The best of Barbados’ seniors don’t appear to be getting older. Just better.
Led by yet another historic performance from golden girl Ainsley Lovell, the country’s star-studded 29-member squad came out on top the medal podium again after winning a best-ever 88 medals at the Huntsman World Senior Games in Utah.
The tally – consisting of 42 gold, 25 silver and 21 bronze – topped their previous best of 81 medals from last year when Barbados dominated the proceedings in athletics on the way to the overall title.
And this year was no different, with Lovell copping seven gold and two silver to lead a track and field contingent that accounted for 75 of the team’s medals.
It was an individual performance for the ages as Lovell won the 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500 and 3000 metres to go along with the 5-K run before adding a pair of bronze medals in the long and standing broad jump.
Shirley Harper was almost as prolific, scoring victories in the 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, long jump and standing broad jump. Angela Jackson even added a record in the shot putt for good measure on the way to a four-gold medal showing as well.
Judith Margras and Martha Padmore added a pair of gold medals in archery while Dr Raymond Forde dominated the tennis championships on the way to winning the singles and then doubles with George Grant.
John Proverbs then capped off Barbados’ fine showing with a gold in cycling’s hill climb to go with silver medals in the time trial and criterium.
Team manager Rawle Clarke hailed the squad’s performance as the best ever and then revealed Huntsman Games chief executive officer Karl Chase has plans to bring athletes to Barbados to compete at next year’s National Senior Games in April. (JM)
