Grenada’s athletes to the Paris Olympic Games are set to be feted with much pomp and pageantry when they return home over the weekend, following their credible performance at the recently-concluded global multi-sport showpiece.

The six-member team comprising Kirani James, Lindon Victor, Anderson Peters, Halle Hazzard, Tilly Collymore and Zachary Gresham will be celebrated for their efforts in track and field and in the pool, as they gave Grenada much to be proud of.

Victor’s decathlon bronze, as well as Peters javelin bronze represents the Spice Isle’s highest-ever medal haul at an Olympic Games.

James, the island’s most decorated athlete, just missed out on a medal in the men’s 400m, as he placed fifth.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, the Government of Grenada announced that ceremonies will take place on Saturday August 17 and Sunday, August 18.

Peters, James and Victor will arrive on Saturday.

“The activities have been put in place to celebrate athletes who have brought glory and honour to our land,” said Acting Minister of Sports Delma Thomas.

“Let’s get together and be part of the grandest welcome ever, as we celebrate Grenadian resilience and excellence,” she added, while encouraging citizens throughout Grenada to organize in their various communities to participate, especially in the events on Sunday.

The athletes will be greeted by government officials, sport associations’ executives and family members, while Grenadians are invited to join the greeting party outside of the airport at 2:00pm. The weekend’s activities will also include a national motorcade on Sunday, August 18, which begins at Morne Rouge and a recognition rally at the Playing field in Victor’s home parish La Sagesse.

Thomas also hinted at some major announcements regarding the development of sports that will be made at the La Sagesse rally. Packages to honour all the Olympians will also be unveiled in a special address by Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell.

Bahamian Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture Mario Bowleg has congratulated Bahamian athletes on their performance at the recently concluded Paris Olympic Games.

For the first time in 36 years, the nation failed to win a medal at the Olympics but, nevertheless, Bowleg has offered his congratulations to those who represented the country at the global athletics showcase, noting how difficult it is to even qualify to participate.

“The Bahamas has a proud and storied history at the Olympics, and this year, our athletes continued to build on that rich tradition,” he said in a statement.

“While winning medals is often seen as the pinnacle of success, it’s crucial to recognize that qualifying for the Olympics is an extraordinary achievement in itself. Only a small percentage of athletes worldwide earn the chance to compete on this prestigious stage. Reaching this level is a testament to the unparalleled dedication, sacrifice, and commitment of our Bahamian athletes,” he added.

He continued, “becoming an Olympian is a monumental achievement in itself, regardless of whether one wins a medal. It reflects years of grit, sweat, hard work, and relentless training. Olympians are those who have earned the right to compete on the world’s most prestigious stage, displaying exceptional athletic prowess and representing the pinnacle of sportsmanship.”

Bowleg specially congratulated Devynne Charlton who finished sixth in the Women's 100m hurdles final. The World Indoor champion and record holder was the only Bahamian to advance to a final.

“She showed grit, determination, and true Bahamian spirit on that track. Keep shining and inspiring us all. Your journey is far from over.”

He also praised Charisma Taylor for reaching the semi-finals in the 100m hurdles and Denisha Cartwright, whom he said has a promising future.

The minister lauded swimmers Lamar Taylor and Rhanishka Gibbs for representing the nation in the aquatics events.

He also praised returning Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo, and made special mention of Ken Mullings, the first Bahamian decathlete, and Wayna McCoy, the first Bahamian to reach the 200m semi-final.

Also recognized by Bowleg was Mancer Roberts Sr, technical director of Bahamas Aquatics, as the first Bahamian to serve as one of 26 officials in the swimming competition.

He also noted that Bahamas Aquatics President Algernon Cargill presented medals to the 4x200m freestyle male relay winners, and former athlete Mike Sands presented medals to the men’s 400m and women’s triple jump finalists.

Bobby Finke shattered the 1,500m freestyle world record on the final day of swimming at the Paris Olympics, successfully defending his gold medal.

The American stayed below the world-record pace throughout the entire race and finished the race in an outstanding 14 minutes 30.67 seconds, beating Chinese swimmer Yang Sun's time of 14:31.02 from London 2012.

His triumph also ensured a 124-year record stayed intact for the United States, continuing their run of having an individual male swimming champion at the Olympic Games.

Italy's Gregorio Paltrinieri finished in second, while race-favourite Daniel Wiffen of Ireland earned a bronze, failing to secure a second gold after winning the 800m freestyle on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old became the first athlete from Team Ireland to win more than one medal in the Games in 28 years, bringing their tally up to six medals, equalling their best-ever haul from 2012.

Meanwhile, in the women's 4x100m relay, Team USA set another world record by winning gold in 3:49.63, breaking the record of 3:50.40 set by the United States at the 2019 World Championships.

The men's 4x100m relay team, however, were aiming to win an 11th-consecutive gold medal in the medley but were beaten to the wall by China, ending a 64-year unbeaten streak in the process.

Katie Ledecky tied level with gymnastics great Larisa Latynina by winning her ninth gold at the Olympics.

Ledecky claimed gold in Saturday's 800-metre freestyle final, edging out Ariarne Titmus with a time of eight minutes, 11 seconds.

In the process, she equalled Latynina's tally of nine golds, the record for a female athlete at the Games.

The 27-year-old has won 14 medals overall at the Olympics, four shy of Latynina's record (18).

Four of those medals have come in Paris.

Ledecky won the 1500m freestyle, took silver in the 4x200m freestyle and bronze in the 400m freestyle.

Jamaica’s Sabrina Lyn, Bahamas’ Rhanishka Gibbs and St. Vincent & the Grenadines’ Kennice Aphenie Greene were all eliminated at the preliminary stage of the women’s 50m freestyle at the Paris Olympics on Saturday morning at the Paris La Defense Arena.

Greene, 17, was the first of the trio to compete, producing a time of 27.23 to finish third in heat number five.

The 20-year-old Lyn and 18-year-old Gibbs both lined up in the seventh heat and finished fifth and sixth with times of 26.08 and 26.27, respectively.

Lyn was the highest placed of the three in the overall standings after the heats in 29^th while Gibbs and Greene came in at 31^st and 42^nd, respectively.

Only the top 16 swimmers advanced to the semifinals.

Leon Marchand capped off an "unbelievable" week in the pool as he claimed his fourth gold medal of the Paris Games.

Home hope Marchand has dominated at La Defense Arena, and won the 200-metre medley to complete a remarkable set of golds.

His win on Friday came on the back of success in the 400m medley, 200m butterfly and 200m breaststroke.

The 22-year-old, who was cheered on by French president Emmanuel Macron, told BBC Sport: "It has been unbelievable for me this week.

"I am enjoying every moment of it and this crowd was crazy. I was enjoying everything, it was so cool."

Marchand, who was just 0.06 seconds shy of the world record, finished ahead of Duncan Scott of Great Britain.

"He showed his class there, that is very quick," Scott told BBC Sport.

"What he just went after what has been a busy schedule for the guy – it was special to race him.

"It is a great way to finish it [his individual events] off."

There were two medals for France, with Florent Manaudou clinching bronze.

Great Britain-born Jamaican Josh Kirlew was eliminated in the heats of the men’s 100m butterfly at the Paris Olympic Games on Friday morning.

The 24-year-old, who was one of Jamaica’s flag bearers at the Olympics opening ceremony on July 26, produced 54.66 for fifth in the first of five heats.

With the 16 fastest swimmers advancing to the semifinals, Kirlew’s time was only good enough for 36^th overall.

Cayman Islands' Jordan Crooks delivered an electrifying performance in the men's 50m freestyle semifinals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, securing his spot in the finals with a sensational victory in his heat. Crooks clocked an impressive 21.54 seconds in Heat 1, edging out the current Olympic record holder, Caeleb Dressel of the United States, by a mere 0.04 seconds. Dressel finished with a time of 21.58 seconds.

Crooks' stellar swim marked the fourth fastest time across the semifinal heats, positioning him just 0.16 seconds behind the fastest qualifier. This outstanding performance cements his status as a formidable contender in the highly competitive 50m freestyle event.

In the second semifinal heat, Great Britain's Benjamin Proud and Australia's Cameron McEvoy tied for first place, both clocking the fastest qualifying time of 21.38 seconds. Italy's Leonardo Deplano finished third with a time of 21.50 seconds, narrowly trailing the leaders by 0.12 seconds.

All eyes will be on the Cayman Islands swimmer to see if he can maintain his winning momentum and clinch Olympic gold. His remarkable journey and performance have already made him a standout athlete at the Paris 2024 Games, and anticipation is high for what promises to be an exhilarating final.

Jordan Crooks of the Cayman Islands delivered a standout performance in the men's 50m freestyle at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, advancing to the semifinals with the second-fastest time in the heats. Competing in Heat 10, Crooks finished second with a blistering 21.51 seconds, just 0.19 seconds behind Australian Cameron McEvoy, who clocked 21.32 seconds.

Crooks' impressive swim highlighted a strong showing for Caribbean swimmers, who competed fiercely across various heats at the Paris La Defense Arena, albeit with less fortune. The Cayman Islands swimmer’s advancement is a significant achievement, making him the sole Caribbean athlete to move forward in this event.

Elsewhere in the competition, veteran swimmer Dylan Carter from Trinidad and Tobago in Heat 8, finished with a time of 22.18 seconds, not enough to advance him to the semifinals.

Meanwhile, several Caribbean swimmers made their Olympic debuts with commendable performances. Troy Nisbett of St Kitts and Nevis competed in Heat 2, finishing fifth with a time of 28.71 seconds. Dominica's Warren Adam Lawrence took to the pool in Heat 4, clocking 24.67 seconds to finish sixth.

 In Heat 5, Alex Joachim from St Vincent and the Grenadines made his debut with a time of 23.59 seconds, finishing fifth, while Aruba’s Mikel Schreuders secured third place in the same heat with a time of 22.14 seconds.

Despite their valiant efforts, the overall rankings saw Nisbett placing 69th, Lawrence 52nd, Joachim 45th, Schreuders 26th, and Carter 29th. While they did not advance to the next round, their participation and performances demonstrated the talent of Caribbean swimmers on the Olympic stage.

In a thrilling display at the Paris La Defense Arena, the Caribbean swimmers demonstrated their athleticism in the men's 100m freestyle with outstanding performances, but mixed results.

In heat two, Suriname's Irvin Hoost finished fourth in 52.99s, while St Lucia's Jayhan Odlum-Smith (50.39s) finished second in heat four, but their times were not good enough to advance.

Heat five saw Bahamian Olympic debutant Lamar Taylor clock a new National Record of 48.84s, and he was also the first swimmer to go sub-50 on the night. Barbados' Jack Kirby finished third in 50.42s.

Aruban swimmer Mikel Schreuders followed Taylor’s suit in heat six, as he too stopped the clock in 48.84s, before Dylan Carter (49.35s) of Trinidad and Tobago finished eighth in heat seven.

However, the night belonged to Jordan Crooks of the Cayman Islands, who performed admirably to finish third in a blistering 48.01s in heat eight.

Crooks advanced to the semi-finals with the fifth fastest time overall, a mere 0.44 seconds behind the fastest qualifier, American Jack Alexy. The other Caribbean competitors ranked: Hoost (68th), Odlum-Smith (44th), Taylor and Schreuders tied for 26th, Kirby (46th), and Carter (34th).

Collymore, Persaud and Crooks failed to progress in women’s 100m freestyle

Grenada's Tilly Collymore, Guyana's Aleka Persaud and Cayman Islands’ Jillian Crooks all performed exceptionally well in the women's 100m freestyle at the Paris La Defense Arena, but like most of their male counterparts, failed to make the final cut to the semi-finals.

In heat one, Collymore finished second in 58.84s, just 0.65 seconds behind the winner. Persaud (1:01.29) placed fourth in the same heat, while Crooks (56.15s) finished seventh in heat two.

By virtue of their times, Crooks was 23rd overall, Collymore (26th), and Persaud (28th). Sweden's experienced campaigner, Sarah Sjöström, was the fastest qualifier in 52.99s.

Still, the Caribbean ladies had much to celebrate as Collymore, 16, is an Olympic debutant, while Persaud, 18, the youngest member of the Guyana team, was gracing the global multi-sport showpiece for a second time. She finished 55th in the 50m freestyle in Tokyo 2020 with a time of 27.76 seconds.

Crooks, 18, was also enjoying her second Olympic Games outing, having made her Olympic Games debut in Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. She won three medals at last year’s Commonwealth Youth Games.

US Virgin Islands’ D'Amour eliminated in men’s Archery

Nicholas D'Amour of the US Virgin Islands lost 6-4 to Japanese archer Fumiya Saito in the men's individual round of 32 eliminations at the Invalides on Tuesday.

Despite a valiant attempt, D'Amour was defeated by a single point in the last set.

D'Amour demonstrated tremendous skill, leading set 2 with a score of 27-24. The Japanese and D'Amour tied sets 1 and 4, with Saito winning sets 3 and 5, defeating the USVI representative by one point in the last set, which determined the outcome. 

D'Amour, 22, made his Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020, becoming the first archer to represent the US Virgin Islands. He was eliminated in the first round in a shootout. In 2021, he finished in the top 10 on several occasions, moving him 196 places into the top five in the world rankings. He is also accredited as the 2022 Vegas Shoot silver medallist.

In an inspiring display of perseverance and national pride, Haitian swimmer Alex Grand'Pierre faced formidable challenges yet delivered a commendable performance in the 100m breaststroke at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Despite a rigorous internship and limited preparation time, Alex displayed his dedication, finishing fourth in his heat and earning high praise from his coach and sister, Naomy Grand'Pierre, Haiti's first female Olympic swimmer.

His journey to Paris and his resilient spirit on the world stage highlight not only his athletic talent but also his commitment to representing Haiti with honour and distinction.

Naomy, who made history as the first woman to swim for Haiti at the Olympics in Rio 2016, explained the circumstances that affected Alex's performance.

"I think context is the most important thing," she began. "Alexander was interning in New York with the UN and the State Department, so the three months leading up to the Olympics, his training was based in New York. He was using a 25-metre pool and training every day, but when you train in a 25m pool as opposed to a long course pool for a long course race, there are some little details that you're not able to refine and endurance that you're not able to maximize."

Alex's tight schedule also played a role in his preparation. "It's also important to note that because of this internship and the very strict dates, Alexander arrived the morning of the 25th, which was one day before the opening ceremonies. So Alexander was able to get one solid day of training, had a wonderful performance at the opening ceremonies, left the opening ceremonies early, and then his race was in the morning," Naomy explained.

Despite these challenges, she expressed pride in Alex's efforts. "Considering all those outside factors and comparing it to all the other athletes that arrived two weeks before their Olympic races to perform at 100 percent best, this was Alexander's best, considering all the circumstances. So for him to only be a second shy of his best time, he still came fourth in his heat. He's the third fastest Caribbean Olympian. So from all the breaststrokers from the Caribbean islands, he is the third fastest and I think he did a phenomenal job."

Naomy (right) Alex and proud members of the Haitian delegation in Paris.

Naomy emphasized the significance of Alex's participation in the Olympics for her troubled nation. "What Alexander did well is rise to the occasion and understand the significance of his role as an athlete at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, and it was to represent Haiti at the highest possible level. Him at the opening ceremonies is a direct reflection of that, him before his race, during his race, and after his race is a direct reflection of that."

Looking ahead to the next Olympic Games, Naomy noted areas for improvement. "Under perfect circumstances, I would have loved for Alexander to participate in the pre-Olympic training camp that the head coach of Azura, John Luca, was in charge of. He would have adjusted to the time zone and done all of those things. So there's always room for improvement, and hopefully, in the next Olympic games, he will have all the ideal conditions for him to go a best time."

Alex's experience in Paris also provided valuable lessons. "As soon as he finished his race, he crossed paths with Adam Peaty and was able to take a photo with him. He's like the best breaststroker in the world. So it's moments like that; I think he knows that he's among the best. He was quite literally a symbol of Haitian excellence. And he's aware of the privilege and responsibility that comes with the position that he's in. I think he's taken a very good leadership role with all the Haitian athletes that are here; it's a delegation of seven."

Alex Grand'Pierre and Adam Peaty, who won silver in the final of the 100m breaststroke.

Naomy concluded with praise for Alex's positive influence. "Alexander has been very vocal about how important it is to bring positivity, good vibrations, and good energy for Haiti here in Paris for the world to see. And Alexander has done a beautiful, beautiful job."

Alex, a rising college senior, qualified for the Olympics after winning the 100m breaststroke at the Central American and Caribbean Swimming Championships last month. He holds Haitian records in the 50, 100, and 200-metre breaststroke and the Bowdoin College records in those distances.

Coming off a successful season in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), where he was named an All-American in the 100m breaststroke at the NCAA Division III championships, Alex has shown promise and resilience as he sets his sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Dara Alizadeh Wins Men’s Single Sculls Semifinals E/F

Bermuda’s Dara Alizadeh has qualified for the Final E in the men’s single sculls after a remarkable win in the semifinals. Alizadeh finished first with a time of 7:33.38, maintaining his first-place rank throughout the race. He was a force to be reckoned with as he sailed to victory lapping his opponents with Zimbabwean Stephen Cox coming in second with a time of 7:36.59. He will compete in the men’s single sculls Final E on August 2nd.

 USVI Kruz Schembri Outmatched in Fencing

U.S. Virgin Islander Kruz Schembri loses men's foil individual table of 64 bout 2 to Canadian Blake Broszus 15-8. The 17-year-old, ended the first period 13-8 falling behind and in period 2 15-8 unable to redeem himself against the Canadian.

Schembri is the first fencer to represent the US Virgin Islands at the Olympic Games since Los Angeles 1984 making this an historic feat despite his loss. He is the 2024 Junior Pan American champion in foil and bronze medallist in epee.

 Sören Opti Retires in Men’s Single Badminton Match

Surinamese Sören Opti retired in his second match today against Italy's Giovanni Toti at the La Chapelle Arena Court 1. The match finished at 1 nil with Opti retiring in the second game. Toti won game one 21-8 and was leading game two 4-1 when Opti conceded.

While Opti's time in Paris has come to a close, the athlete played passionately and represented his country on the world stage, leaving his mark.

 Bermuda and Trinidad and Tobago Will Not Advance in the Women's 100m Backstroke

Zuri Ferguson of Trinidad and Tobago and Emma Harvey of Bermuda both performed exceptionally in the women's 100m backstroke heats held today at the Paris La Defence Arena.

Ferguson was third in her heat with a time of 1:02.75, 0.45 seconds behind first-place Israeli Aviv Barzelay. Harvey was eighth in her heats with a time of 1:01.78, 3.30 seconds behind first-place Australian Kaylee McKeown. In spite of their valiant performances, neither will make it to the semifinals. Ferguson and Harvey placed 27th and 23rd, respectively, and failed to qualify with the USA, Katharine Berkoff leading the qualifying round with a time of 57.99.

An emotional Adam Peaty says "in his heart, he's already won" despite narrowly missing out on a historic third consecutive 100m breaststroke gold medal.

Peaty was bidding to become just the second man after Michael Phelps to win the same swimming event at three consecutive Olympics.

However, he had to settle for a tie for silver with America's Nic Fink, after Italy's Nicolo Martinenghi snatched a shock win by beating them to the wall by 0.02 seconds.

Peaty recently took a break from the sport to cope with mental health struggles, which came to a head when he broke his foot in 2022, ending his eight-year dominance over 100m.

Having made his comeback with a bronze at this year's World Championships, a tearful Peaty explained why he was not disappointed about falling short of the top prize.

"It's been a very long way back. I look at the score there, you never think in your wildest dreams it would be 59 [seconds] to win it," he told the BBC.

"I gave my absolute all and executed it as well as I could. It's not about the end goal, it's all about the process. It doesn't matter what the end time says on the board, in my heart, I've already won.

"I'm not crying because I came second, I'm crying because it took so much to get here. It's incredibly hard to win it once, and to win it again, and again and trying to find new ways to do it.

"Everything I have done to this point has happened for a reason. I'm so happy I can race the best in the world and get joint second.

"In my heart, I've won. These are happy tears. I said to myself to give my absolute best every single day and I have. You cannot be upset about that."

Peaty will have another chance to go for gold in Paris when he competes in the 4x100m relay.

Antigua and Barbuda's 15-year-old swimming sensation, Ellie Shaw, has been eliminated from the Olympic Games in the 100m breaststroke after finishing third in her opening heat on Sunday. Shaw clocked a time of 1:14.78, placing her behind 18-year-old Rouxin Tan of Malaysia, who won the heat in 1:12.50, and Imane Houda El Barodi, 23, who finished in 1:14.57. Unfortunately, none of the swimmers from this heat advanced to the semi-finals as only the top 16 swimmers overall progressed on time.

Shaw, Antigua's 2023 Junior Sportswoman of the Year, swims for the Wadadi Aquatic Racers Swim Club in St John's and is coached by Edith Clashing. Despite the early exit, her participation in the Olympics marks a significant milestone in her young career. Shaw began swimming in 2013 and has since become a prominent figure in Caribbean swimming.

Earlier this year, Shaw won gold at the 2024 Carifta Championships in the 100m breaststroke. She also set a national record and a junior area record in the 50m breaststroke with a time of 37.73 at the 2024 World Championships, demonstrating her potential and skill in the sport.

Though her journey in Paris has come to an end, Shaw's accomplishments at such a young age highlight her promising future in competitive swimming. Her dedication and achievements continue to inspire young athletes in Antigua and Barbuda and across the Caribbean.

There were no second round fortunes for Haiti’s Alexandre Grand'pierre, Antigua and Barbuda’s Jadon Wuilliez, or Guyana’s Raekwon Noel in the pool as both failed to progress from their respective heats on the opening day of the Paris Olympic Games at the Paris La Defence Arena on Saturday.

Wuilliez and Grand'pierre, finished second and fourth in their 100m breaststroke heats after clocking 1:02.70 and 1:02.85, respectively, but did not make the semi-finals as those times placed them 26th and 28th overall.

Noel also had a credible second-place finish in his 400m freestyle heat, but his time of 4:02.29 wasn't enough to progress. He finished 34^th overall.

Wuilliez, 22, has had a wonderful track record thus far, earning a gold medal in the 50m breaststroke and a bronze in the 100m event at the Central American and Caribbean Swimming Championships (CCCAN) held in Mexico in June earlier this year.

Grand'Pierre, 21, is Haiti’s current record holder for the 50m and 200m breaststroke and the 200m individual medley (IM). He also won multiple New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) championships and is an NCAA Division III All-American. Earlier in June, he won the 100m breaststroke at the CCCAN in 1:02.39.

Meanwhile, this was Noel’s Olympic Games debut. The 18-year-old has established himself as one to look out for in the future, as he shattered five team records for the South Jersey Aquatic Club at the Middle Atlantic Senior Championships. He finished his short course season, winning five races and setting nine personal best times in addition to his records.

Noel won the competition and broke team records in the 500 free, 1000 free, and 200 fly. He boasts a track record in swimming, with five gold medals at the 2023 Carifta Swimming Championships. Breaking five nation records.