Takeover 1

T H E O F F I C I A L M A G A Z I N E O F T H E B A R B A D O S R E L A Y F A I R Issue 1. February 2016

RELAYFAIRBARBADOS.COM

Advice from an Olympic

Medallist

The Nutrition Factor for Sports

Performance

It Takes a Village to

Raise Sports

www.relayfairbarbados.com

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04 05 06Message from the Editor

Meet the Directors

Embrace the Vision

08 10 12The Nutrition Factor

Integrative Energy Therapy and Athletes

Q &A withAndrea Blackett

13 15 16Voices from the Region

A look at Overuse Injuries

18 20It takes a Village toRaise Sports

22See theAction

Event Schedule

Advice from an Olympic Medallist

Contents

It takes a Village to Raise a Child


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T A K E O V E R 1

04 05 06Message from the Editor

Meet the Directors

Embrace the Vision

08 10 12The Nutrition Factor

Integrative Energy Therapy and Athletes

Q &A withAndrea Blackett

13 15 16Voices from the Region

A look at Overuse Injuries

18 20It takes a Village toRaise Sports

22See theAction

Event Schedule


Contents

It takes a Village to Raise a Child


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T H E O F F I C I A L M A G A Z I N E O F T H E B A R B A D O S R E L A Y F A I R Issue 1. February 2016

RELAYFAIRBARBADOS.COM

Advice from an Olympic

Medallist

The Nutrition Factor for Sports

Performance

It Takes a Village to

Raise Sports


T A K E O V E R 1


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4

Message from the Editor

Take over one is a call you will hear several times during this relay event. Are you ready?

Takeover 1, is the official magazine associated with the Barbados Relay Fair- the premier regional schools’ relay championship.

Simultaneous with this first issue of Takeover 1, the Barbados Relay Fair presents its new, vibrant, modernized logo reflecting the energy, excitement, rivalry, speed, competitive athletic action and modern relevance of this unique event.

As reflected through the name, this magazine serves the dual role of representing the voice of young, trained professionals who are enthusiastic about receiving the baton of sports administration and making a positive contribution. The next generation eagerly looks forward to receiving the baton from the many stalwarts and carrying it safely along a road ultimately leading regional sport to a higher level.

Further, Takeover 1 highlights topics beyond training hard which athletes and all stakeholders must keep top of mind as we prepare ourselves for the world. The contributions include various perspectives from athletes, sports medicine practitioners, coaches and other professionals with services complimentary to performance in sport at the highest level. Also, a number of photos capturing the action and excitement of the Relay Fair are presented.

Undoubtedly, Takeover 1 is your souvenir from the organizing team and with it comes their wish for your continued support.

The inspiration for this production came like a bolt of lightning in the dark of night and jolted me from sleep.

Sincere thanks to all contributors and persons who offered their time, expertise and guidance along the way. Without the support of each one of you, Takeover 1 could not be achieved.

I trust you readers will enjoy and be motivated by this first edition of what hopefully will be an annual compilation to which athletes and fans across the region will look forward with great anticipation.

Read. Like. Share with a fellow enthusiast.

Enjoy the 13th Barbados Relay Fair!

Kimberley RudderEditor

Kimberley Rudder

NOTE ON COPY RIGHTNo article in this publication or part thereof may be reproduced without proper permission and full acknowledgement of the source: Takeover 1, a publication of the Barbados Relay Fair Committee, 2016


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Meet the Directors

Caribbean Sports Management Enterprises

Elite Sports

Leroy Harper

June Rudder

Leroy Harper

June Rudder Dennis Depeiza

Regional Management Services Inc.Dennis Depeiza

The spirit and strength of Caribbean people is best exemplified through our successes in sport and more specifically, in Track

and Field when we as a region enjoy shared glory through moments such as the successes of Kirani James at the London Olympics and Usain Bolt.

Collectively, we won Olympic medals of all colours and this must be celebrated. We as Caribbean people have high expectations of our athletes representing us at the national level. The quintessential key to ensuring even greater presence and success on the international athletic stage, is the continuous growth and development of track and field programmes in our schools.

Facilitating the growth of each child’s talent as a seed for attainment of athletic excellence and regional glory must be a constant priority for all sports administrators.

It is out of this vision that the annual Barbados Relay Fair was conceived and Elite Sports is proud to be a driving force for the development of youth sport by hosting this 13th edition, since inauguration in 2003 at the National Stadium, Waterford, St Michael, Barbados.

I sincerely thank each one of you athletes, coaches, volunteers, patrons, vendors, sports administrators and sponsors for your committed support through the years and we look forward to bringing an event that is bigger and more competitive each year. Enjoy!

Greetings to All! I’ve given over 20 years of my life into service for the local track and field community, serving in various

capacities as part of the long jump and other field event crews, working at check-in, the call room, meet director and Meet Manager specialist.

For the past 17 years, my contribution to track and field in Barbados has been through functioning as photo-finish chief.

I am pleased and honoured, to be not only a member of the organizing committee but the Technical Chief with primary responsibility for registration, meet database management, networks, the electronic photo-finish timing and results at the Relay Fair. In short, all things technical.

I enjoy the contribution I make to athletics through the track season, but certainly no other meet provides the anticipation, atmosphere, excitement, satisfaction and flair of the Barbados Relay Fair.

The Barbados Relay Fair has established itself as one of the premier sporting events in Barbados and the Caribbean

Region.

Regional Management Services Inc. is pleased to partner with Elite Sports and Caribbean Sports Management Enterprises in producing this unique event.

We the organizers are proud of the fact that the annual event continues to attract the participation of teams from across the region, and host to date repeat participation from teams coming out of Canada.

The event has been true to its objective and served to advance the development of track and field in the region by providing exposure for over twelve hundred athletes of all age groups - school based, tertiary institutions, clubs including senior athletes competing in the over 45’s age category.

We the organizers graciously recognize that the success of the event could not have been achieved without the tremendous support of not only the participating athletes but also the Barbadian sporting public, the business community, government agencies and the hundreds of volunteers who serve as meet officials.

The growth and development of this premier event, rest heavily on your continued support.


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Since 2003, the Barbados Relay Fair has continuously grown hosting over 1200 athletes annually. Participation has been from 23 overseas territories as near as St Vincent and Trinidad to as far and wide as England and Canada.

In 2016, we recognize this maturing event on the sporting calendar and we embrace this time as entry into a secondary growth phase.

An unwavering test of commitment and challenge faces us as we strive continually to offer a high- quality athletic championship with complete representation from all Caribbean islands. We embrace this encounter with a steadfast focus on facilitating development of Olympic-level athletes ever present in our organizational strategies and plans.

Development of gold medal winning performances requires great dedication. Its achievement calls for a solid commitment from this nation Barbados - with a people fuelled by all its pride and industry.

We, the organising committee of the Barbados Relay Fair, are ready to accept this challenge. The question is: Are you, the young athletes, the parents, coaches, school administrators, the business community, local sports administrators and government truly ready to make the commitment?

Whatever category you fall into, your support will be invaluable if our athletes are to jump, leap, putt and run to make it on that elusive and auspicious Olympic podium.

For many years, Barbadians have been unable to sit and spectate live in a local stadium, high-quality regional and international track and field meetings. Such an absence must not plague the future, for it hinders our children’s potential to aspire and to achieve athletic excellence.

When last have we seen the top Jamaican athletes on our soil?

When next will we host a CARIFTA games?

When last have we jumped and screamed as we applaud international athletic action such as a Central American and Caribbean Championship (CAC)?

When will we get to experience the roar and euphoria of thousands captured by a display of top athleticism at the highest level?

Embrace the Vision


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The Barbados Relay Fair at this “take over two” is ready, steadfast and focused on entering a second growth cycle with many goals.

Attracting and hosting three top schools from each territory over the next five years is paramount. We therefore foresee attracting 30 regional teams to the country for the 2020 edition of Barbados Relay Fair.

This level of participation would merit the evolution of the Relay Fair in to a two day championship with qualification heats and finals for two days of school athletic rivalry and further be instrumental in facilitating an ultimate show down of regional schools for the title of Regional Relay Champion School.

Imagine this as a stimulus for; future athletic development, a local entertainment package and a sports tourism product

Large participating overseas contingents represent a conduit for increased arrival numbers as enthusiastic supporters are lured to Barbados and seek accommodation from the many local offerings.

This will automatically create employment in sectors such as; transport, food and beverage, accommodation and souvenir sales, all having positive economic impact.

The nature of the relay event itself, demonstrates there is strength in unity. This we in the Caribbean have best displayed in our support of the successes of the region’s athletes.

In keeping with the vision for Caribbean unity, we envisage the creation of an athletes’ village in which all teams will be housed so as to not only foster that competitive school rivalry on track but develop the sense of community and shared culture among our student-athletes.

At a time when the education structure has changed for young Barbadians, we see this event as an opportunity to highlight their sporting prowess and create opportunities for the attainment of higher education, simultaneous with further athletic development towards professional performances.

We therefore hope in time, this event will attract overseas university scouts who may be able to offer our young athletes athletic and academic scholarships.

The advancement in technology and good corporate support has enabled fans and family in home territories to view this event live for the first time. This is a highly important aspect, as it affords greater support for athletes and enjoyment of the rivalry by thousands more who are abroad. After all, everybody has a school to support.

Further, it is an opportunity for our committed sponsors to receive invaluable visibility and even greater mileage. Our sponsors, we thank you all.

Ultimately, the principal ambition of the Barbados Relay Fair is to afford schools the opportunity to compete for substantial tangible prizes that can meaningfully improve their athletic programmes and facilities.

The Barbados Relay Fair aspires to be a competition which affords schools the chance to win multipurpose gym sets, cardiovascular training equipment-Treadmill or elliptical machine, as well as outfit full teams with track apparel and more.

This event has developed a local reputation and now is the time to aggressively expand to the region and leave a positive legacy in athletics.

The Barbados Relay Fair in this its 13th year is a vibrant reality.

Embrace our dream and be a part of this strategic determination to proudly raise our colourful Caribbean flags on Olympic podiums through the largest regional schools’ relay competition.


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For thousands of years, athletes across the globe have been known to practice various rituals and regimes of nutritional intake for competitive performance in sport.

Since the ancient Greek Olympics of the 1800’s, athletes would eat large quantities of meat in the belief this would garner them a competitive edge. Over the years, many dietary fads have been practiced and discarded by athletes, the result of which has led to great respect and investigation of the nutrition factor for sports performance. It is now a critical differentiator between champions and mere participants.

In the last century, with the evolution of competitive sport beyond simply a recreational social past time into a multi-billion dollar industry and its associated prestige, much scientific research has occurred. This rapid development in science and technology has evolved and facilitated much improvement in sport-specific nutritional practice and enhanced physical training techniques.

The scientific and practical application of nutrition in complementing talent and training for success in sport has been clearly established and is now a highly recognized and invaluable professional field.

The International Olympic Committee, following its mandate to support development of sport, has acknowledged the key role nutrition plays in athletic performance and recovery and has dedicated an arm of its

medical committee to the field of Sports Nutrition. This commitment speaks volumes about the value of nutrition to athletic prowess and ultimate success.

Sports nutrition is a highly dynamic field because it addresses the dietary needs and practically guides individual athletes into meeting their changing goals through the phases of a training programme in preparation for, during and after competitive seasons.

Sports nutrition has some key pillars on which it supports optimum athletic performance.

Undoubtedly, diet quality is its primary building block. This is, however, but one of the elements of the sports nutrition programme. The evidence is undisputable and well established: The human body requires and benefits from individually appropriate amounts of all the nutrients, carbohydrates, fats, protein, vitamins and minerals as well as fibre and water. A diet including a diverse set of foods providing these nutrients facilitates normal development, optimum skeletal growth during adolescence, and effective functioning of the body.

Beyond this, it aids the dynamic array of biochemical processes occurring at the cellular level in high performance athletes as well as the management of naturally produced harmful metabolic products such as free radicals. The result of consuming a well varied and balanced diet is

The Nutrition Factor for sports Performance


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that the individual develops physically, mentally and socially to ultimately meet their maximum potential and manage their demanding lifestyle. The value of a well balanced diet is indubitable and can make drastic differences in the athlete’s ability to train at an appropriate intensity, recover after exercise sessions, adapt to the training regime and garner desired improvements. Additionally, beyond all this, it is especially important if the student-athlete is to balance and cope with the complex demands of life and school.

There are six food groups which categorize the variety of items commonly consumed in the Caribbean based on their primary nutrient content. These are Staple foods, Fruits, Vegetables, Fats, Foods from animals and Legumes. Foods from all these groups collectively provide the nutrients essential to a healthy body.

Diet quality, though, is but one aspect to highlight in the sports nutrition plan of the student-athlete.

The ratio of the dietary components is influential in the attainment of optimal physique often advantageous for performance in sport.

Time is more than a factor determining how long a match is played for or how quickly a race is finished. Timing of nutrient intake is one of the most under recognized factors, yet a highly acknowledged element of nutritional strategies to promote success in sport.

Nutrition is therefore a key determinant for the achievement of success at the highest level where all competitors are of almost equal talent and experience.

The athletes who are dedicated to their personal sporting achievement and serious about international success will therefore never underestimate the value of dietary habits and sports-specific nutrition strategies.

Ultimately, in the pursuit of athletic excellence, nutrition is an absolutely essential component.

Kimberley Rudder. MSc. BSc. Dip (IOC)Sports NutritionistNuts & Bolts Nutritionwww.toneyourbody.org


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Integrative EnergyTherapy and Athletes

What is Integrative Energy Therapy?We at the Natural Energy Centre are Integrative Energy Therapists. Over the past 20 years of studying and practicing different therapies e.g. Reiki, Quantum Touch, Emotional Release Work and many others, we have combined these to create an approach to health and well being that is unique, safe and very effective in treating a variety of issues.

The core concept behind Energy Therapy is that we are more than physical beings, we are also energetic ones. Eastern traditional philosophies have described this unseen force as ‘qi’ and ‘prana’, which flow along specific pathways and centres and which forms the energetic system of the body. The subtle nature of energy is easily affected by traumatic experiences, unexpressed emotions and feelings, the environment; physical, family, social, cultural, self-limiting beliefs etc. These factors can block the smooth flow of energy leading to the manifestation of symptoms in the physical body such as low energy, anxiety, lack of creativity, focus, sense of purpose in life as well as disease.

Integrative Energy Therapy addresses the areas and sources of the stuck energy so as to reactivate the flow of energy taking the person closer to their natural balanced state of being.

A Good AthleteTo be a good athlete requires much more than physically performing well, for it is not only about what is on the outside that counts, but equally what is on the inside.

Take for example all the elements involved in producing a tasty meal. Although the ingredients form the basis of the meal, the desire and focused intention of the cook to create great food is needed, along with their experience, ability to balance time, quantities and combinations of flavors to make the meal extra-ordinary.An athlete’s ability to perform optimally is equally determined by their ability to integrate many other elements other than their physicality.

These include: • A strong personal desire to perform to the best of your ability.• It means building strength, skill and experience through long hours of practice and training.• It means that the physical body is well nourished through careful diet, healthy and fit so as to achieve its potential.• It requires focus and discipline, when your friends might prefer you to have fun or just hang out.


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Integrative EnergyTherapy and Athletes

• It means that you have to balance your time and activities to include essential things such as education, relationships and commitments. Don’t forget having downtime, quality sleep and fun.• It requires bringing the Mental, Emotional, Spiritual (how you feel about yourself, your self esteem, your self-worth) and Physical elements into BALANCE.

You are an energetic being. For an athlete to perform with excellence means that all energy systems need to be in balance. This means that your Mind, Body and Spirit are happy, grounded and in harmony, always willing to learn and grow in many directions.

How our Integrative Energy Therapies can be used to help?• Support physical healing of common complaints such as sports injuries and musculo-skeletal issues e.g. structural misalignment• Increase your sense of self worth, self esteem and self confidence leading to a greater ability to connect with yourself, with others, with your environment and with your life purpose.• Release suppressed emotions and feelings which can limit your ability to live life in an open, honest and authentic way filled with the energy that would otherwise be used to keep those feelings from surfacing.• Empower you to live and perform to your full potential.

In the past we successfully helped others. We encourage you to try this approach to achieve excellence in your performance.

James & Janice WormeHolistic Energy TherapistsNatural Energy Centrewww.naturalenergycentre.com


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Q. What does the 1998 Commonwealth games held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 400m hurdles champion do now? A. Women’s Assistant Track and Field Coach at Rice University Q. What time did you clock that day? Is this still a Barbados record? Do you think it will be broken any time soon? :)A. My time at the 1998 Commonwealth Games was 53.36 seconds it is still the Barbados national record. Records are made to be broken.....it will be broken one day. Q. How far away from Barbados has athletics taken you? How many different countries have you visited? Name the most unlikely destination you would dream of that you ran in.A. Track has taken me all over the world. I have raced on every continent except Antartica... don’t have a count on the number of countries. I think that probably the most unlikely place I have run in would be Kuala Lumpur, can’t imagine that I would ever visit that country again. Q. Where is your favourite running track? Why briefly? A. My favorite running track would be Stade Louis II in Monaco. The stadium architecture and design is just so unique and the city is just the most beautiful place. It is also the first track that I broke 54 seconds on so it will always be special to me. Q. What experience from your track career do you take with you every day of your life?A. So many things: Hard work, patience, perseverance, determination, time management, paying attention to detail.....the list can go on. Track has definitely molded me to be the person I am. Q. What message other than “train hard” would you give athletes looking to follow in your footsteps and beyond?A. Always believe in yourself and never give up when you set a goal. Make a realistic plan and stick with it. Surround yourself with good, honest people that will keep you motivated and accountable.

Q. Can we ask about your personal life as a woman in sport? A. Having a personal life with my chosen career requires good time management and balance. Q. Do you have children? Are you married? How did you juggle the demands of a competitive athlete with your personal life?A. I don’t have any children. I am not married. Personal life definitely took a back seat on many occasions in my career. Q. Any advice for teens? A. If sport is your passion then give it your all. You have a window of time that you can be a successful athlete so take advantage of that time when you can. You must also not neglect your studies. The best gift you can give yourself regardless of how talented you are is to have an education to back it up. Your time as an athlete won’t last and you will have a whole life ahead of you afterwards. Q. Every serious athlete is aiming to get the coveted “scholarship”. What do you as a coach expect of Caribbean athletes arriving to be under your charge?A. I expect Caribbean athletes who come to my University to be highly motivated, focussed and ready to work hard both on the track and in the class room. I have very high expectations of all of my athletes. Q. Do you demand more from them than others? A. No. I don’t demand more from Caribbean athletes but I do expect them to understand that the stakes may be a bit higher for them coming from the Caribbean and that they have an amazing opportunity that would be a slap in many people’s face if they take it for granted. Q. What seems to be the biggest “misconception” that the Caribbean athlete should be aware of?A. Being on scholarship in the US is not a walk in the park. Someone is making a big investment in you bringing them to your school and they expect you to be motivated, focussed and achieve your full potential. Q. Comment on the important aspect of balancing your academic status with your athletic prowess.A. I believe that student athletes should be just that. Both are equally important and should be treated that way. Q. What is your academic field? What did you do your degree in?A. I have my undergraduate degree in Managerial Studies and Spanish, my Masters in Hospitality Management and I am a licensed Massage Therapist. Q. Statement to athletes participating in the Barbados Relay Fair from across the Caribbean?A. I wish each and every athlete competing at the Barbados Relay Fair the best of luck. I wish you a safe and successful competition. Compete well and have fun.

Q&A with

Andrea Blackett

Andrea Blackett


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The eyes of the world are turning to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for the summer Olympic games, which will bring together the fastest and the brightest global stars of athletics both able-bodied and those

with physical challenges. There is great excitement surrounding several of Trinidad and Tobago’s prospects for the games with one particular athlete being tipped as one of the top ten to watch for the Para-olympics come September. Expectation is high that 21-year-old International Para-olympic world championship bronze medalist, Nyoshia Cain, will dominate in the 100 and 200m sprints in Rio. One conversation with this phenomenal athlete and you will understand the excitement and anticipation that many in the sporting fraternity have when discussing her prospects. Nyoshia “Hurricane” Cain has an unstoppable spirit which envelopes anyone who meets her or hears her speak about her journey.

Nyoshia loves sport and began running casually at the Primary and Secondary school level taking a brief respite in her mid teens to try her hand at Volleyball but never allowing her disability to impact on her desire and drive to play sport.

Nyoshia was born with a condition known as hemi-hypertrophy, which causes one side of the body or a part of one side of the body to grow greater than the other.

She says growing up with the condition caused some challenges as she couldn’t walk or stand for long periods of time as the muscles and bones on the left side of her body were not as developed as those on her right. Getting active in sport helped the “Hurricane” deal with some of the effects of hemi-hypertrophy.

“At the track it is hard, but I find a way to work with it” she says. It is that ‘won’t stop’ attitude that has excited the athletics community in Trinidad and Tobago and has given hope that Nyoshia will be standing head and shoulders above others in Rio in September 2016. Nyoshia also credits her club ‘Speed Factory’ and trainer and Coach Micky Ruben for her success.

Ruben is a world-class decathlete and therapist who has designed fitness and recovery programs for star athletes including the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, with whom he worked for four years.

Voices from Regional Athletes


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Ruben says Nyoshia’s attitude and mental strength are some of the keys to her success.

Their very first meeting 2 seasons ago, Coach Ruben recalled, was an indicator of this mental acuity.

At age 19 Nyoshia was having difficulty with her training. She accompanied a friend to the Ato Boldon Stadium and asked if she could work out with members of this new club called Speed Factory.

Coach Ruben warned the young athlete that his group “does not PLAY track and field”. Nyoshia agreed to the terms and she laughs as she recalls that the first work out nearly killed her! But it was this work out that showed Coach Ruben her ‘won’t stop’ attitude.

He said “She came in, she did the work out, she wanted to throw up, she lay down but when I said ok its time to go again, she was back out there on the track with everyone else”. He said that’s the attitude he looks for in an athlete “One who will keep trying even though it’s hard”. At the world championships in Qatar, Nyoshia “Hurricane” Cain sprinted to a 3rd place finish in the 100-meter race (13.31s) and did so despite having sustained an injury. Ruben says that mental capacity coupled with the fact that she is one of the fastest starters in her sprints of choice, the 100 and 200 metre races, doesn’t just make her a hot prospect to medal, Ruben is convinced that she could set a world record time in the Para-Olympics as well.

Nyoshia’s accomplishments are even more amazing because she has only had a focused training regime for 2 years. “Hurricane” credits Coach Ruben and Speed Factory club for bringing her fitness level to where it is today. Nyoshia continues to prepare herself for the Olympics without sponsorship.

The average cost to train an athlete for a year, according to Ruben, is approximately $57,000 TT dollars ($8990 US). That figure does not include airfare, hotel accommodation, ground transport and other incidentals to attend track and field meets, which are essential to get athletes into proper form for competition. Ruben is of the view that the Caribbean has the facilities and talent to be ‘world-beaters’, he notes however that many with the financial means do not see the gold mine that is athletics.

Coach Ruben stressed that this area of sport is a global multi-million dollar industry and he is prepared to continue to use his own resources to prove to all that we have what it takes to not only be on the world scene but to conquer and dominate global athletics with sportsmen and women trained in Trinidad and Tobago.

Nyoshia “Hurricane” Cain is on the track every morning by 6 o’clock before heading to her day job at the Ministry of Health and while that may be a full plate for the average person, it’s just the start of her day as Nyoshia is completing a course of study in theology as well.

Rio de Janeiro and by extension the world, should be on alert; a Hurricane is coming this September.

Raymond Edwards Free Lance Journalist [email protected]

Photo Credits - Amigo Anthony Garraway


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Injuries can stand between you and the fulfilment of your dreams. Most of us have at some time heard of an athlete who, after training for four years, did not make the cut for the Olympics due to injuries. Some injuries appear suddenly, in the blink of an eye, when you least

expect them. Those are considered the acute injuries like a hamstring that pulled in the middle of a race or a broken hand resulting from a fall. Then there are those annoying injuries that creep up on you over time. Those are the overuse injuries like tendonitis of the knee or shin splints. Overuse injuries are damage to the body due to a repetitive stress without allowing the body enough time to heal.

This article takes a brief look at some of the common causes of overuse injuries.

Training errorsOne common cause of overuse injuries is doing too much too fast. It is recommended that the athlete should not increase their mileage more than 10% from one week to another. Hence an individual who runs 10 miles this week, should only increase to 11 miles next week. This method reduces the risk of obtaining an overuse injury. Other training errors include suddenly increasing the frequency of training sessions, the duration of training sessions or even the weight being pushed in the gym without giving the body the fair chance to adapt to the elevated levels of stress.

Technique errorsPoor form is another way to sustain an injury. Regardless of the sport, one will find that improper technique can result in injuries and pain which, if not dealt with correctly over time, could affect performance and ultimately participation in sports. Whether it relates to the poor backhand of a tennis player, the bad bowling action of a cricketer or the incorrect form of a runner, athletes should always pay attention to recommendations on correcting form or technique.

Improper footwearThis cause of injuries may seem obvious but it is often taken for granted. Imagine the soreness of your feet after wearing ill-fitting or inappropriate shoes for 20 steps. Now consider the impact if you persist for 10,000 steps. Some damage would very likely be done. It is critical to recognize what is the best type of shoe for a particular sport or activity, as well as what is the best shoe for the specific athlete. The latter depends on factors such as whether the feet are flat or have high arches, and whether they naturally roll inwards or outwards.

In addition, it is equally important to know when to change those shoes. One recommendation is to change your shoes every 500 miles spent in them.

Rest is vitalRest is not simply a random recommendation from medical experts but it is indeed a crucial part of any workout routine. This activity called “rest” allows the body to recover to prevent injuries. It not only refers to the rest between workouts but also to the specific periods of rest which are often included during a workout so that the athlete’s body can get the maximum benefits from the training.

Inadequate nutritionOn the surface, nutrition may seem to be unrelated to overuse injuries; however, what you eat and drink influences the functioning and fortitude of your musculoskeletal system. Nutrition therefore plays a role in determining your body’s susceptibility to overuse injuries. Similar to a well-structured house which can withstand very high winds, a well-nourished body will be healthy and strong and more likely to tolerate harsh training and competition. A poor diet can lead to conditions, such as reduced bone density and decreased muscle strength and endurance, which increases the risk of injury. Proper nutrition is crucial in the muscle recovery phase as a well-balanced diet supports the repair of muscles and tendons after a workout.

In conclusion, it is useful to remember that you can take steps to minimize the risk of some overuse injuries by knowing the common causes and understanding how they relate to your training.

Dr. V. Rene Best is a specialist Family Physician and Sports Medicine Practitioner

A Look at Overuse Injuries


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Many successful athletes will confess that success is not simply about talent. Talent is important but many other factors go into becoming a successful athlete, and more importantly, a successful person. As the 2016 Rio Olympics approaches, I

want to share briefly a handful of pivotal factors and circumstances that helped to pave my journey to the 2000 Sydney Olympic podium.

My interest in athletics began at a very young age—I was eight years old when I watched the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics on television. At that time, I had no idea what it took to become an Olympian and even less of a clue that one day I would compete at three Olympic Games. Nevertheless, I was fortunate to witness the Barbados 4 x 400m relay team—Richard Louis, David Peltier, Clyde Edwards, Elvis Forde—finish sixth in the finals, which is an incredible feat for a small island like Barbados. Over the next few years, my interest in athletics grew mainly because of the competitive environment that I faced daily at Wesley Hall Primary School, at the time an all-boys school.

I recall spending most lunchtimes running relays around what we called “The Garden”—an overgrown vegetable garden surrounded by a rectangular fence with a perimeter of about 75m. Everything was organised by the students and the “rules” were simple: anyone who wanted to run would come to The Garden during lunchtime. There were no designated teams and batons were broken tamarind branches (the “stick”). We had no age groups, and each person decided how many laps he wanted to run after receiving the stick. The only things that

mattered were: competitiveness and not letting down one’s “team”—whoever they were on that day. In other words, you only got the stick if the person handing it off thought you could help the team; otherwise, you could go the whole lunchtime without getting a chance to run.

Believe it or not, I never outright won a race at Sports Day during my time at Wesley Hall! However, countless days running around The Garden taught me many valuable lessons.

First, I learned the harsh lesson about sports—ultimately, how well you perform matters because it opens or closes doors to later opportunities. In this respect The Garden events meant getting the stick and later, it meant being selected for a school or national team, or having a chance to gain an athletic scholarship or to become a professional athlete. ‘

In short, it is about performing at your best whenever you compete and taking steps to improve your performance. ‘

Secondly, The Garden helped develop my competitive instincts and fearlessness against competitors who were older or bigger. Those traits significantly influenced my ability to compete successfully against athletes from larger countries with great histories in athletics and lots more resources-better equipment, training facilities, etc.

Another pivotal moment in my athletic career occurred during a conversation with my former physical education teacher—Mr. Orlando


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Greene, Barbados’ 800m senior national record holder. In early 1991, I unexpectedly won my first Carifta 100m title in the U-17 division. Before that victory, I was far more interested in basketball than athletics. Mr. Greene would often have to shout at me to get off the basketball court to attend his after-school athletics training. By late 1991, my interest in athletics began to predominate. Although I was already a long time “student” of the sport—studying videotapes of races and reading magazines or articles about athletics (all before the computer/Google-era)—that was the first time I seriously committed to athletics.

Around that time, during one conversation with Mr. Greene, I told him that, “I want to become the best junior in the…” But, before I could finish, he said “world!” I intended to say, “I want to become the best junior in the Caribbean.” With that one word “world”, my entire athletic aspirations changed because his opinion meant so much to me. Mr. Greene had gone away on an athletic scholarship to the U.S. in the mid-1970s; his 800m national record time in 1976 was among the best in the world that year; he was a former Olympian (1976 Montreal), and the coach of the1984 Barbados Olympic team, I mentioned earlier.

Over the next two seasons, under the guidance of Mr. Greene, the late Mr. Anthony Lovell, founder of Freedom Striders Track Club, and Mr. Frank “Blackie” Blackman, I became the best junior 100m sprinter in the Caribbean. In 1994, I equalled the world junior record in the 100m during my first college season at the University of Texas-El Paso (UTEP). The following year, I finally fulfilled Mr. Greene’s prophetic words when I became the top junior 100m sprinter in the world—recording 8 of the fastest 11 times in the 100m by a junior athlete that season, including the fastest 3 times. During that season, I also raced and defeated one of my athletic idols, Carl Lewis—the 1984 and 1988 Olympic 100m champion—at the Drake Relays.

My path to the Olympic podium, however, was not always a clear one. Along the way, I faced many difficult experiences, such as not being selected for the 1992 World Junior Championships—which almost caused me to quit the sport—and several severe injuries. For instance, in mid-1996, I strained my hamstring at the NCAA Outdoor Championships some two months before the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, which almost kept me out of those Games. I also made the finals in the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the 2004 Athens Olympics while carrying serious injuries to my big toe and back. Nonetheless, from

the first time that I represented Barbados at the 1990 Caribbean Union of Teachers’ (CUT) Games until the last time I suited up in blue, black and gold, I always considered it an honour and privilege to represent Barbados, which provided extra fuel for me to give my best.

People often ask me what it feels like to compete at the Olympic Games with thousands of people in the stadium and millions of people watching worldwide. I typically said that I felt like I belonged there because Barbados belongs there.

Like all successful athletes and persons, my journey is filled with many more stories of triumphs, failures, highs and disappointments. But I specifically wanted to share these stories because they helped to shape me as a person and athlete.

As you athletes watch the 2016 Rio Olympics and think about what it takes to become an Olympian or an Olympic medallist, I want to leave you with a few thoughts: Love the sport, particularly if you hope to compete at the highest possible level. Study the sport: know the history of your event from the beginning of its records until present because it will help you to create better goals and properly chart your progress. Compete hard and fearlessly regardless of the competitors and challenges be it personal, financial, or otherwise.

Think and dream bigger than where you are. Personally set firm and realistic goals for yourself. Be prepared to work consistently very hard for many years. Overnight success rarely happens and often cannot be sustained. Read biographies of successful athletes/persons. Brace yourself for failures and disappointments because they will come, but do not let them define you. Everyone messes up at some time, use those experiences as daily motivation to do better next time.

Live, train, and compete every day like you belong among the best. Your daily mindset affects your choices; what you do or don’t do ultimately affects who you become and what you achieve. Success comes from daily, positive, and conscious decisions. Making good choices in all aspects of your life allows you to achieve much more.

Last, to the parents, coaches, and administrators: do your best to help your children, students, and athletes achieve all that they can. Even with limited resources, strive to make their paths easier than your own. Think outside the box and do not be afraid of changing your perception or accepting new ideas. Learning is an ongoing process, so keep learning about the sport and educating the younger ones. Also, always remember that you are shaping the lives of young people—let them know that you care about them and their dreams enough to sacrifice and go beyond what is comfortable for you.

God bless you all and have a successful and enjoyable 2016 Barbados Relay Fair.

Obadele Thompson100m Bronze Medallist2000 Sydney Olympics


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Sports make a vital contribution to our overall wellbeing, plays a role in the development of the economy, environment and society.

There are many factors and benefits gained from participating in sports namely; increasing people’s sense of integration into their local community both town and country; developing friends from

a broad and diverse social spectrum whether it’s on a cricket pitch, football field or basketball court; keeping people fit through maintaining both physical and mental health. In addition, it is a form of preventative medicine, teaches and develops skills in self discipline, team work, mutual respect, fair play, self-confidence and helps reduce the chances of young people slipping into lives of crime.

As a former National Basketball Champion, USA- Division II, North East-10 Regional Champion, Entrepreneur and experienced Human Resource Professional; I know very well how demanding it is to elevate your level of sportsmanship and compete at an international level especially if your aspiration is to fulfil the Olympic Dream.

The Game of Sport is at a critical juncture here in Barbados and it is evident that young athletes hold our hopes for a better and brighter future. We must invest the proper time, energy, tools and resources to engage, educate, empower, challenge, train, develop and transform them holistically. This can be effectively accomplished, via high-performance focused developmental programmes which serve to adequately prepare them for competition locally and further afield.

At Fitrepreneur events held in 2015, I held conversation with fellow entrepreneurs and business professionals about sports as a multi-billion dollar industry. Our areas of focus were;1. A critical look at the support systems-present or absent for sport inspired businesses in Barbados.2. What business models are readily available and or can be designed to add value, develop, advance and sustain the sporting industry in Barbados?

Overall, both topics shed great light on some of the social issues we currently face. These include; management of administrations and federations-their functioning or lack thereof; treatment of national athletes; identification of the game changers (sport-oriented entrepreneurs, athletes, the corporate community) and the role of government. There is a diverse range of careers and business

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opportunities available through sports in the 21st century. Further, there is urgent need for bringing more awareness and education to the general public of the opportunities sport offers youth.

The solution to these challenges cannot be found in one place, one government, one person, one coach or one federation. It will take a group of like-minded and motivated persons, exemplifying tremendous teamwork, a consistently collective effort, open-mindedness, some measure of risk taking and mutual respect for ideas put forth from others, if we are to move pass simply talking and meaningfully advance sports through strategic implementations, execution and review.


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I believe that having a strong mindset, positive attitude, good work ethic and vision, are essential blocks towards any efficient sports development and management programme.

Here are areas I believe we must focus on and take action immediately:Improve leadership, teamwork, accountability, diversity and professionalism at all levels including policy makers, executives, coaches and athletes. Recruit, train and continuously educate coaches and managers. Obtain buy-in from parents and guardians who will play a critical role in supporting the efforts of children interested in sport.Attain a level of public trust and appreciation of the benefits that sports can afford young people and their family.Plan and develop fundraising campaigns and seek alternative funding options.Improve sports facilities and host sporting events-This can modernise our national image and improve local self esteem. Recruit volunteers- they are a key element in creating and sustaining an active and inclusive society. This should be seen as a way of giving back to their community.Build, implement and execute effective and efficient operating systems, processes, policies and procedures to guide decision making.

If you are going to pay athletes for full-time training and development, also hire them into the organisation to perform roles that will add value and contribute to your sporting mandates.

Questions for the policy makers and decision makers:How are you helping yourself as a sporting discipline?What fundraising options are in place?What is the action plan and time line for implementing sporting strategies?Which sports will stand the test of time?Who are your high performing athletes? How are you developing the athletes and harnessing their talent(s)?What’s the conversation like with your athletes? How are they feeling? What can they do to help bring about this change? Get their feedback because they are a big part of the solution.

There is no magic pill, no quick fix. This is going to be a long process, but not an impossible task. We need to believe in our strengths and capabilities, to do the right thing and keep moving forward despite obstacles. No longer can we waste time looking back and sitting back, we have to stand up, stand tall and improve the strength and productivity of our sporting discipline and nation.

Celia CollymoreFounder & Project ManagerBajan Fusion- Adventure & Fitness Lifestyle Event Management ServiceEmail- [email protected]


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