The Tribune

By Brandon Hutchinson 

and Miguel Fernander

Tribune Interns  

IN a recent development concerning the selection of athletes for the upcoming Olympics, a storm has erupted over the decision regarding the mixed 4x400m relay team. 

Jamieson Pratt, a prominent voice in the sporting community, has voiced strong opinions regarding the selection process. 

“Personally, I am a rules guy and fair are fair,” Pratt asserted, emphasizing his belief that rules should govern selection. 

The controversy centres on Lacarthea Cooper and Shania Adderley, both vying for coveted spots on the team. According to Pratt, Cooper finished third in the trials, which traditionally secures a spot in such competitions. Despite this, Shania, who finished below her, was selected instead to accommodate public demand. 

“I do believe Lacarthea should have gotten the spot,” Pratt stated unequivocally, questioning the decision of the Bahamas Olympic Committee to prioritize public favor over established rules. He argues that this decision not only undermines the integrity of the selection process but also wastes resources, as Lacarthea, the faster runner over the four hundred meters, 

“No offence to Shania,” Pratt added diplomatically, acknowledging her achievements, “but I do believe Lacarthea should be on the team.” 

The controversy has not gone unnoticed among athletes, with one anonymous athlete expressing disillusionment with the process. “If I was in her place, I would have felt discouraged,” the athlete said, referring to Lacarthea’s removal from the team after an initial unofficial announcement of her selection. “To just get taken off without a warning or something is just crazy.” 

Criticism has now been directed at the media for its handling of the situation. A Facebook user, expressing disappointment, accused certain media outlets of sensationalizing the issue unnecessarily. 

“Frankly, I am disappointed in the role that the Media played in this story, especially that other station who always runs sensational stories!” the Facebook user lamented. According to the user, the media’s extensive coverage and focus on one athlete, Shania, under the hashtag #ProShania, inadvertently stirred up conflict and division. 

  “The media pitted these athletes against each other, clubs against each other and fans against each other,” the user criticized, suggesting that the intense media scrutiny had exacerbated tensions rather than fostering a fair and constructive debate.   

“This is a most unfortunate and sad situation all around,” the user concluded, reflecting a broader sentiment of regret over the fallout from the media coverage.