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• JAGA president Nicole Grant hails success of inaugural Carifta Gymnastics Champs

  Jamaica Gymnastics Association (JAGA) president Nicole Grant continues to celebrate a monumental achievement following the success of the recently-concluded inaugural Carifta Artistic Gymnastics Championships.

  Grant praised the event for its outstanding execution, regional impact, and the brilliant performances of the athletes over two vibrant days of competition at the National Indoor Sports Centre.

  “I would rate the overall success of the Carifta Gymnastics Championships as outstanding. The fact that it was the first event of its kind in the region and that Jamaica successfully hosted it speaks volumes about the organization and teamwork involved,” Grant told SportsMax.TV.

  The competition featured some of the best gymnasts from seven Caribbean nations, including hosts Jamaica, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.

  In a commanding display, Trinidad and Tobago topped the medal standings with a remarkable 163 medals, including 80 gold, 57 silver, and 26 bronze. Jamaica followed in second place with 101 medals—26 gold, 32 silver, and 43 bronze—while the Bahamas secured third with 22 medals—four gold, seven silver, and 11 bronze.

  Meanwhile, Aruba took home 13 medals—five gold, one silver, and seven bronze—and Bermuda had eight medals.

  

  Members of Trinidad and Tobago's dominant team.

  Trinidad and Tobago dominated most of the levels governed by USA Gymnastics (USAG) rules and also performed credibly in the Pan American Gymnastics Union (PAGU) Hopes segment.

  Jamaica had notable successes, finishing strongly in several categories, particularly in Levels 8 and 9, where they either bested or closely competed with the Twin Island Republic.

  Grant highlighted the event’s significance in fostering regional camaraderie and advancing gymnastics in the Caribbean.

  “With participation from seven countries and positive feedback from the presidents of each, it clearly showcased the talent and spirit of gymnastics across the region. This event not only highlighted Jamaica’s ability to host such a significant competition but also fostered camaraderie and healthy competition among the participating nations,” she added.

  Reflecting on the performances, Grant-Brown was moved by the athletes’ dedication and the atmosphere they created.

  USAG Level 1 was topped by Trinidad and Tobago ahead of Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Bermuda. They also finished tops in Level 2 again, bettering Jamaica, Barbados, and the Bahamas, and in Level 3 ahead of the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Bermuda.

  The Twin Island Republic also reigned in Levels 4 and 5, bettering Jamaica in both, while Bermuda was third in Level 4.

  Barbados mined gold in Level 6, followed by the Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago, while the latter also secured Level 7 and Level 10. Jamaica won gold on bars in Level 7.

  Trinidad Tobago also topped Level 8 ahead of Jamaica, before Jamaica flipped the script in Level 9, with the Bahamas taking third. However, Jamaica stood in the FIG Senior category.

  In the PAGU Hopes category, Trinidad and Tobago bettered Jamaica in Level 1, it was the reverse in Level 2, while Jamaica had no competition in Level 3.

  

  Officials from the various teams share a photo opportunity.

  Aliyah Lawson, an Under-13 Level 8 representative; Milan Ennevor, who competed in Level 9 at the Under-18 category; Malkia Collins, an Under-11 Level 5 gymnast; and Karly Keoveunxay, who competes in the Under-13 Level 2 group in the PAGU category, were among Jamaica’s gold medallists. Mariah Gordon also won gold on bars in the PAGU Level 2 category and copped second place all-around.

  “Over the two days, what stood out the most was the remarkable performances of all the gymnasts. Their dedication and commitment to excellence truly warmed my heart, as they put their best efforts forward and showcased their skills. The enthusiasm and sportsmanship displayed by the athletes were inspiring and created a vibrant atmosphere throughout the event,” Grant beamed.

  For future hosts of the Championships, she emphasized the importance of early planning to not only build on but also to surpass the success of the inaugural staging.

  “My advice for the next host would be to start their planning as early as possible. Early preparation is key to securing sponsors and ensuring a smooth event. Building strong relationships with potential sponsors can provide the necessary support to enhance the event's quality,” Grant shared.

  “Additionally, they should focus on creating an engaging and inclusive environment for both participants and spectators, which can elevate the overall experience. Learning from the successes and challenges faced during this inaugural event will also be crucial in improving future championships,” she noted.

  The event was supported by key sponsors, including the Jamaica Olympic Association, Ministry of Sports, and several corporate entities such as Mayberry Investments, Supreme Ventures, Logostitich, The Peachtree Centre, AS James and Associates, Tourism Enhancement Fund, CL Environmental Ltd, Jamaica Red Cross, and Sign Xpress, ensuring a seamless and memorable debut.

   

• Tickets for Grand Slam Track™ go on sale today

  Tickets for the highly anticipated Grand Slam Track™, the revolutionary global stage for elite track and field competition, go on sale today, December 6, 2024, at 10:00 AM Pacific / 1:00 PM Eastern. Founded by four-time U.S. Olympic champion Michael Johnson, who also serves as the league's commissioner, the event promises to redefine the sport with its inaugural season kicking off in Kingston, Jamaica, in April 2025.

  Johnson expressed his excitement about the league’s progress, stating: "Grand Slam Track™ continues to build momentum as we get closer to our inaugural 2025 season. The attention and recognition this league is gaining is incredible, and it continues to be clear that the best in the world want to be a part of it. We’re creating something truly special – a Festival of Speed – for fans to enjoy."

  The league will feature 48 top-tier athletes, known as Grand Slam Track™ Racers, competing in all four Slam events: Kingston, Miami, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. Among the confirmed stars are Jamaicans Ackera Nugent and Roshawn Clarke, alongside global icons such as Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Fred Kerley, Marileidy Paulino, Grant Fisher, Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, Alison Dos Santos, and Jereem Richards.

  Additionally, 48 Grand Slam Track™ Challengers will join individual Slams, selected based on recent performances and intriguing matchups. Racers and Challengers will compete across categories such as short sprints, hurdles, middle distance, and long distance, with each competitor racing twice during the three-day events.

  Grand Slam Track™ shifts the focus from time-based performances to head-to-head competition. Unlike traditional meets, there will be no rabbits or pacing lights. Each Slam is independently scored, with a $100,000 prize for the winner of each group and $10,000 for eighth place. A total of $12.6 million in prize money will be awarded annually, alongside base compensation and appearance fees.

  The league is also breaking with tradition by allowing athletes to compete in custom kits designed with their sponsors, free from traditional bibs or hip numbers. This unique approach emphasizes individuality and creativity while showcasing the athletes’ personalities.

  With over $30 million in financial commitments from investors, including Winners Alliance, the league aims to revolutionize fan engagement and elevate track and field’s biggest stars through innovative storytelling.

  Tickets for all four Slams are now available. Fans are encouraged to secure their seats to witness the Festival of Speed and see the world’s best athletes compete on this groundbreaking platform.

  For more information and to purchase tickets, visit grandslamtrack.com/events.

   

• “There’s levels to this”- Brown believes experience will give him the edge over Battle at UFC 310

  Jamaican UFC Welterweight Randy Brown is feeling good ahead of his next trip to the octagon at UFC 310 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas this Saturday.

  The 34-year-old will take on surging contender Bryan Battle on the back of wins in seven of his last eight including three straight since a loss to Australian Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 284 on February 11 last year in Perth, Australia.

  “Life has been good. Just been grinding. Nothing’s changed for me,” Brown said at UFC media day on Wednesday.

  “I’ve just been on the clock, developing and getting better, doing what I need to do,” he added.

  In an ideal situation, Brown said he would’ve been fighting a ranked opponent on Saturday.

  However, with Battle being a fighter with star power and momentum, also coming into this fight on a three-fight win streak, Brown plans to use this opportunity as a springboard into bigger fights.

  “Yeah, for sure but I’ve seen them before. They come and they go. They get their moments. I’m happy for him and proud of him for doing what he’s doing but I do think he’s someone I can bounce off of to help me move forward,” said Brown.

  “He’s someone I need to get past in order to move to my ultimate goal,” he added.

  Brown was also complimentary of his opponent’s skills heading into Saturday, calling him “a tremendous athlete and martial artist.”

  “He puts it together well,” he said.

  “I’m most impressed with his durability. His ability to take damage and move forward. He’s a grinder,” Brown added.

  With that in mind, Brown believes his experience will lead him to a fourth victory in a row. Brown has been in the UFC since 2016 while Battle made his UFC debut in 2021.

  “With that being said, I’ve seen him before. I think that this is one of those fights that he’s going to run into someone that’s more experienced and has seen it all before and that’s going to be a shocker for him. There’s levels to this, ultimately,” he said.