The Tribune

THE Bahamas Judo Federation’s 18-member team returned from the Florida Open in Miami, Florida over the weekend with a total of 18 medals.

“This is the best performance we have ever had as a federation,” said D’Arcy Rahming, president of the federation. “We had three promotions to black belt by victory over other black belts.”

On their return home, the team was greeted at the Lynden Pindling International Airport by Bahamas Olympic Committee President Wellington Miller, who congratulated them and wished them success at the CARIFTA Games.

The team finished second overall and Joshua McFall was awarded the best senior male athlete trophy. “It will be difficult to decide the final team for CARIFTA,” Rahming said. “But one thing we will know for sure is that every team member will be an international medallist.”

Rahming said the Florida Open was the tipping point for their sport. “We have never had a performance such as this. I was expecting eight medals, but we got 24,” he said. “We had a team of 18 athletes and won 18 medals in individual events.”

Rahming said the event gave the athletes the experience they needed for CARIFTA, scheduled for April 7 at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium when a total of 12 countries are expected in town to participate.

“This event proves the concept of the sport academy,” Rahming stated. “All of these athletes come after school four days a week. They train, have a nutritious hot meal and then they lift weights. After this they have an hour of structured study with tutors. On Saturday they train for 2-3 hours as well when not in competition.

“Many have 7-15 months experience and were defeating opponents with 7-10 years experience.

• Individual performances from

the tournament were as follows:

Trenice Cumberbatch – gold

Trevor Cumberbatch – gold

Matthew Gittens – gold

Raven Pennerman - silver,

bronze

Daleon Sweeting - gold, silver

Davnate Sweeting - gold,

bronze

Taliano Ferguson – silver

Mya Beneby - silver, bronze

Alsha Smith - silver, bronze

Jasmine Russell – bronze

Keyon Cumberbatch – gold

Kentico Forbes – silver (won black belt by defeating international black belt competitor.

Joshua Mcfall – gold (named most outstanding male athlete, won black belt by defeating international black belt competitor

Taryn Butler - silver and gold

Desmond Bootle – two silver

Jevon Eyma – bronze

Larry Marshall - silver, bronze

Karra Hanna – gold