BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — The inaugural Barbados Grand Prix delivered a spectacular evening of track and field brilliance on Saturday, and the home crowd had every reason to celebrate.
Held at the Usain Bolt Sports Complex, the meet saw Barbadian athletes dominate the podium, making a powerful statement in the regional athletics scene.
Sada Williams cruises to victory in return to home soil
World Championship bronze medalist Sada Williams added another title to her growing collection, executing a controlled and tactical race to claim gold in the women’s 400 meters. With a time of 51.15 seconds, Williams held off a strong challenge from Printassia Johnson of The Bahamas (51.29 seconds), while Jamaica’s Shana-Kaye Anderson secured bronze in 52.72 seconds.
It was a win filled with poise and precision, reflecting Williams’ international experience and steely resolve in front of an adoring home audience.
Boyce leads Bajan sweep in men’s 400m
In one of the most electrifying moments of the meet, Dasean Boyce stormed to victory in the men’s 400 meters, clocking 45.78 seconds and leading a Barbados clean sweep. Kyle Gayle (46.04 seconds) and Jonathan Jones (46.43 seconds) followed closely to secure silver and bronze, underlining the depth of local quarter-miler talent.
The triumphant 1-2-3 finish brought the crowd to its feet and reaffirmed Barbados’ strength in the one-lap event.
Walrond takes 200m crown in blistering dash
Sprinter Ross Walrond continued the winning streak for Team Barbados with a spirited run in the men’s 200 meters, posting 20.63 seconds to edge out Jamaica’s Demar Francis (20.68 seconds) and fellow Barbadian Kuron Griffith (20.74 seconds). The tight finish highlighted the intensity of the competition, with Walrond’s form and finish proving decisive.
In the women’s 100m hurdles, it was all about Barbados as Adeyah Brewster left the field behind to win in 13.44 seconds. Her compatriots Brieanna Boyce (14.06 seconds) and Alika Harewood (14.31 seconds) completed an all-Barbadian podium sweep in an event that showcased technical excellence and homegrown promise.
On the men’s side, Rasheem Brown emerged victorious in the 110m hurdles, clocking 13.50 seconds to add another highlight to the night’s track festivities.
Caribbean speedsters claim 100m glory
While local athletes impressed across the board, the showpiece 100m sprints belonged to two visiting Caribbean stars.
Davonte Howell of the Cayman Islands, a two-time Carifta champion, blazed to victory in 10.15 seconds, outpacing Jaleel Croal of the British Virgin Islands (10.28 seconds) and Barbados’ Justin Maynard (10.32 seconds).
In the women’s 100m, Michelle-Lee Ahye of Trinidad and Tobago showcased her world-class pedigree, powering through the line in 11.41 seconds. Barbadian sisters Danae Niles (11.51) and Kishawna Niles (11.56) settled for silver and bronze, adding to the local medal tally.
The inaugural edition of the Barbados Grand Prix proved to be a landmark occasion—both in terms of local athletic achievement and regional sporting excellence. With dominant performances by Barbadian stars and thrilling cameos from international talents, the event has set a high standard for what promises to become a mainstay in the Caribbean athletics calendar.
