contributing to improved team performances and more victories. The structured training model is proving to be a game-changer for TCI’s competitive edge across multiple sports.
Results being generated from the Output sensor from an athlete completing a back squat
Garland expressed enthusiasm about the positive response from athletes and the potential for expanding the program.
“Our athletes are responding well to the training both in the gym and on the track,” Garland noted.
“With software that tracks athletic performance over time, we are excited to expand our reach and welcome more national teams from different sporting disciplines," he added.
The TCI Sports Commission highlighted that it remains committed to a strategic, science-backed approach to athlete development.
"The ultimate goal is not only to improve strength and conditioning but to translate these gains into regional and international success. This long-term approach aligns with the recently launched Long-Term Athlete Development Framework, designed to build well-rounded athletes capable of competing at the highest levels and bringing recognition to the Turks and Caicos Islands."
Caption: Head of Sports Performance Angelo Garland (left) and Dr. Joanna Bowden share a photo opportunity.