09092025 SPORTS

SPORTS

Surfers eliminated

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

Although they both gave gallant efforts in their repechage yesterday, Bahamian surfers Joey Gale and Lili Wagner were eliminated from the competition at the ISA World Surfing Games.

Gale competed in his repechage heat at El Sunzal surf break in Surf City, El Salvador, where he finished third in his heat and was

eliminated. Wagner, competing in the open women’s repechage, was fourth in her heat and also got eliminated.

The surfers were judged by five judges on a scale of 1-10 based on manoeuvres on the waves. Their two best wave scores were added together for their heat total.

Tom Glucksmann, who accompanied the team as the coach, said he was very proud of their performances.

count up, I managed to catch five waves during my heat,” she pointed out. “All pretty low scores but a big improvement overall.

“I had a higher heat total than my first one. Waves were smaller today and a bit more tricky but still proud of my efforts.”

Wagner, 27, said the WSG is an incredible event with lots of camaraderie amongst the surfers from all over the world.

“It’s a privilege to be a part of it all,” she noted.

“I’m very proud of Lili becoming the first Bahamian woman to compete in this event since 2009,” said Glucksmann, who first started training Wagner as a teenager at his summer camp in Eleuthera. “She executed the game plan well, catching waves early and often.

“Joey’s 3.3 was the highest single wave score for our team so far and he again showed great style on his waves. With more competitive experience under his belt he can begin to make it through rounds in this competition.”

For next year, Wagner said she plans to dial into more explosive manoeuvres and generate more power in the waves she surfs.

“Overall my takeaway is that that was an amazing learning experience and an incredible opportunity to represent The Bahamas,” she stated.

“Being able to surf at this level with some of the best in the world is a huge honour and I’m just happy I got to be a part of it all.”

“I had scored a 3.33 and a 1.87 while my competitors had two scores in the 4s and 5s.

“I knew I needed to score somewhere around a 6 so I tried to push it on the last wave but ended up falling.

Gale, a 24-year-old native of Abaco, said his competition yesterday was close. “The conditions were a bit smaller than expected but still good. It came down to my last wave,” he said.

But overall, I had a great experience. It’s always a big honour to represent The Bahamas.”

As he looks ahead to returning next year, Gale said he just needs to “work more on the mental and strategic side to competitive surfing.”

Wagner, the former owner of a shark diving company in Eleuthera before she decided to travel around the world surfing, said she felt she did really well, especially in posting her best heat total of the event. “I did exactly what I set out to do. I got my wave

Today, Luke Prosa, the only other Bahamian competing at the games, will be in his repechage heat. The Bahamas was expected to have four competitors entered, but Christopher Albury withdrew before the start of the games.

Over the next 4 days heading into the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, The Tribune’s Sports will be running a series of profiles, highlighting the 15-member team that will represent The Bahamas. The championships will run from September 13-21. The profile continues today with long jumper/hurdler Charisma Taylor ...

By JONATHAN BURROWS

GEORGIA Tech freshman quarterback Graham Knowles opened his 2025 collegiate football season this Saturday with a memorable performance, delivering just one pass for one of the most explosive plays of the game. In Georgia Tech’s 59-12 win over Gardner-Webb, Knowles replaced starting quarterback Dean Patterson and threw his only pass of the game which was an 84-yard touchdown. He finished the game with one completion on one attempt with zero interceptions and one touchdown.

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BASKETBALL

BBSF TOURNEY THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation’s 2025 Basketball Tournament is scheduled for the weekend of September 26-27 at the CI Gibson Gymnasium for the 12-and under and open divisions.

Each team will consist of 12 players.

Trophies sponsored by AID will be distributed to the champions and runners-up in each category as well as medals for the third-place teams. Interested persons can contact Sean Bastian at seanbasbastian@ gmail.com or call 8268535 or Brent Stubbs at stubbobs@gmail.com or call 426-7265 for more information. UPTOP ELITE THE Uptop Elite Basketball Club is scheduled

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World Athletics Championships -

Charisma Taylor

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor

IN her senior debut at the Olympic Games last year in Paris, France, personal stylist Charisma Taylor made the bold step at competing in both the women’s triple jump and the 100 metre hurdles.

While her goal is to still compete in both events at the international level, she has decided to just concentrate on the 100m hurdles as she makes her debut at the World Championships.

Taylor, 26, will be one of three Bahamians once again carrying the Bahamian flag in the competition, along with national record holder Devynne Charlton and collegiate standout Denisha Cartwright.

The trio did the same feat at the Olympics last year.

While the expectations would be to see all three advance to the final, Taylor has decided to remain locked in and focused on her personal expectations.

Her only comment is that she will be a “miracle, sign and wonder,” although she has gone above and beyond that, having created her own clothing line that she competes in.

Over the years, her family has played an intricate role in her achievements and they continue to do so through their newly formed company Taylor Made Limemade Smoothie & Juice Bar. While she’s still seeking her first major international sponsorship, Taylor Made Limemade has been

providing most of the financial support that she needs, along with the Bahamas Government subvention.

Her father, Dewey Taylor, who along with his wife, Patrice, will be leaving on Thursday to support Team Bahamas, including their daughter, said he’s very proud of what she has achieved so far in her career.

“I thought about it the other day, but she’s been blessed performing at such a high level,” her proud father said. “She’s had her ups and downs, but she’s performing and I like the progress she is making.

“She’s not just progressing as an athlete, but as a young lady. So we are very proud of her accomplishments.”

Four years ago during the Jollification, Taylor Made Limemade was introduced to the Bahamian public and ever since, it’s made its rounds at various sporting events, including swimming, basketball, volleyball and track and field. Father Taylor was the original brainchild of the drink that comes in flavours of limemade, keylime, passion fruit, ginger, cucumber, mango and strawberry.

‘Your main squeeze” is the slogan.

After watching their daughter compete at the Olympics last year, father Taylor said she got a extra bit of energy and they hope to do the same thing in Tokyo.

“I get to the point where I just tell her to just give it your best,” said Taylor, one of the country’s top

swimming officials and who has a son, Zion, who is one of the top rising young golfers.

“She has her goals whatever they are. So we just go out to enjoy it. It’s just a joy to watch her out there competing. It’s not easy to get to the stage where she’s at and maintain it.”

And through the grace of God, father Taylor said his daughter continues to excel.

Charisma Taylor, 26

Parents: Dewey and Patrice Taylor

Siblings: 3 brothers, Danté Tré and Zion

National teams: Carifta 2014-2017 2015 2x gold, long jump, triple jump, 2016 gold triple jump World Youth 2015 World Junior 2016 World Junior 2018

Top performances: NAVCAC U23 2019 - 3rd place triple jump

NACAC U23 2021 - 1st triple jump, 2 hurdles World ChampionshipsBudapest 2023

Olympic Games 2024 - Semi Final hurdles, triple jump 9th

Year started competing: 2006 started track

Club: Club Monica

Event: Triple jump, hurdles

Personal best: Triple jump - 14.88 NR 100m hurdles - 12.63

Favourite colour: Sky blue

Favourite food: Pad Thai (right now)

Favourite book: Bill Winston

Hobbies: Cooking and baking

Role models: My grandparents

World Championship expectations in one sentence: I will be a miracle, sign and wonder.

“I know the road she has gone through and to see her still competing at such a high level is just a joy,” he quipped. “I just enjoy the ride. I give God thanks for what she has done.” Taylor, now based in Florida, is training alongside one of her rivals, Jasmine Camacho-Quinn from Puerto Rico. They’re coming off a training camp in Budapest, Hungary, as they head into the World Championships. Taylor, the runner-up to Charlton at the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ National Track and Field Championships in July at the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium, has a personal best of 12.63 that she set last August in Paris. Her season’s best is 12.79 that she ran on June 15 at the Johnny Loaring Classic in Alumni Field, Windsor, Canada.

And while she’s not contesting the triple jump, which she has not competed in this year, she holds the Bahamian national record at 48-feet, 10-inches or 14.88 metres, which she achieved on March 11, 2023. The Taylors thank all those persons and companies who believe in Charisma and have sponsored her over the years. “We truly appreciate it and may God bless them,” they said.

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION LAUNCHES SPORTS CERTIFICATION PROGRAMME

By SHAKARA TROTT

Bahamas Information Services

GRAND BAHAMA,

The Bahamas — The Ministry of Education and Technical & Vocational Training has launched a national sports certification programme aimed at strengthening school athletics and raising coaching standards across the country.

Education Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin

made the announcement during a recent site visit at Jack Hayward High School Gym, where she underscored the importance of supporting Grand Bahama’s strong sporting culture. “The one place that sports is definitely alive and well is in Grand Bahama, so this is a deficit in sporting activities,” she said, noting the gymnasium completion project is now a priority.

As part of the initiative, teachers and coaches will participate in refresher and

certification courses during September, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture.

The courses are designed to ensure educators are fully trained in the sports they teach, aligning school athletics with national priorities and international standards.

“This marks a major milestone in teacher and coach development in school sports,” HannaMartin said. “It will allow for greater proficiency in

sports instruction and build stronger athleticism among our students.”

She emphasised that The Bahamas, known for producing world-class athletes, will benefit from a

more structured approach to athletic development in schools.

She also confirmed that plans are underway to bring back the National School Sports Championships.

continue to thrive.

BACO hosts church service to mark 50

years

niversary.

50 YEARS: The Bahamas Association of Certified Officials (BACO) hosted a church service

the

Quarterback Graham Knowles opens collegiate football season

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Before arriving at Geor-

gia Tech, Knowles started at Southlake Carroll High School in Texas.

As a senior, he had a completion percentage of 73 percent with 3,195 passing yards and 21 touchdowns leading his team to a 13-2 record.

SPORTS CALENDAR

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to hold its second annual Season Tip-Off Basketball Tournament from September 24-28 at the DW Davis Gymnasium. The starting time is 4pm Wednesday to Friday, 10am on Saturday and 1pm on Sunday. The tournament is designed for junior and senior boys’ basketball teams. The registration fee is $250 per team. Prizes and giveaways will be presented. For more information, persons are asked to contact coach Lamont “Redhead” Armaly at 826-8306.

BASKETBALL

NPACBO OFFICIAL

REFEREES

IF you are interested in becoming a basketball referee, the New Providence Association of Certified

He is the son of Mark Knowles, the legendary Bahamian tennis player who is a three-time Grand Slam doubles champion at the Australian Open, French Open and U.S. Open. He is also a Wimbledon mixed doubles winner, a five-time Olympian, and The Bahamas’ all-time leader in Davis Cup wins.

Basketball Officials is looking for you. The NPACBO is inviting all interested persons to sign up to become a certified basketball referee and a certified table official. All you have to do is call 242-808-6839 or 242-423-0328 for email npcobahamas@gmail.com for more information.

TRACK & FIELD

CLASSIC

THE Baptist Sports Federation is slated to hold its 2025 Track and Field Classic during the Baptist month of activities on Saturday, October 25 at the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium. Odd distance events will be staged for competitors in the under-7, under-11, under-15, under-17, under20, under-40, under-60 and 60-and over categories for men and women. There will also be a Pastors/Ministers category. And trophies

In his first collegiate appearance after his redshirt season, Knowles has already made his mark at Georgia Tech. Standing at 6’7”, Knowles has the build to take his game to the next level and he’s already showing why he’s a name worth watching in college football this season.

will be presented to the divisional champions and medals to the top three finishers in each event. Interested persons can contact Ann Thompson at ann87609@gmail. com or call 425-3667 or Brent Stubbs at stubbobs@ gmail,com or call 426-7265 for more information.

LEGENDS

TRACK INVITE

THE Devynne Charlton Barrier Breakers Foundation is scheduled to hold the Legends Track and Field Devynne Charlton Invitational on January 24, 2026 at the Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium. The event, which is expected to bring in a number of top athletes from around the world, will be held in honour of Charlton for her achievement as the world indoor two-time 60 metre hurdles champion and world record holder.

GOVERNMENT BASKETBALL LEAGUE PLAYOFFS

ON THE REPLAY: The number one-seeded Police CrimeStoppers secured a convincing 87-69 win over the number eight-seeded Real Deal Rangers last night as the Government Basketball League playoffs tipped off at the A.F.

Police Crime Stoppers take Game 1, 87-69 over the Real Deal Rangers

By JONATHAN BURROWS

THE Government Basketball League playoffs tipped off yesterday at the AF Adderley Gymnasium with the number one-seeded Police CrimeStoppers securing a convincing 87-69 win over the number eight-seeded Real Deal Rangers.

The game set the tone for the postseason, as the CrimeStoppers used their length and depth to take control early and never let up. Starting point guard Kirklyn Farrington led the way for the CrimeStoppers, finishing with a team high 19 points. He paced the offence with steady scoring in the paint while also contributing on the defensive end.

“It was a great win, we started off light, but we got it done. If we keep on the

right track, I feel that this should be a breeze,” said Farrington.

For the Rangers, Michael Turnquest provided a spark, scoring 21 points.

Turnquest caught fire early in the first half, hitting six of his 12 attempted three-pointers but it was not enough to bring them back against the CimeStoppers.

“We played them good and were up at one point in the fourth but then we just had a meltdown, players complaining about being tired and complaining about foul calls,” said Turnquest. “We just need to keep our composure and play the whole four quarters,” he also added.

The win gives CrimeStoppers the 1-0 advantage in the best-of-three series. Meanwhile, the Rangers will look to tie up loose ends and step up in unity for game two.

Rodgers leads Steelers past former team with 34-32 comeback win over Jets

By The Associated Press

EAST RUTHERFORD,

N.J. (AP)

— Aaron Rodgers threw four touchdown passes in his Steelers debut, including two in a 50-second span in the second half, and Chris Boswell kicked a goahead 60-yard field goal with 1:03 remaining to lead Pittsburgh to a 34-32 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday.

With the Steelers trailing the season opener 32-31, Rodgers got the ball against his former team with just over three minutes left and led the offence into Jets territory. On fourth-and-11 from the 42, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin opted for a field goal try and Boswell easily made the kick.

The Jets, who lost in coach Aaron Glenn’s debut, had a chance to drive for a potential winning field goal when they got the ball back with 56 seconds remaining. On fourth-and-3, Justin Fields connected with Garrett Wilson for what could’ve been a first down — but Jalen Ramsey smacked into the Jets receiver, who couldn’t hold onto the ball.

The 41-year-old Rodgers then just needed to take a knee to cap a successful return to the stadium he called home the past two seasons. He was 22 of 30 for 244 yards with TD passes to Calvin Austin III, Jaylen Warren, Jonnu Smith and Ben Skowronek.

COMMANDERS 21, GIANTS 6

LANDOVER, Md. (AP)

— Jayden Daniels threw for 233 yards and a touchdown, Deebo Samuel scored in his Washington debut, and the Commanders kept New York out of the end zone in a win.

Last seen allowing 55 points to Philadelphia in the NFC championship game, Washington’s defence had a much better time of it against the Giants. New York managed only 231 yards of offence and was particularly ineffective running the ball.

Daron Payne had a sack and batted down a third-down pass, and the Commanders never let Russell Wilson look all that comfortable in his first start with New York. The Giants, who went 3-14 last season, showed enough on defence to suggest some improvement is possible.

Washington didn’t score a point in the second half until Samuel’s 19-yard touchdown run made it 21-6 with 7:09 to play.

Washington faced second-and-17 on that drive, but Daniels bounced off a tackle for a 12-yard run, then threw to Samuel for 19 to put the Commanders in field goal range. Moments later Samuel, acquired in a trade from San Francisco in the offseason, took a handoff and swept to the left, shedded a tackler and reached the end zone.

The crowd began chanting “Deebo” — they’d also been chanting “Terry” earlier in the game for Terry McLaurin, who finally reached a deal after a lengthy contract dispute and contributed a couple catches in the opener.

CARDINALS 20, SAINTS

13

NEW ORLEANS (AP)

— Kyler Murray threw two touchdown passes and the Arizona narrowly held on for a victory over penaltyprone New Orleans in the Saints’ first game under rookie coach Kellen Moore.

Murray passed for 163 yards, hitting Marvin Harrison Jr. five times for 71 yards and a TD.

Murray also rushed for 38 yards and his other TD toss came on a 4-yard shovel pass to running back James Conner.

Saints star running back Alvin Kamara scored on an 18-yard, tackle-slipping touchdown run around the right end.

Spencer Rattler passed for 214 yards without a turnover and nearly rallied the Saints into a tie during the final five minutes.

Rattler, a second year pro who has now lost all seven of his NFL starts, drove the Saints for Blake Grupe’s short field goal to pull New Orleans within a touchdown with 2:42 left.

After Alontae Taylor’s third-down sack on a cornerback blitz forced Arizona to punt from inside the 20, the Saints began a potential tying drive on their 42 with just less than two minutes left.

Without any timeouts, Rattler scrambled for 9 yards and completed five quick passes to move the Saints to the Arizona 18.

After a spike to stop the clock with 13 seconds left, Rattler took three shots at the end zone. All fell incomplete, but the second throw nearly connected with leaping tight end Juwan Johnson, who lost control of the ball as he came down hard in the end zone.

BENGALS 17, BROWNS 16

CLEVELAND (AP) — Cincinnati’s defence came up with two second-half turnovers, including DJ Turner’s interception with 1:24 remaining, and the Bengals held on for a victory over Cleveland.

The Bengals — playing their first game under new defensive coordinator Al Golden — got the huge plays on a day when the offence sputtered in the second half.

Cincinnati, which won an opener for the first time since 2021, also benefitted from new Cleveland kicker Andre Szmyt missing a pair of second-half kicks.

Szmyt, won the kicking competition from Dustin Hopkins in the preseason, was wide right on an extra point after Cedric Tillman’s 5-yard TD reception midway through the third quarter put Cleveland up 16-14.

Szmyt was wide right again on a potential goahead 36-yard attempt with 2:25 remaining in the game.

BUCCANEERS 23, FALCONS 20

ATLANTA (AP) — Rookie Emeka Egbuka caught two touchdown passes, including a go-ahead 25-yarder with 59 seconds remaining, and Tampa Bay recovered after losing the lead on a marathon drive by Atlanta to beat the

Falcons in a dramatic opening game. Following Baker Mayfield’s 25-yard pass to Egbuka, Chase McLaughlin’s missed extra point gave the Falcons an opening to force overtime with a field goal.

Michael Penix Jr., who capped an 18-play drive by scoring on a 4-yard run for a 20-17 lead with 2:17 remaining, moved the Falcons into field goal position in the final minute. Younghoe Koo was wide right on the 44-yarder. Mayfield completed 17 of 32 passes for 167 yards with three touchdowns. Penix, entering his first full season as Atlanta’s starter, completed 27 of 42 passes for 298 yards with one touchdown.

Bijan Robinson had 12 carries for 24 yards as the Tampa Bay defence held the Falcons to 69 yards rushing.

The Falcons had two calls overturned with successful challenges while the Buccaneers’ defence was called for two personal fouls on roughing the passer calls on the Falcons’ marathon drive, which covered 91 yards and lasted 8 minutes, 46 seconds.

49ERS 17, SEAHAWKS 13

SEATTLE (AP) — Third-string tight end Jake Tonges caught a deflected pass for a touchdown with 1:34 remaining, and San Francisco rallied for a season-opening win over the Seattle.

Tonges entered the game having never caught an NFL pass. He finished with three receptions in relief of injured All-Pro tight end George Kittle and came down with a 50-50 ball from a scrambling Brock Purdy for a 4-yard TD.

Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen got a hand on the ball, but it bounced off him and Tonges grabbed it.

Jake Moody converted the extra point to put the

Niners up by four, a critical conversion given that he missed two field goals earlier.

Sam Darnold moved the Seahawks into position to win his debut with the franchise, hitting Jaxon Smith-Njigba for 40 yards to the San Francisco 14. But on second down from the 9, Nick Bosa strip-sacked Darnold to put the game away.

BRONCOS 20, TITANS 12

DENVER (AP) — Bo

Nix overcame three turnovers and Denver spoiled top overall draft pick Cam Ward’s debut with a victory over Tennessee, winning despite a sloppy offensive performance and two key special-teams blunders.

Nix threw a touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton to go with his two interceptions and lost fumble, and rookie running back R.J. Harvey’s 50-yard scamper set up J.K. Dobbins’ 19-yard TD burst up the middle that made it 20-12 midway through the fourth quarter.

Denver’s stingy defence held Ward to 12-of-28 passing for 112 yards with no touchdowns. Ward didn’t have an interception, but fumbled the ball away in the final minute. The Titans managed just 134 yards on 55 plays and went 2 for 14 on third down. Ward was sacked six times.

Quarterbacks taken at No. 1 overall are 4-14-1 in the common draft era starting a season opener. When Caleb Williams got the win with Chicago last year, it was the first season-opening win for a No. 1 pick quarterback since David Carr in 2002.

PACKERS 27, LIONS 13

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP)

— Micah Parsons’ arrival in Green Bay helped the Packers put their recent NFC North struggles behind them.

Jordan Love threw a pair of touchdown passes and Parsons had a sack in his Green Bay debut as the Packers delivered an exceptional defensive performance in a victory over Detroit.

Opening a season at home for the first time since 2018, the Packers beat the two-time defending NFC North champions after going 1-5 in divisional games last year.

“Obviously I think a big goal for us was to be able to come in here and start the season off fast and start the season on the right note,” Love said. “To come in here Week 1 at home and get a dominant win like that is amazing and exactly what we’d been working for.”

The Packers won their 13th consecutive home opener, the longest such streak since the Miami Dolphins also won 13 straight from 1976-88.

RAMS 14, TEXANS 9

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Matthew Stafford threw for 245 yards and a touchdown while becoming the 10th quarterback in NFL history with 60,000 yards in the air, and Braden Fiske recovered a fumble forced by Nate Landman with 1:43 to play in Los Angeles’ victory over Houston.

Puka Nacua had 10 catches for 130 yards for the Rams, who went ahead on Davis Allen’s TD catch on the opening drive of the third quarter. Neither team scored again in a choppy season opener.

Landman, the Rams’ new starting linebacker, punched the ball away from Dare Ogunbowale after C.J. Stroud drove the Texans inside the Los Angeles 20. Stafford then hit Nacua for a 24-yard gain on third-and-long to seal the Rams’ seventh victory in nine openers under coach Sean McVay.

Stroud passed for 188 yards with several sharp throws in his first pro game in his native Southern California despite playing behind a struggling offensive line.

But the Texans couldn’t score in the second half after Ka’imi Fairbairn made three field goals in the first half, and they were whistled for 11 penalties for 80 yards.

BILLS 41, RAVENS 40 ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Josh Allen led Buffalo to three scores in the final four minutes, the last a 32-yard field goal by Matt Prater as time expired, and the Bills rallied from 15 points down to stun Baltimore in a season-opening Sunday night thriller. Buffalo scored 16 points in the last 3:56, with Prater’s kick capping a nine-play, 66-yard drive over the final 1:26.

Allen went 33 of 46 for 394 yards with two touchdowns and scored two more rushing in a matchup of the NFL’s past two MVPs. He spoiled a strong performance by Lamar Jackson.

Jackson was the 2023 MVP who went 14 of 19 for 210 yards and two scores while adding 70 yards rushing and another TD.

Derrick Henry rushed for 169 yards and two touchdowns for Baltimore but also contributed to the loss by fumbling with 3:06 left. After the Bills got within 40-32 on Allen’s 10-yard touchdown pass to Keon Coleman, Henry lost the ball and the Bills capitalized, with Allen scoring on a 1-yard run. The 2-point conversion attempt failed. This prime-time matchup lived up to the preseason hype as a rematch of Buffalo’s 27-25 win over Baltimore the divisional round of last season’s AFC playoffs.

World Athletics Championships Schedule

‘So we were there for moral support. I think he appreciated having us there’

IT’S always good to have close friends and associates in your corner in special moments in your life.

On Saturday, Bahamian Olympic and world champion Steven Gardiner Jr experienced that as North American, Central American and Caribbean president Mike Sands and former coach Anthony Williams were among the many persons who came to the funeral service of his father, the late Steven Gardiner Sr. The service was held at Ebenezer Baptist Church on Cedar Harbour, Abaco and was officiated by pastors Marvin Mills, Earlin Baillou and Elon McIntosh. Gardiner Sr was interred in the Cedar Harbour Public Cemetery. Williams, who was the original coach of Gardiner

Jr in Abaco before he left to come to New Providence where he continued to flourish as a sprinter, said he and Sands had to provide some moral support for Gardiner Jr. “We came a long way with Steven Gardiner from a youngster in high school and the passing of his father was tragic for him,” Williams said. “So we were there for moral support. I think he appreciated having us there. But I wish him all of the best as he moves forward.” Gardiner Jr, 27, was preparing for the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, that starts on Saturday. But he declined the invitation to compete after his father was killed in a traffic accident in Abaco on August 10 at the age of 55.

The Countdown

OVER the next 4 days heading into the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, The Tribune’s Sports will be running a series of profiles, highlighting the 15-member team that will represent The Bahamas. The championships run from September 13-21.