The performances have been up and down – just like the perception of them.
Turns out Barbados’ efforts in Scotland really weren’t that bad after all, according to chef de mission Cammie Burke, who has described the overall showing at the Commonwealth Games as credible.
Burke gave the assessment to the SUNDAY SUN just days after fellow Barbados Olympic Association (BOA) member Glyne Clarke hinted that future selection for major meets will be more stringent after referring to these recent returns as disappointing.
“If you look at track and field, we had six athletes and five of them made finals, so whereas we would like all to result in medals the fact we can get people in finals is a step in the right direction,” said Burke, the BOA assistant secretary general.
“In judo, Onoh-Obasi Okey was a revelation, a real find and we didn’t expect that she would perform like she did as it was her first major outing at 19 years old. She should’ve won a bronze because we truly felt she was robbed.
“So despite we only got a bronze, overall I thought the team performed credibly even if there were some disappointments,” he added.
Burke’s feelings come in direct contrast to Clarke’s comments, which weren’t flattering in portraying a Barbados showing that saw the country pick up just one medal via Shane Brathwaite in the 110 hurdles.
Clarke especially made mention of the team sports, saying many of those athletes have been competing for a number of years yet weren’t meeting a particular standard.
Seasoned elite athletes such as Ryan Brathwaite, Jade Bailey, Anderson Emmanuel and Ivorn McKnee didn’t live up to expectations either, resulting in Clarke saying the BOA would have to evaluate Barbados’ performances more closely for future meets.
“I have to admit that weightlifting was a big disappointment for us as Ivorn was the favourite to win gold in his category but he choked on the big day,” Burke said.
“I would say that is probably the biggest disappointment in my entire time in sports because we were so sure that he was going to win heading into that day.
“So yes, there were some disappointments, especially since we’re only coming back with one medal, but in a lot of other regards we are still showing signs of progress and development,” he added.
Along with Shane Brathwaite, sprint hurdlers Ryan Brathwaite, Greggmar Swift and Kierre Beckles, along with 100 metres runner Ramon Gittens all advanced to their respective finals, while Okey made the quarter-final rounds of her judo class.