Top Athletes Expected To Compete At BAAA’s Open Nationals

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The country’s top track and field athletes are set to take center stage this weekend at the BAAA Open National Championships.

Under the theme “It’s Showtime” – bragging rights and opportunities to qualify for national teams are on the line August 1st and 2nd, at the original Thomas A. Robinson stadium.

The two-day meet features a star-studded lineup highlighting the expected return of Olympic gold medalists Shaunae Miller-Uibo – registered for the 400, and Steven Gardiner – registered for the 200m.

On hand at Wednesday’s press conference and also expected to compete – 60m Hurdles World Record Holder Devynne Charlton is expected to headline a trio of olympians in the 100m hurdles alongside Denisha Cartwright and Chrisma Taylor.

Anthaya Charlton and Camille Rutherford both bring their sub-11 sec times into the 100m.

The meet kicks off Friday at 6 pm and continues Saturday at 5PM.

World Aquatics Championships

Next up for Team Bahamas at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, Zaylie-elizabeth Thompson in the 100m free.

Thompson finished eighth in heat five of the event in 59.45 secs and placed 47th out of 84 swimmers in the field.

Action continues for Team Bahamas over the next two days.

On Friday Victoria Russell will swim in heat four, lane eight of the 50m fly.

Lamar Taylor will also swim in the 50m free in heat 10, lane seven.

On Saturday both swimmers return to the pool.

Russell will swim out of lane seven in heat six of the 50m free, while Taylor will contest the 50m back – heat three, lane seven.

TENNIS

Khai Rees has announced the next step on his academic and athletic journey – he’s headed to NCAA Division I Tennis.

Rees officially committed to the Temple University Owls in the American Athletic Conference.

He transitioned from St. Augustine’s college to the Laurel Springs School to better align his studies and tennis career.

He also trained out of the famed Axis Tennis Academy in Delray Beach, Florida.

Earlier this season, Rees competed in professional tournaments for the first time in two editions of the ITF M15 Heraklion in Crete, Greece.

Both appearances came via wild card entries and gave him the opportunity to face seasoned competitors ahead of his transition to the NCAA.

Led by Director of Tennis Jeff Brandes, the Owls finished 11‑9 last season before they were eliminated in the opening round of the AAC tournament.

BASEBALL

One student athlete performed a community outreach effort in his native Andros before he heads for college baseball.

Justin Smith, hosted his first youth baseball camp in Central Andros featuring dozens of interested participants, many of which were introduced to the game for the first time.

Smith transitioned from Freedom Baseball League to Tallulah Falls School in Georgia, where he graduated with honors.

He will attend Texas State University to continue his academic and athletic career.