Walters faces surgery but remains upbeat after Glasgow crash

by Michael Bascombe

LONDON, UK, August 3, 2026 – UK-based Grenadian cyclist Red Walters will undergo surgery on the broken collarbone he sustained during the men’s 10km scratch race final at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Walters was involved in a major crash at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome on Saturday and later underwent X-rays, which confirmed the break.

He initially believed that surgery might not be necessary because the fracture was not displaced. However, after returning home and undergoing a further assessment, Walters confirmed on Monday that he would require an operation.

“Just an update, I can confirm I will need surgery,” he told GrenadaSports.

Walters said his father flew to Glasgow on Sunday morning before they travelled home together later that day. He went to the hospital today for further X-rays and diagnosis.

Despite the setback, Walters does not believe he will necessarily be out of competition for an extended period.

“Not necessarily,” he said when asked if he expected to be sidelined for some time. “Normally, the recovery time is quite quick once it is plated. If anything, it is quicker to have the surgery than if I let it heal naturally.”

Walters said he knows other cyclists who returned to training soon after undergoing similar procedures.

“I’ve had friends who were back to training indoors after one week, and racing not that much longer after that,” he said.

Although he must now undergo surgery and begin his recovery, Walters remains optimistic about returning to the bike.

Lindon Victor deserves Grenada’s highest recognition

by Michael Bascombe

Lindon Victor has done enough to be recognised among Grenada’s most distinguished citizens.

His victory in the decathlon at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow completed a remarkable hat-trick, following his gold medals on the Gold Coast in 2018 and in Birmingham in 2022.

Winning the Commonwealth title once is an outstanding achievement. Winning it three consecutive times, over eight years, is historic.

Victor’s record extends far beyond the Commonwealth Games. He won bronze at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest and followed that with another bronze medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Earlier in his career, he was a two-time NCAA Division I decathlon champion at Texas A&M University.

This is a sustained record of excellence at the highest levels of international sport.

The decathlon is often described as the ultimate test of the complete athlete. Over two days, competitors contest 10 events: the 100 metres, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400 metres, 110-metre hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin, and 1,500 metres.

It demands speed, strength, endurance, technique, discipline, and mental toughness. One poor performance can undo months of preparation.

Victor has accepted that challenge year after year and established himself among the world’s finest multi-event athletes.

It is therefore time for the relevant authorities in Grenada to give serious consideration to appointing him as a Companion of the Order of Grenada.

The honour recognises distinguished achievement and service that brings international prestige to the country. Victor has unquestionably done that.

Whenever he competes, Grenada’s flag is displayed on the world stage. Whenever he reaches the podium, the country’s name is placed before an international audience. His achievements have brought pride and positive recognition to Grenadians at home and throughout the diaspora.

The Companion of the Order of Grenada has been awarded to distinguished citizens, including Sir Daniel Williams, Baroness Rosalind Howells, Johnson Beharry, and Olympic champion Kirani James.

Victor has earned the right to be considered among them.

This is not simply a reaction to his latest gold medal. It is a recommendation based on years of sacrifice, consistency, and historic achievement.

Too often, athletes receive their greatest recognition only after retirement. Grenada should not wait.

Honouring Victor while he is still competing would send a powerful message to young athletes that sustained excellence and service through sport are valued by the nation.

There will undoubtedly be other worthy nominations, but Victor’s name should be placed firmly before those responsible for Grenada’s national honours.

He has carried the flag with pride, represented the country with dignity, and earned his place in Grenada’s history.

Lindon Victor deserves to be appointed a Companion of the Order of Grenada.

Victor second in Decathlon; Peters advances to Javelin final

by Michael Bascombe

GLASGOW, Scotland, July 30, 2026 – Defending champion Lindon Victor was in second place after the opening three events of the men’s decathlon at the Commonwealth Games on Thursday.

After completing the 100 metres, long jump, and shot put, the Grenadian had accumulated 2,685 points.

Canada’s Damian Warner led the competition with 2,765 points, holding an 80-point advantage over Victor.

The decathletes will contest two more events on Thursday—the high jump and 400 metres—before completing the remaining five events on Friday.

Grenada also secured a place in the final of the men’s javelin throw through Anderson Peters.

The two-time world champion produced a qualifying throw of 81.29 metres, the second-best mark of the preliminary round. Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage led the qualifiers with 82.84m.

Peters will be joined in Friday’s final by two other Caribbean athletes. Bahamian Keshawn Strachan qualified with 78.60m, while Trinidad and Tobago’s former Olympic champion Keshorn Walcott advanced with 78.26m.

Jamaica’s Elvis Graham failed to qualify for the 12-man final after recording 65.07m.

Meanwhile, Jamara Patterson’s campaign in the women’s 400 metres ended in the semi-finals.

The Grenadian finished third in Heat 3 in 52.92 seconds but did not secure one of the two non-automatic qualifying places for the final.

Nigeria’s Ella Onojuvwevwo won the heat in 51.47, with Wales’ Charlotte Henrich finishing second in 52.13. Both advanced automatically.

Jamaica’s Dejanea Oakley recorded the fastest qualifying time of 51.18, while Barbados’ Sada Williams also progressed after clocking 51.85. They will be the Caribbean’s representatives in the women’s 400m final.

Walters makes history as Grenada’s first Commonwealth Games para-athlete

by Ronald Charles, Coach

GLASGOW, Scotland, July 30, 2026 - Nickel Walters became the first Grenadian para-athlete to compete at the Commonwealth Games when he represented the country in the men’s F42–64 discus.

His appearance was an important moment for Grenada’s Paralympic movement and another sign of the progress being made in developing para sports at home.

Walters competed in difficult weather conditions but still produced a personal-best performance. The event brought together athletes from different classifications, with the final standings determined through the Raza points system.

Discus is not Walters’ main event. He would have preferred to compete in the javelin, but that event was not included on the programme. He therefore accepted the challenge of competing in the discus and made the most of the opportunity.

“I am happy and grateful for the opportunity,” Walters said after the competition. “Although I wasn’t able to compete in my best event, the javelin, I adapted to the discus and gave it my best.”

His willingness to compete outside his preferred event, while representing Grenada at this level for the first time, made the occasion even more meaningful.

Walters’ participation also marks another important step for Grenada’s Paralympic programme. The country has now been represented at most of the world’s major para-sport competitions, providing a foundation on which the national programme can continue to build.

The achievement should also help to bring greater attention to Grenada’s para-athletes and the support they need to train, compete and develop.

Walters leaves the Games with a personal best and a place in Grenada’s sporting history. Most importantly, he has opened the door for other Grenadian para-athletes to follow.

Patterson advances as Grenada experiences mixed fortunes in Glasgow

by Michael Bascombe

GLASGOW, Scotland, July 28, 2026 – Jamara Patterson advanced to the semi-finals of the women’s 400 metres as Grenada experienced mixed fortunes on the track on the second day of competition at the Commonwealth Games on Tuesday.

Patterson finished third in the opening heat in 52.79 seconds to secure her place in Thursday’s semi-finals.

Charlotte Henrich of Wales won the heat in 52.13, while England’s Laviai Nielsen finished second in 52.72.

Patterson was among four Caribbean athletes who progressed from the opening round. Jamaicans Shana Kaye Anderson and Leah Anderson advanced after recording 52.71 and 52.74, respectively, while Bermuda’s Caitlyn Bobb qualified in 54.94.

However, Grenada’s Michael Francois and Joshem Sylvester were unable to advance from the opening round of the men’s 400 metres.

Francois finished third in Heat 1 in 46.62, narrowly missing a qualifying place. Nigeria’s Edidiong Udo won the heat in 45.73, with Barbados’ Desean Boyce taking second in 46.55. Both advanced to Thursday’s semi-finals.

Sylvester placed fourth in Heat 6, crossing the line in 48.17. Amal Glasgow of St Vincent and the Grenadines won the heat in 46.03, while India’s Vishal Kayalvizhi was second in 46.49.

Jamaica’s Zandrion Barnes was the fastest qualifier overall, clocking 45.13.

Barnes led a strong group of eight Caribbean athletes into the semi-finals. The other qualifiers were Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards, who recorded 45.72; Jamaica’s Delano Kennedy, 45.82; St Lucia’s Michael Joseph, 45.84; Glasgow, 46.03; Trinidad and Tobago’s Jaden Marchan, 46.17; Jamaica’s Antonio Watts, 46.36; and Boyce, 46.55.

Grenada names teams for Commonwealth and CAC Games amid scheduling clash

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, July 15, 2026 - Olympic champion Kirani James is set to make his first appearance at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games after being named among Grenada’s representatives for the 2026 edition in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The Grenada Olympic Committee (GOC) officially announced the country’s teams on Wednesday for the CAC Games and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

James will contest the men’s 400 metres in Santo Domingo, where he will be joined on the athletics team by Anderson Peters, Lindon Victor, Nazzio John, Joshem Sylvester, Kelsie Muriel Ross, and Suerena Alexander. Grenada will also be represented in swimming by Gabrielle Hayson and Jacob Collymore, while Thorina Mitchell, Renisha Stafford, Jonel Phillip, and Darron Oxford will compete in beach volleyball.

The CAC Games will run from July 24 to August 8, overlapping almost entirely with the Commonwealth Games, scheduled for July 23 to August 2.

Grenada’s Commonwealth Games athletics contingent includes Peters, Victor, Sylvester, Jamara Patterson, Michael Francois, and Shaquane Toussaint. Swimmers Tilly Collymore and Zackary Gresham, cyclist Red Walters, and para-athlete Nickel Walters complete the country’s competing delegation.

The scheduling conflict has raised concerns throughout the Caribbean, with several athletes and national Olympic committees eligible to participate in both championships.

Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) President Keith Joseph described the situation as a “conundrum” for regional members that maintain affiliations with both Commonwealth Sport and Centro Caribe Sports.

Joseph said the clash had forced members to wrestle with divided loyalties while potentially weakening participation, attendance, and the overall marketability of both events.

“CANOC regrets the clash of dates that has brought us to a stage where torn loyalties threaten the viability of both events,” he said.

Joseph called for greater international dialogue, planning, and coordination when scheduling future multi-sport competitions.

The conflict is particularly significant as Centro Caribe Sports celebrates the centenary of the inaugural CAC Games, staged in Mexico City in 1926. The Commonwealth Games movement is expected to mark its centenary when India hosts the 2030 Games in Amdavad.

Funding remains biggest hurdle as Grenadian cyclist Red Walters targets LA28 Olympics

by Michael Bascombe

NEW YORK, July 4, 2026 - Grenada's professional cyclist Red Walters says a lack of funding, rather than ability or determination, remains the greatest obstacle in his quest to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Walters, who is preparing to represent Grenada at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, spoke candidly about the financial realities of competing on the international cycling circuit during an appearance on the TalkSports programme on Saturday.

While his focus is firmly fixed on earning Olympic qualification, Walters admitted that the escalating costs of international competition have become one of the biggest challenges in pursuing his dream.

"Now that I'm trying to get to the Olympics, the costs are getting insane. It's ridiculous," Walters said. "I track everything in a spreadsheet just to keep up with what I'm spending and to make sure I have enough money."

The Grenadian rider acknowledged that when people ask what could prevent him from reaching his goals, the answer is straightforward.

"The biggest thing that would stop me from achieving my goals is if I ran out of money."

Competing professionally requires far more than training and racing. Walters explained that he is responsible for organising flights, accommodation, transporting specialised cycling equipment, and managing every aspect of his competition schedule, all while trying to keep expenses to a minimum.

"It's almost like running a business," he said. "I'm managing funding, booking the cheapest possible flights and accommodation, and stretching every bit of the budget to make it possible."

Walters credited sponsorship as the key reason he has been able to continue competing at the highest level. Beyond his performances on the bike, he has invested considerable effort in building his personal brand through social media to attract corporate partners.

"I put a lot of work into social media to create the kind of platform sponsors want to invest in," he explained. "Then I have to create content for those sponsors while also doing the work required as an athlete."

He added that sponsorship opportunities have occasionally arrived just when they were most needed.

"Sometimes I don't even know how it all works out. Sometimes I'll get lucky, and a new sponsor comes along just in time. That's happened a couple of times, and I'm just doing everything I can and hoping it works out."

Walters said he receives assistance from the Grenada Olympic Committee, although he is not currently part of the Olympic Solidarity programme.

His financial challenges became particularly evident earlier this year when geopolitical tensions disrupted his competition schedule.

Walters had planned to compete in all three UCI Track Cycling World Cup events to gain valuable experience and improve his chances of qualifying for the World Championships. After competing at the Pan American Championships, he travelled to Dubai en route to Australia for the opening World Cup when conflict in the Middle East resulted in widespread flight cancellations.

"I landed in Dubai, and one or two days later the conflict started," he recalled. "The flights got cancelled, and it was pretty sad because I knew that wasn't going to happen."

Looking back, however, Walters believes the disappointment may have proved beneficial.

He eventually competed in the remaining World Cups in Hong Kong and Malaysia, but by the conclusion of the Malaysian event he had exhausted his finances.

"By the end of Malaysia, I had run out of money. I had maxed out a credit card," he revealed. "If I had gone to Australia as well, I probably wouldn't have had enough money to compete in the other two World Cups, and I needed those races to qualify for the World Championships."

Walters described the experience as an example of what initially appeared to be a setback ultimately working in his favour.

"Sometimes what looks like a curse turns into a blessing," he said.

Watch the entire programme 

Grenada among seven nations endorsed by World Boxing

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, April 30, 2026 - Grenada has taken a significant step onto the international boxing stage after the Boxing Association of Grenada Inc. was officially endorsed for membership by World Boxing.

The announcement came as World Boxing’s Executive Board approved seven new National Federations. The other newly endorsed members include Antigua and Barbuda, Cameroon, Curaçao, Gabon, South Africa, and Vanuatu.

With this approval, the Boxing Association of Grenada is now eligible to participate in World Boxing-sanctioned events.

The move also signals that Grenada has met strict international standards, including governance transparency, anti-doping compliance aligned with global protocols, and the establishment of fair dispute resolution systems.

Vice President of the Boxing Association of Grenada Inc., Dr Deborah-Ann Stephens-John, welcomed the endorsement as a defining moment for the sport locally.

“This is a proud and historic achievement for Grenadian boxing. It reflects the hard work, structure and accountability that we have been building over the past few years,” Stephens-John said.

“Our boxers now have a clear and credible pathway to international competition, and this will serve as a major boost to the development of boxing across the island.”

She also pointed to the immediate opportunities now available to local boxers.

“Grenada has boxers who can participate in the Commonwealth Games. We have one based in England and at least three here at home who are actively preparing for that level.”

Emphasising the broader vision, Stephens-John stressed that success will be measured beyond podium finishes.

“It’s not only about winning; it’s about the development of the athlete, building experience, discipline, and long-term growth within the sport.”

She revealed that local activity is already being ramped up to support that development.

“We are preparing locally for an event in Carriacou in July and another on the mainland at the end of August. These competitions are important as we continue to build the sport from the ground up.”

This latest development follows a previous attempt by Grenada to secure membership in World Boxing. Last year, the Grenada Olympic Committee (GOC) raised concerns that led to the withdrawal of the application, citing that the Boxing Association of Grenada Inc. was not formally recognised by the national Olympic body at the time.

In response, the Boxing Association of Grenada Inc. undertook corrective measures, submitting the required documentation, including a comprehensive report outlining its annual activities and a structured programme for the development of boxing on the island.

The Association has been legally registered as the governing body for boxing in Grenada since 2022, strengthening its case for international recognition and ultimately paving the way for this successful endorsement.

Dr Stephens-John acknowledged the journey to this point.

“This was not an overnight success. We had to regroup, strengthen our documentation, and demonstrate clearly that boxing in Grenada has both structure and vision. I commend the entire team for staying the course.”

One of the immediate benefits of this endorsement is eligibility for participation in the boxing competition at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which will be conducted under World Boxing’s rules.

“The opportunity for our boxers to compete at the Commonwealth Games is invaluable,” Stephens-John noted. “It gives them exposure, experience, and belief that they belong on the international stage.”

Grenada joins World Boxing as an “Endorsed Member,” a designation that allows competition participation but does not yet grant voting rights at the organisation’s Congress. Advancement to “Full Member” status will be determined at the next World Boxing Congress, scheduled for November 20, 2026, in Panama.

Should Grenada secure full membership, it would gain voting privileges and a stronger voice in shaping the future of international boxing governance.

World Boxing was established by a coalition of National Federations worldwide in response to the International Boxing Association's derecognition. The move followed persistent concerns about Olympic-style boxing’s international governance, in which longstanding issues related to sporting integrity, transparency, administration, and financial management had put the sport’s Olympic future in jeopardy.

Those concerns were repeatedly raised by the International Olympic Committee, ultimately leading to the IBA’s removal from Olympic recognition and creating the need for a new, credible global governing structure.

While the IBA, under the leadership of Umar Kremlev, continues to stage its own world championships and professional, high-prize competitions, it remains largely isolated from Olympic involvement due to the governance and integrity issues that prompted its derecognition.

With the addition of the seven new federations, World Boxing’s membership has now expanded to 175 National Federations worldwide, reflecting the organisation’s rapid growth since its launch in 2023. The body has already made significant strides, including securing provisional recognition from the IOC in February 2025 as the governing federation for boxing within the Olympic Movement.

From Pool to PhD: Oreoluwa Cherebin Defends Doctoral Dissertation in the US

by Michael Bascombe

NEW YORK - At just 28, former Grenada and OECS swimming champion Oreoluwa Cherebin has reached another milestone, successfully defending her PhD dissertation in Analytical Chemistry on Tuesday, January 20, at Indiana University in Indianapolis.

Cherebin’s dissertation, titled “Enhanced Paper-Based Electroanalytical Sensors by Leveraging Magnetic Fields,” was presented in the Department of Chemistry and Biology and supervised by her research advisor, Frederique Deiss. The work explored innovative approaches to improving low-cost, portable electroanalytical sensors, with potential applications in health diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and resource-limited settings. Her successful defence earns her the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Analytical Chemistry.

Cherebin’s academic journey began in Grenada at St Joseph’s Convent St George, where she excelled in the classroom, sitting and passing 12 Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) subjects, including an outstanding 11 Grade Ones. That strong academic foundation would later prove critical as she balanced elite sport with higher education.

After secondary school, Cherebin spent just one semester at the T.A. Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) before taking a bold step abroad. She joined the York YMCA Aquatic Club in Pennsylvania, where she trained at a high-performance level while simultaneously earning college credits. Her performances in the pool and discipline in the classroom soon attracted attention, leading to three scholarship offers. She ultimately chose Fairfield University, where she completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics.

She later earned a Master of Science degree in Analytical Chemistry from Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, before continuing on to doctoral studies.

On the sporting front, Cherebin is one of Grenada’s most decorated swimmers. A product of the local Grenfin Swim Club, she is a CARIFTA, Caribbean Islands Swimming Championships (CISC) and Central American & Caribbean Swimming Confederation (CCCAN) gold medallist and represented Grenada at numerous OECS and Caribbean championships. She also competed on the global stage at the Commonwealth Games, the FINA World Championships, and the Olympic Games—a rare blend of elite international sport and academic excellence.

Cherebin credits swimming with instilling the discipline and resilience that fueled her through demanding lab work and late-night research sessions.

"Swimming taught me discipline and resilience—those same qualities carried me through the long nights in the lab," she said. "I hope young athletes in Grenada and the OECS see that sport doesn’t limit your future; it can actually expand it."

"If my journey shows anything, it’s that you don’t have to choose between academics and athletics—you can strive for excellence in both," Cherebin added.

Her mother, Pamela Cherebin, has long been an advocate for young swimmers and athletes exploring the opportunities sport can provide, while consistently stressing the importance of education. She has cautioned parents that athletic success must be matched by strong academic performance.

She also encouraged parents across Grenada and the OECS to expose children to multiple sporting disciplines at an early age. During her school years, Ore was not limited to swimming alone—she also played netball, football through the Jason Roberts Academy, participated in cycling and triathlon, and even pursued dancing, experiences that helped shape her all-round development.

“Sport can open doors, but education keeps them open. We always made it clear that academics had to come first,” she said. “I encourage parents to let their children try different sports early. You never know where their talent or passion will lead.”

“Opportunities exist, but young athletes must be prepared in the classroom to truly benefit from them," she added.

CANOC Confirms Caribbean’s Commitment to Both Commonwealth and CAC Games Despite Scheduling Clash

by Michael Bascombe

NEW YORK, October 19, 2025 - President of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC), Keith Joseph, has confirmed that Caribbean nations remain committed to participating in both the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, despite an unprecedented scheduling conflict that places both events on overlapping dates.

Speaking on the weekly TalkSports programme on Saturday, Joseph described the situation as “unfortunate” but said regional federations and National Olympic Committees (NOCs) are working to ensure that athletes can still represent their countries at both events.

“I think we’re on for both the Commonwealth Games and the CAC Games,” Joseph said. “It’s an unfortunate situation that they’re taking place around the same time, but we are committed to being at both.”

The scheduling clash arose after Victoria, Australia, withdrew as host of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, leaving Commonwealth Sport with a narrow window to secure a replacement. Glasgow, which last hosted the Games in 2014, stepped in with a shorter, scaled-down version of the event.

“Glasgow said, ‘We can do the Games for you in the short time you have — but here are the conditions,’” Joseph explained. “It will be no longer than ten days, involve no more than ten sports, and these are the precise dates we can use. It’s not changing.”

Meanwhile, the CAC Games, organised by Centro Caribe Sports (formerly CACSO), had already set its competition dates years in advance. The 2026 edition also holds special historical significance, marking the 100th anniversary of the Games — the oldest multi-sport event in the world after the Olympics.

“CAC said, ‘We agreed on our dates years ago, and this is our centenary celebration — we can’t change,’” Joseph said. “So both organisations are holding firm, which makes it a difficult but manageable situation.”

To minimise the impact on athletes, adjustments are being made across several disciplines — particularly in athletics, where schedules are being aligned to allow top competitors to participate in both events.

“Over the last several months, they’ve been making minor adjustments to give the best athletes the opportunity to compete in both,” Joseph said. “Some of that has worked, but it’s still very uncomfortable.”

Despite the logistical challenges, Joseph stressed that Caribbean participation in both Games is important.

“We have a responsibility to be at the CAC Games because the Caribbean and Central America make up the majority of the membership,” he said. “And since it’s the oldest multi-sport Games after the Olympics, we can’t turn our backs on that.”

At the same time, Joseph acknowledged that the Commonwealth Games offer higher-level competition and greater exposure for elite athletes seeking international ranking points and professional opportunities.

“We understand why some elite athletes may say, ‘That’s where I want to be,’” he noted. “The Commonwealth Games give them higher-ranking points and the chance to stay on in Europe for money meets. That’s part of their career planning.”

He added that the coming months will require close collaboration between National Olympic Committees, national federations, and athletes to balance priorities and resources effectively.

“It will take some doing,” Joseph admitted. “But I think we’ll find a way. We’ll be attending both Games.”