The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Chief Sports Editor

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

WHILE attending the World Athletics Awards 2024 in Monaco, Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ president Drumeco Archer said he was elated to see highlights of the performances of Charisma Taylor and Devynne Charlton.

“I was happy to see them being featured in video,” said Archer about Taylor, who made her Olympic debut in both the women’s triple jump and the 100m hurdles, while Charlton - the world indoor champion and record holder - made her second straight final in the 100m hurdles.

No athletes from The Bahamas made the list of top performers this year with Olympic distance running champion Sifan Hassan and sprinter Letsile Tebogo taking the top female and male honours respectively.

American 400m hurdles/400m Olympic champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone also received a women’s top track honour.

Archer, however, said after the BAAA was awarded the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s award for the best federation during its national awards ceremony in October at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium, they are looking forward to another banner year in 2025.

“We are poised for yet another exciting season where we are expecting great performances coming out of our junior programme,” he stated. Archer said they are even more excited because instead of having the Odd Distance Meet as the first event for the new year, they have started to dstage it on ??Saturday, December 14th at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium,.

“The benchmarking has already begun,” he said. “But as usual, the Odd Distance meet will serve as the benchmark for many of the clubs.

“I know that we will be strong in certain areas and not so strong in other areas. The main concern is the women’s sprints, particularly in the under-17 category, so the Odd Distance meet will be a good indication of exactly where we are with our junior athletes.”

The meet, which allows athletes to run non-traditionally, races and to compete in field events from either shorter or longer distances, is expected to get started around 10 am on Saturday, December 14th.

Right after taking the Christmas break, Archer said the BAAA will swing into high gear with its exciting calendar of events for the year 2025.