Boldon Urges Kirani James to Look Toward Leadership in Global Athletics

by Michael Bascombe

NEW YORK, September 27, 2025 - NBC Track and Field analyst and four-time Olympic medallist Ato Boldon has called on Grenada’s Sir Kirani James to consider channelling his influence and legacy into leadership roles within world athletics once his competitive career concludes.

Speaking on the weekly TalkSports programme on Saturday, Boldon reflected on James’ showing at the recent World Athletics Championships in Tokyo—where the three-time Olympic medallist failed to reach the men’s 400 metres final—and admitted he was surprised.

“Well, imagine my—I don’t want to say horror—but imagine my shock when Kirani did not make the final in Tokyo. That for me was like, wow,” Boldon said. “I was there in Grenada after he won the world title, and oh my gosh, every conversation with every Grenadian was Kirani and the world record. I remember thinking, he has won your first world title, he probably has a really good chance to win in London next year, but stop with the world record pressure.”

Despite the setback, Boldon insisted that James still appeared capable of medaling this year. However, he emphasised that the decision to step away from competition is a personal one.

“When Kirani’s time comes, whether it is sooner or later, and I believe that’s a very personal decision… I know he is one of the most beloved people in our sport,” Boldon explained. “I know he’s a man of great principle, and I know he is somebody whom a lot of people have admiration and respect for.”

According to Boldon, James’ global reputation extends far beyond Grenada’s borders.

“I know people who could not point to Grenada on a map, but because of the sort of example and bright light that Kirani has been for so long for the Spice Island, they would follow anything with Grenada because of Kirani,” Boldon said.

For Boldon, that influence makes James an ideal candidate to take up leadership in world sport.

“I think Kirani needs to translate that into seeking some sort of high office in the IOC or in World Athletics. Because I think he is the kind of person that a lot of people—who might disagree on other things—they could agree on Kirani. And I, for one, would vote for Kirani for anything he wanted to do in a leadership role in our sport.”

Drawing a comparison, Boldon recalled how former New Zealand shot put star Valerie Adams successfully transitioned into public sporting leadership. He believes James is cut from the same cloth.

“I would encourage Kirani to go in that direction,” Boldon concluded.

Walters to Fly Grenada’s Flag at Cycling Worlds in Kigali

by Michael Bascombe

KIGALI, Rwanda, September 26, 2025 — Grenada’s Red Walters, a UK-based professional cyclist and Pan-American Continental Championships silver medallist, will line up among the world’s best on Sunday when he competes in the Men’s Elite Road Race at the 2025 UCI Road Cycling World Championships in Kigali.

Walters, Grenada’s only professional cyclist, continues to carry the nation’s flag on the global stage. He will join two other Caribbean riders — Briton John of Guyana and Jyven Gonzalez of Belize — in the gruelling 267.5-kilometre (166-mile) event, which starts at 3:45 a.m. Eastern Time and features a peloton of 164 riders.

The 26-year-old Grenadian already tested the course in last Sunday’s Men’s Elite Individual Time Trial,

finishing 32nd with a time of 59 minutes, 52.98 seconds in a field of 54 competitors. John placed 39th
in 1:05:32.40, while Gonzalez focused his preparations on Sunday’s road race.

Walters, who has steadily built a reputation in Europe’s cycling circuits, is aiming to further stamp Grenada’s presence on the international scene in Kigali — a historic first for Africa as host of the UCI Road World Championships.

Grenada’s Lindon Victor Forced to Retire from Decathlon at World Championships

by Michael Bascombe

TOKYO, Japan, September 21, 2025 – Grenada’s hopes at the World Athletics Championships came to an early end on Sunday when Lindon Victor, the nation’s only remaining competitor, was forced to withdraw from the Men’s Decathlon due to injury.

The Olympic and World bronze medallist had positioned himself well for a potential medal push. Earlier in the competition, Victor produced a strong performance in the Shot Put, finishing second with a throw of 52.34 metres that earned him 919 points. That effort propelled him into sixth place overall with just two events left — the Javelin Throw, his strongest discipline, and the 1500 metres.

With his reputation for dominating the Javelin, Victor still had a realistic shot at climbing into the medal standings. However, while contesting the Pole Vault, he suffered an injury that forced him to retire from the competition to avoid further aggravation. He concluded his campaign with 5,930 points.

At the top of the standings heading into the final stretch are Kyle Garland of the United States, Leo Neugebauer of Germany, and Ayden Owens-Delerme of Puerto Rico. Notably, two of the pre-championship favourites — Canada’s Pierce LePage, the defending World Champion, and silver medallist Damian Warner — were also sidelined by injury, highlighting the physically demanding nature of the ten-event competition.

Grenada leaves Tokyo with one podium finish: Anderson Peters, who secured silver in the Men’s Javelin Throw. Veteran sprinter Sir Kirani James reached the semi-final stage of the Men’s 400m, while Kelsie Murrell-Ross concluded her campaign with a 35th-place finish in the Women’s Shot Put.

PHOTO CREDITS: Haron Forteau Media

Walcott vs Peters – A Caribbean Javelin Rivalry Reignited in Tokyo

Commentary by Michael Bascombe

The men’s javelin final at the Tokyo World Athletics Championships once again highlighted the Caribbean’s remarkable presence in a field traditionally dominated by Europe. Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago claimed a historic gold medal, edging past Grenada’s Anderson Peters, who secured silver, with American Curtis Thompson completing the podium.

This was no ordinary showdown—it was the latest chapter in a rivalry that had been years in the making. Walcott and Peters are not strangers to each other. Both men honed their craft in the crucible of regional competition, rising through the ranks of the CARIFTA Games. Walcott captured four consecutive CARIFTA titles between 2009 and 2012, setting the stage for his meteoric rise that culminated in Olympic gold at the London 2012 Games. That same year, he also swept the Central American and Caribbean Junior Championships and the World Junior Championships, underlining his prodigious talent.

When Walcott stood atop the Olympic podium in 2012, Peters was just beginning his CARIFTA journey. The Grenadian prodigy went on to win five straight titles across the Under-17, Under-18, and Under-20 divisions, carving out his own reputation as a future star. Their careers have since intertwined—two javelin greats from small Caribbean nations who continue to defy expectations on the world stage.

Walcott’s Tokyo triumph is the crowning moment of persistence. Despite his Olympic success, he had often struggled at the World Championships, failing to advance past qualification in four of his last five appearances. His perseverance paid off this year, with a career-best performance in his sixth attempt at the global stage.

For Peters, the silver medal in Tokyo was less a setback than a reminder of his extraordinary consistency. After a difficult 2017 season, he regrouped and built an enviable résumé, highlighted by a Commonwealth Games bronze (2018), CAC silver (2018), NACAC and Pan American titles, back-to-back world championships, Diamond League victories, and an Olympic bronze in Paris 2024.

The balance sheet of achievements tells its own story. Walcott now owns both Olympic and World Championship gold medals, as well as an Olympic bronze. Peters counters with two World Championship titles and an Olympic bronze. Together, they have elevated the Caribbean to unprecedented heights in a technical event that requires not only strength but also precision and mental fortitude.

Thursday’s final in Tokyo was more than a medal ceremony—it was a celebration of resilience, rivalry, and regional pride. Walcott’s resurgence and Peters’ sustained excellence prove that the Caribbean continues to produce world-class talent capable of competing with, and conquering, the best in the world.

In the end, whether it is Trinidad and Tobago’s Walcott or Grenada’s Peters, both men have etched their names in athletics history. More importantly, they have inspired a generation across the region to believe that no stage is too big, no discipline too specialised, for Caribbean excellence to shine.

Coach Phillip Urges Greater Support for Technical Events in Athletics

by Michael Bascombe

TOKYO, Japan, September 19, 2025 — As Grenada’s athletes continue their campaign at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, the country’s most decorated coach, Paul Phillip, is renewing his call for increased investment in technical disciplines, stressing that sustained success requires greater financial commitment.

Phillip, mentor of two-time Javelin World Champion and Tokyo 2025 silver medallist Anderson Peters, explained that athletes in technical events such as the javelin, shot put, and decathlon face significantly higher costs than those in track races.

“The expenses, as I explained earlier, are more for those technical events,” Phillip said in an interview with GrenadaSports in Tokyo. “A decathlete has ten events that he must provide equipment for and spend more time preparing, yet there are fewer funds being allocated because of the event’s popularity.”

He emphasised that without adequate support, Grenada’s ability to consistently compete among the world’s best could be undermined.

“That is why I am explaining that those athletes need more support to continue in the events and meet our mission,” Phillip noted. “I hope that sheds some light on the importance of financial support for those athletes.”

Grenada’s campaign in Tokyo highlights both the promise and the challenges of competing at the highest level. Alongside Peters’ silver medal in the javelin, attention now turns to Kelsie Murrell-Ross, who takes on the Women’s Shot Put on Saturday, and Lindon Victor, who begins his gruelling Men’s Decathlon on Saturday and Sunday. Both events represent technical disciplines where the costs of preparation, training, and equipment are considerable.

Earlier this week, Grenada’s most celebrated athlete, Sir Kirani James, made his seventh appearance at a World Championships when he competed in the Men’s 400 metres. Despite a valiant effort, the 2012 Olympic champion did not advance to the final. His participation, however, demonstrated Grenada’s enduring presence on the global stage of athletics.

Phillip pointed to these examples as proof that Grenada continues to produce talent across multiple disciplines, but warned that the athletes’ futures depend heavily on sustainable investment.

“Grenada has the talent,” Phillip concluded. “What we need now is the commitment to support those athletes so they can keep bringing pride to the nation.”

Coach Phillip will share more insights as a special guest on the TalkSports programme this Saturday at 1:00 p.m. ET.

PHOTO CREDITS: Haron Forteau Media

Back-to-Back Brilliance: Botswana Makes History, Sydney Sets Record in Tokyo’s 400m Finals

by Michael Bascombe

Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium roared to life on Thursday night as Botswana’s Busang Collen Kebinatshipi etched his name into athletics history, winning the men’s 400 metres final in a world-leading 43.53 seconds. In doing so, the 22-year-old delivered Botswana its first-ever World Athletics Championships gold medal, signalling the emergence of a new global power in the one-lap event.

From the gun, Kebinatshipi ran with composure, holding his form down the backstretch before exploding off the final bend. His long strides and upright running style carried him clear of the field, and the crowd sensed history unfolding.

Behind him, Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards chased valiantly, producing a lifetime best and national record of 43.72 seconds for silver. Richards, long known for his 200m speed, demonstrated endurance and maturity, pushing Kebinatshipi to the line in one of the fastest World Championship races in history.

Botswana’s celebrations doubled when Bayapo Ndori took bronze in 44.20 seconds (SB), ensuring two medals for the southern African nation in a single race. With three Botswanans and South Africa’s Zakithi Nene among the finalists, the African quarter-mile contingent confirmed its growing dominance on the global stage.

For decades, the men’s 400m was ruled by Americans like Michael Johnson, Jeremy Wariner, and LaShawn Merritt, later joined by Kirani James of Grenada and Wayde van Niekerk of South Africa. Now, Kebinatshipi’s triumph represents a generational shift — from Caribbean and U.S. hegemony to a new African surge.

Botswana has long hinted at this potential. Isaac Makwala’s heroics in the last decade opened doors, and now Kebinatshipi and Ndori have transformed that promise into podium reality. Their success also underlines the impact of regional relay projects and grassroots investments across southern Africa.

For Richards, silver was no consolation but a landmark achievement. His 43.72 not only rewrote Trinidad and Tobago’s record books but also positioned him as one of the fastest men in history. The result reaffirmed NACAC’s depth in the event, even as Africa stamped its authority.

As the flags of Botswana and Trinidad and Tobago were raised in Tokyo, the stadium reflected the event's global reach. For Botswana, it was the sweetest taste of gold. For Richards and his Caribbean supporters, it was a moment of pride and proof that the region’s sprint tradition thrives well beyond the 100m.

If the men’s final gave the world a new champion, the women’s 400m final delivered an emphatic reminder of brilliance already known. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone of the United States stormed to gold in Tokyo, setting a championship record that confirmed her status as one of the most complete and versatile athletes of her generation.

Already an Olympic and World champion in the 400m hurdles, McLaughlin-Levrone has long hinted at conquering the flat one-lap event. In Tokyo, she delivered with trademark poise — staying controlled through the first 200m before unleashing her devastating finish in the home stretch. Her time of 47.78 seconds, dazzling and dominant, placed her among the greats of the flat 400m.

For the 25-year-old, this victory was about more than just another medal. It was a statement: she can excel in both versions of the quarter-mile, and she has the potential to redefine versatility in women’s track and field.

McLaughlin-Levrone may have stolen the headlines, but the final was also a showcase for the NACAC region. Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic once again demonstrated her consistency on the big stage, extending her streak of podium finishes at global championships. Roxana Gomez of Cuba and Nickisha Pryce of Jamaica also lined up in the final, reflecting the Caribbean’s rich pipeline of quarter-milers.

With four athletes from the region competing in the last eight, NACAC confirmed its dominance of the event, rivalled only by Africa’s surge in the men’s equivalent.

The scheduling added an unusual twist: the women’s final came after the men’s, a rare departure from tradition. Far from diminishing the spotlight, it amplified it — setting up a double climax that kept fans on their feet. McLaughlin-Levrone’s record run brought the evening to a fitting crescendo, with her arms raised and the stadium erupting in applause.

McLaughlin-Levrone’s triumph opens tantalising possibilities. Could she one day chase a double — gold in both the hurdles and flat 400m at a single major championship? Few athletes have dared such a feat, and fewer still have possessed the talent. Tokyo may be the first step toward that dream.

For the NACAC region, her victory added another jewel to an already glittering crown. For Paulino, Gomez, and Pryce, it was proof that they belong on the grandest stage, keeping the Caribbean’s sprint tradition alive and well.

Walcott Leads NACAC Sweep in Men’s Javelin at Tokyo World Championships

by Michael Bascombe 

TOKYO, Japan, September 18, 2025 — The North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) region made history in the men’s javelin final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Thursday, sweeping the medal podium with stellar performances from Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada’s Anderson Peters, and the United States’ Curtis Thompson.

Walcott, the 2012 Olympic champion, produced his best throw of the season — 88.16 metres on his fourth attempt — to clinch the gold medal. This victory demonstrates his consistency and ability to rise to the occasion, more than a decade after his Olympic breakthrough.

Grenada’s Peters, a two-time world champion and one of the pre-event favourites, secured the silver medal with a mark of 87.38 metres on his second attempt. Peters’ effort reinforced his reputation as one of the premier javelin throwers of this generation and extended Grenada’s medal tradition on the world stage.

Thompson, representing the United States, got off to a flying start by opening the competition with a

throw of 86.67 metres, which held up for the bronze medal. It marked a breakthrough performance for American javelin throwing at the global level.

The final also brought surprises, as pre-competition favourites Julian Weber of Germany and Neeraj Chopra of India, the reigning world champion, fell short of expectations. Weber finished fifth, while Chopra settled for eighth place in a highly competitive field.

This NACAC clean sweep is a rare feat in the event's history, confirming the region’s rising influence in a discipline traditionally dominated by Europe and Asia.

For Walcott, Peters, and Thompson, Tokyo 2025 will be remembered as a defining moment of regional pride and excellence.

PHOTO CREDITS: Haron Forteau Media

Time to Honour Sir Kirani James: Grenada’s First Olympic Medallist Nears the Finish Line

SIR KIRANI JAMES

Grenada’s First Olympic Medallist — Our Greatest Legend

by Michael Bascombe 

On Tuesday in Tokyo, Sir Kirani James bowed out of the men’s 400 metres at the semi-final stage of the World Athletics Championships, marking what may well be the end of an extraordinary era. It was his seventh appearance at the World Championships, spanning a career defined not only by medals but also by resilience, humility, and national pride. 

The one championship he missed, in 2017, was due to his battle with Graves’ disease — a fight that made his subsequent return to the podium even more remarkable.

Sir Kirani’s journey has been nothing short of historic. As Grenada’s first-ever Olympic medallist, he blazed the trail for the nation on the global stage. His golden moment in London 2012, silver in Rio 2016, and bronze in Tokyo 2020 placed him among the rare group of athletes to secure the complete set of Olympic medals in a single event. He also completed the triple in the World Championships, winning gold in Daegu in 2011, silver in Eugene in 2022, and bronze in the Beijing event in 2015.

His success has since been joined by fellow Grenadians Anderson Peters, who won a bronze medal in the javelin at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and Lindon Victor, who won a bronze medal in the decathlon at the same event. Together, they have elevated Grenada into the ranks of nations with multiple Olympic medallists — a remarkable achievement for a small island state.

But this is not about retirement. It is about being proactive and intentional. Every great athlete eventually transitions, and when Sir Kirani makes that decision, Grenada must be ready. The Government of Grenada, the Grenada Athletic Association (GAA), and the Grenada Olympic Committee (GOC) should begin planning now for an official farewell worthy of his stature. Celebrations of this kind are not only a fitting tribute but also a source of inspiration for the next generation of Grenadian athletes.

Why Planning Must Begin Now

1. Preserving Legacy with Intention
   Sir Kirani’s career has already been written into history books, but without a carefully orchestrated farewell, the recognition may feel incomplete. An official programme of appreciation ensures his story is properly told and preserved — from “Gun Battle” to the Olympic stadiums of the world.
2. Inspiring the Next Wave of Athletes
   His path opened the doors for Peters and Victor, and the next generation is already watching. Grand farewells have ripple effects. Botswana’s Isaac Makwala and South Africa’s Wayde van Niekerk helped transition their nations’ 400m programmes by staying involved in relays and mentoring. Both nations now boast a surge of quarter-milers inspired by their heroes’ transition. Grenada can achieve the same, especially if Sir Kirani is encouraged to lead mixed relay teams or guide younger sprinters through his vast experience.
3. National Unity and Pride
   Grenadians everywhere — at home and in the diaspora — see Sir Kirani as more than an athlete. He is a unifying symbol of resilience and excellence. A carefully staged farewell offers the nation a chance to come together in collective gratitude, showcasing Grenada’s pride to the world.
4. Maximising Global Visibility
   Formal recognition for Sir Kirani, timed with his final competitions or retirement announcement, would attract international attention. This spotlight offers opportunities to promote Grenada not only as the home of a global champion but also as a sporting nation poised to nurture future talent.

While he continues to compete on the international circuit, the focus should now shift toward transitional events — including relays, mentorship, and ambassadorial roles. These are not downgrades but natural evolutions for an athlete whose presence alone elevates every team and competition.

Grenada owes it to itself, and to Sir Kirani, to ensure the next steps are deliberate, celebratory, and enduring.

When the curtain finally falls, it must do so with a national farewell befitting the greatest athlete the island has ever produced, who inspired Peters, Victor, and generations yet to come.

PHOTO CREDITS: Haron Forteau Media

NACAC dominates the women’s 100m (6/8 finalists)!

by Michael Bascombe

By the Numbers: Tokyo 2025

TOKYO, Japan, September 14, 2025 - The Women’s and Men’s 100m Finals at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

The Women’s 100m final featured eight elite sprinters representing four continents, with the North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) region showing overwhelming strength:

NACAC Region – 6 athletes

Jamaica – 3 athletes

United States – 2 athletes

St Lucia – 1 athlete

Africa – 1 athlete

Côte d'Ivoire – 1 athlete

Europe – 1 athlete

Great Britain – 1 athlete

Caribbean Subtotal – 4 athletes

(Jamaica 3, St Lucia 1)

Highlight: Jamaica, the perennial sprint powerhouse, once again stamped its authority on the women's sprinting stage with three finalists, maintaining its legacy of excellence.

The Men’s 100m final reflected an even more global sprint landscape, with representation from across Africa, the Caribbean, and NACAC countries:

NACAC Region – 4 athletes

Jamaica – 2 athletes

United States – 2 athletes

Africa – 4 athletes

South Africa – 2 athletes

Nigeria – 1 athlete

Botswana – 1 athlete

Caribbean Subtotal – 2 athletes

(Both from Jamaica)

Highlight: Africa matched NACAC stride for stride in the men's final, with four finalists from three different nations, reflecting the continent’s growing prominence in the short sprints.

Patriots Team Members Safe After Disturbing Incident in Barbados

by Michael Bascombe

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, September 9, 2025 — Several members of the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots team were involved in a frightening incident early Tuesday morning in Barbados, just days ahead of their Caribbean Premier League (CPL) clash against the Barbados Royals.

The players, along with a team official, were returning to their hotel after attending a private birthday event. On their way back, the group made a stop to purchase food when the situation quickly turned alarming.

According to preliminary reports, while awaiting their order, the group observed a man allegedly assaulting another individual nearby. Moments later, the aggressor turned his attention toward them, prompting the players and the official to flee in fear for their safety.

In the chaos, the suspect reportedly caught up with one of the team officials and forcibly snatched a valuable piece of jewellery. A struggle ensued, during which the assailant allegedly dropped a firearm. That weapon has since been recovered by the Barbados Police Service (BPS) as part of an active investigation.

Team sources confirmed that while the group was shaken, all members are safe and cooperating fully with the authorities.

The St Kitts & Nevis Patriots remain in Barbados as they prepare for their next CPL fixture against the Barbados Royals, scheduled for Thursday at Kensington Oval.

The Barbados Police Service has not released further details as the investigation continues. No arrests had been reported at the time of publication.

Grenada’s Big Four Ready to Chase Glory at World Championships in Tokyo

ST GEORGE'S, Grenada, September 5, 2025 — The Grenada Athletic Association (GAA) has officially announced a four-member team to represent the nation at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, scheduled to take place in Tokyo, Japan, from Saturday, September 13 to Sunday, September 21, 2025.

Grenada will be proudly represented by a blend of Olympic and World Championship medalists, along with rising talent, competing in some of the marquee events of the Championships:

Athlete	Event	Category
Kirani James	400 Metres	Male
Anderson Peters	Javelin Throw	Male
Lindon Victor	Decathlon	Male
Kelsie Murrell-Ross	Shot Put	Female

James, Grenada’s first and only Olympic gold medalist, headlines the team as he continues his quest for global titles in the 400 metres. Peters, a two-time World Champion and Olympic bronze medallist in the javelin, will be looking to reclaim top honours in his event. Victor, a two-time Commonwealth Games champion and Olympic bronze medallist, will compete in the gruelling ten-discipline decathlon, while Murrell-Ross will make her World Championships debut, carrying Grenada’s hopes in the women’s shot put.

The athletes will be guided by an experienced coaching team, including Paul Phillip, Christopher Lawrence, Christopher Huffins, and Marissa Chew, who bring a wealth of international expertise to support Grenada’s campaign.

The national delegation has already begun assembling in Tokyo, travelling from various locations to complete final preparations ahead of the opening ceremonies.

Grenada celebrates Kirani James Day — honouring an Olympic champion and national hero

 

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, September 1, 2025 — Grenada today celebrates Kirani James Day, a national tribute to Olympic champion and hero Sir Kirani James, whose remarkable achievements have cemented his place in the history of global athletics.

The annual observance, held on September 1 to mark his birthday, honours the legacy of the 400-metre sprinter who remains Grenada’s only Olympic medalist. James’s career includes an unprecedented collection of medals in the men’s 400m: gold in London 2012, silver in Rio 2016, and bronze in Tokyo 2020. He is among the rare few athletes worldwide to win all three Olympic medals in a single track event.

Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, in extending congratulations, said:

"Your journey has always been bigger than medals and titles; it is a story of humility, perseverance, and representing Grenada with unmatched pride."

Sir Kirani remains a source of pride for Grenadians everywhere, embodying values of resilience, discipline, and humility. 

As Grenada reflects on its journey, Kirani James Day serves as both a celebration of the past and an inspiration for the future of athletics in the nation.