Judy Simons
Former Bermuda Olympic Association president Judy Simons passed away on January 3.
The association made the announcement in a press release, leaving family, friends and colleagues to mourn.
“We are saddened to advise you of the passing of our friend and colleague Mrs. Judy Simons on January 3, 2024,” BOA president Peter Dunne said.
“This sudden and shocking news will be felt around the world.”
The announcement noted her 25 years of service to the Commonwealth Games Federation and to the Olympic movement, which followed a sporting career in field hockey and tennis.
“Her contributions to the BOA and Bermuda’s sporting community have had significant impact on the profile of Bermuda within the international sporting communities and organisations, right up to her passing as the regional vice-president (Americas) of the Commonwealth Games Federation.
“In addition to her tenure as president of the BOA and previously as secretary-general, Judy served on numerous committees.
“Judy’s leadership and reputation in the international sports groups has done much for the advancement of Bermuda and our athletes.
“Her reputation as a strong advocate for our organisation and other small national Olympic committees was well earned and will be missed greatly by all who knew her and benefited from her experience.
“Judy often referred to the 2020 gold medal of Flora Duffy as the pinnacle of her BOA career, but her legacy as a relationship builder will be remembered for years to come, always for the benefit of the BOA.
“Bermuda’s standing in global sport is due in large part to Judy’s dedication to the movement and her ability to develop strong bonds with her colleagues.
“We will continue to benefit from her work and reflect on her service as a model for all to emulate.”
BOA secretary-general Branwen Smith-King described Mrs. Simons as a “good friend, colleague and mentor”
“I’m devastated by this news; she will be sorely missed,” she said. “Judy’s contribution to sport in Bermuda reaches beyond our borders and those of us in the sports world are indebted to her services.
“As past president of the Bermuda Olympic Association, Judy’s leadership, passion for helping others and love for sport was inspirational.
“Judy Simons has left a legacy that truly cannot be duplicated. Rest in peace, my friend.”
BOA first vice-president Brenda Dale added: “Judy was a dear friend and someone I deeply admired and trusted.
“She was a kind, caring and committed person whose heart was rooted in the Bermuda sports community.
“She dedicated a large part of her life fighting for and supporting our Bermuda athletes in every avenue and at every level possible.
“I am ever grateful to have accepted her invitation to join her on the BOA board, as it was truly an honour to serve with her.
“She was an inspiration, and her hard work and immense contributions to sport, both locally and internationally, will be a legacy felt and admired across the globe. She will be deeply missed.”
Ben Smith, the deputy leader of the opposition One Bermuda Alliance and Shadow Minister of Education and Sport, described Mrs. Simons as “the face of sports in Bermuda” whose rich legacy will live on.
Mr. Smith who is also Bermuda’s national swimming coach, said: “Judy was an absolute pleasure to work and travel with. She was a consummate professional, but also very nurturing and a joy to be around.
“Bermuda has lost yet another national treasure and will be sorely missed. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to her family at this difficult time.”
The Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) also reacted to her passing.
“It is with immense sadness and a heavy heart that I extend our most sincere condolences to the immediate family, the Olympic Family and the entire Bermudan sport family, on the passing, earlier today, of our dear friend and colleague, Judy Simons,” CANOC President Keith Joseph said in a statement on Thursday.
The statement continued: “It was not so long ago that we had the pleasure of Judy's company and observed then, that she was ailing. As usual, in her own style, she seemed to convince us that all was well.
“Truth sets us free and Judy never really recovered from the death of her husband. Even speaking of his passing a few weeks ago in Singapore, brought great sadness to her and an admission of just how much this continued to impact her.
“Judy's commitment to sport led her to take on many challenges. She soldiered as she had to cope with the passing of her treasured General Secretary, Phillip Guishard, and was ecstatic with the gold medal winning performance of the country's Triathlon athlete, Flora Duffy, making Bermuda the smallest country in the Olympic Movement to win gold at the Olympics.”
Mrs. Simons was the wife of former Somerset Cup Match captain Campbell Simons, who predeceased her in September 2021.
CANOC President Keith Joseph praises Julien Alfred, extends best wishes ahead of World Athletics Award decision
As the world awaits the announcement of the 2024 World Athletics Women’s Track Athlete of the Year, CANOC President Keith Joseph has expressed pride and support for St Lucia’s Julien Alfred, a finalist for the prestigious award alongside the USA’s Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. The award decision will be revealed on December 1, marking a historic moment for the Caribbean athlete, who already secured gold in the 100m and silver in the 200m at the Paris Olympics.
Joseph highlighted the significance of Alfred’s accomplishment, noting her meteoric rise from a small island with a population of under 150,000. “For the very first time in decades, a Caribbean athlete, not from any of the larger islands, and with a population of less than 150,000, is among the finalists. We are here referring to St Lucia’s track and field gem, Julien Alfred… who has literally stormed into the sporting history of her native land,” he stated.
Joseph traced Alfred’s journey from her early promise in athletics to her dominance at the CARIFTA Games, the NCAA Division 1, the World Athletics Indoor Championships, and the Central American and Caribbean Games, describing her victory in Paris as a “feat of pure beauty, grace, incredible confidence, and impeccable timing.”
Reflecting on the history of Caribbean success in track and field, Joseph drew parallels to other trailblazing athletes from the region. He recalled Arthur Wint’s first Olympic gold for Jamaica in 1948, Hasely Crawford’s 1976 win for Trinidad and Tobago, and this year’s historic achievements with the national anthems of Dominica and St Lucia being played for the first time at the Olympics. “In Paris, two of our region’s smallest islands – Dominica and St Lucia - had their anthems played for the first time at the Olympic Games. It was track and field athletics yet again,” Joseph said.
Joseph also acknowledged the achievements of other Caribbean athletes across various disciplines, especially those who have overcome unique challenges from small island nations. “We are generally considered small, even micro in some cases, but we are aware of which nations in our midst are the smallest and the very special challenges they face,” he emphasized.
In closing, Joseph extended CANOC’s full support for Alfred as she aims to etch her name in history as the World Athletics Female Athlete of the Year. “We extend best wishes to Julien Alfred in her quest to win the coveted title of World Athletics Female Athlete of the Year 2024. We certainly hope that she has the benefit of the votes of all of our members, etching her name in yet more sporting history in 2024,” he concluded.
CANOC president Keith Joseph criticizes ANOC leadership, calls for reform in Olympic representation
Keith Joseph, President of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC), delivered a stinging critique of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) in a statement released on Tuesday, November 5. Joseph suggested that ANOC has lost its way and is no longer equipped to lead in today’s dynamic global sports environment.
Joseph's comments follow last week's ANOC General Assembly in Cascais, Portugal, where he said many attendees left with a sense of frustration and disillusionment over ANOC’s purpose and direction. Reflecting on ANOC’s original mission, Joseph noted, “ANOC was created as a forum for National Olympic Committees (NOCs) to address shared issues and make recommendations for mutual development. Yet, the current structure, dominated by IOC members, has turned these Assemblies into a platform where the IOC seems to be speaking primarily to itself.”
A primary concern raised by Joseph was the lack of NOC representation in selecting representatives for the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He highlighted the disparity between athletes, who generate the Olympic Games' profits, and the limited voice of the NOCs in crucial decision-making processes, asserting that athletes deserve prize money as fair compensation.
Joseph put forth a resolution on behalf of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Olympic Committee (SVGOC), which reportedly gained traction, with ANOC Secretary General Gunilla Lindberg indicating support from the IOC President. Joseph expressed optimism that ANOC will take meaningful steps to address the issues raised.
The statement also underscored CANOC’s growing stature within the international sports community. CANOC was acknowledged during the Assembly by a Deloitte representative, who lauded CANOC’s Sustainability Action Plan 2025–2030. The Assembly also facilitated discussions to broaden the sports program for the Caribbean Games, further strengthening CANOC’s role in advancing Caribbean sports.
Joseph concluded his statement by reinforcing CANOC’s commitment to the Caribbean, emphasizing the importance of unity in overcoming challenges and building a legacy future generations can be proud of.
Former Sportsmax presenter Alex Jordan, Carlos Brathwaite honoured with special sports award at Barbados Labour Party ceremony
Accomplished athlete and sports commentator Alex Jordan was recognized with a Special Sports Award on Friday night at the 85th Annual Conference of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) Awards Ceremony. The prestigious event, held at the Christchurch Foundation School, also saw former West Indies cricketer Carlos Brathwaite receiving an award, with Barbados Prime Minister The Honourable Mia Mottley and President of Guyana Dr. Irfaan Ali in attendance.
Jordan, a versatile broadcaster and beloved sports commentator across the Caribbean, was celebrated for her outstanding contributions to sports journalism. The citation highlighted her dynamic career, which spans over 20 years, and her representation of Barbados in squash, golf, and swimming. Fluent in four languages, Jordan has also played diplomatic roles for the Government of Barbados on several United Nations bodies, further demonstrating her multi-faceted talents.
“Kaitlin Alexandra Jordan is a dynamic athlete, broadcaster, and sports commentator, who has proudly represented Barbados in squash, golf, and swimming. Fluent in four languages, Alex has played key diplomatic roles for the Government of Barbados on several UN bodies. With over 20 years of experience in radio and TV broadcasting, she has focused her career on sports journalism,” the citation read.
Jordan’s career has seen her grow into a prominent figure in Caribbean sports broadcasting. After returning to Barbados to help launch the Alex Jordan Morning Show on SLAM 101, she transitioned into sports broadcasting, eventually commentating for the Caribbean Premier League. She has since earned a global audience, covering major sporting events like the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games, winning fans across the Caribbean for her knowledge and passion.
Jordan and fellow awardee Carlos Brathwaite at the rostrum on Friday where they received their awards.
In an emotional acceptance speech, Jordan expressed her deep pride in being a Barbadian and her admiration for the leadership of Prime Minister Mottley and President Ali.
“May I just say how proud I am to be a Barbadian. We are from such a unique place, and what has distinguished us in the region and the world is our government. I am so grateful for the productivity, the professionalism, the decision-making, and action of this government,” said Jordan.
She also spoke about the importance of regional unity and the strong relationship between Barbados and Guyana: “I am so happy to see these two leaders from Barbados and Guyana, their relationship, their regional and global vision reinforcing how important it is to our identity to understand that we are part of a collective. They are so smart and vibrant and making waves around the world; wherever I go in the world, people tell me how much they admire Mia Mottley, and it makes me deeply proud.”
Jordan’s recognition underscores her significant contributions to sports and Caribbean culture, continuing to inspire through her engaging presence in sports media.
Meanwhile, Brathwaite, best known for his match-winning four consecutive sixes in the 2016 T20 World Cup final, was also honoured during the ceremony, adding another highlight to a night dedicated to celebrating the BLP's finest talents.
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