By Samuel Peters
The Year 2024 showcased both emerging talent and established greatness as Antigua & Barbuda’s athletes left an indelible mark across multiple sporting disciplines, proving that our small nation continues to produce world-class competitors.
The sporting calendar opened in January in spectacular fashion when 17-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Jewel Andrew captured global attention at the Men’s Under-19 World Cup in South Africa. His magnificent 130 against the host nation wasn’t just a display of technical brilliance – it was a statement of intent from Antigua’s next cricket star. Andrew’s performance earned him a spot in the tournament’s Team of the Year and set him on a trajectory toward the West Indies Senior ODI Team.
In March, the Princess Margaret School maintained its athletic dominance, securing both male and female titles at the Inter-Schools Track & Field Championships. The emergence of 13-year-old Bequincia Eugene of Ottos Comprehensive School became one of the championship’s most memorable stories. Her double-medal performance in the 1500m and 3000m, running the races in the now-iconic Crocs symbolized the pure joy of youth and determination of our young athletes.
The nation’s sporting excellence extended to the table tennis arena in May, where Stuti Kashap demonstrated exceptional skill to capture the Caribbean U15 Girls Singles Championship in the Dominican Republic. Meanwhile, our cricket stars continued to shine on the international stage. West Indies Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph reached two significant milestones, becoming the fastest West Indian to 50 T20I wickets while also claiming his 100th Test wicket. Leeward Islands captain Rahkeem Cornwall achieved a remarkable triple feat: 3000 First Class runs, 400 First Class wickets, and three triple-wicket maidens in the CG United Super 50.
In football, All Saints United wrote their own chapter in local sporting history, clinching the ABFA Premier League title from Sandals Grenades in a thrilling finish decided by goal difference. The basketball court saw Flyers Basketball demonstrate their continued dominance, sweeping Northside Stingerz 3-0 to retain their Division One crown, while Spanish Heat secured the Division Two championship.
Moreover, the National Senior Men’s Cricket Team retained their title by playing unbeaten in the Leeward Islands Cricket Board 50-Overs Tournament with Kadeem Henry collecting the most wickets with 11 scalps, arguably being the Tournament’s MVP.
Team Antigua and Barbuda won its third straight title at the 32nd OECS Swimming Championships held in St Vincent by amassing a total of 900 points.
The Antigua and Barbuda Amateur Volleyball Association season provided one of the year’s most compelling narratives, as Pytonz overcame the disappointment of losing the league title to Stoneville to claim their first President’s Cup in nine years against the same opponents.
Ambassador Kimberly Percival’s remarkable year in bodybuilding saw her strengthen her claim for a fifth Sportswoman of the Year Award, with victories at prestigious events including the IFBB Pro Gran Gala Di Saint Vincent, IFBB Elite Pro World Championship at the Arnold Classic Europe, IFBB Pro Cancun, and IFBB Pro Chile.
It was also the year when our only living hero and legend, the great Sir Vivian Isaac Alexander Richards, celebrated 50 years since his debut against India for the West Indies. His illustrious career includes winning two ODI World Cups and being the only captain to never lose a test series.
The year’s pinnacle came through Sports Ambassador Rai Benjamin’s extraordinary achievement at the Paris Olympics. Benjamin’s double gold medal performance in the 400 metres hurdles and 4×400 relay, including his victory over defending Olympic Champion Karsten Warholm, brought immense pride to the nation of Antigua and Barbuda.
The future of Antiguan boxing also showed promising signs as Joshua Toussaint and Zalaan Jan from the Uprising Gym demonstrated their potential with impressive victories in the 67 Kg and 86 Kg divisions at regional competitions. Additionally, the Full Rifle Championship Bore was won by the Antigua and Barbuda Rifle Team for the first time since it was first held in Guyana in 1935.
As we reflect on 2024, these achievements stand as testament to our nation’s continuing sporting excellence. From the cricket pitch to the Olympic stadium, from junior champions to seasoned professionals, our athletes have shown that Antigua & Barbuda’s sporting legacy grows stronger with each passing year.
