Barbados Today

Among the athletes who arrived at the Grantley Adams International Airport from Glasgow, Scotland yesterday was martial artist Onoah Obsie-Okey who represented Barbados in judo.
The 19-year-old attended her first ever Commonwealth Games and almost came close to bringing back home a bronze medal but unfortunately the medal was awarded to another country.

“It was a wonderful experience despite the circumstances and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity. The fact that I came so close and had that bronze medal in my hands, words cannot explain. It just means that I am capable and next time I will be looking for it definitely. I just have to work harder and train for next time,” the former Alexandra student told Barbados TODAY.
Also returning home with the team was sprinter Jade Bailey who said the experience for her was a good one despite missing out on a medal.

Bailey said she wanted to reach the finals of both the 100m and 200m after advancing to the semi-finals but what was seen on television was different from the reality of the cold weather conditions the athletes had to face.
“It was freezing and when people see us on television they do not know the conditions that we are under so people will talk but it does not bother me. I made semi-finals in both events which was good even though the condition was rough because I catch the flu and I was on medication in both races and all I can say is that I tried my best,” the six-footer said.
The former 200m Central American And Caribbean Games (CAC) bronze medallist back in 2006 also has her eyes set on major meets such as the next World Championships and the Olympics but has her focus more so on the CAC Games being held later this year in November in Veracruz, Mexico.
“Hopefully there I would medal and you cannot put it on the table right now, you have to prepare for it, so it is just train and hope for the best. I will be ready for the Central American And Caribbean Games. I just need to get myself healthy again and not get sick,” the 31-year-old said.
Bailey said the overall team gave of their best and the fact that all 61 athletes made it to the Commonwealth Games said a lot.
Sean Ward, captain of the Barbados Rugby team, which competed at the Commonwealth Games for the first time playing sevens, shared the same sentiments as Bailey and said the experience was spectacular for both himself and his team.

“We basically played the hand that we were dealt in the face of adversity in the team selection. We had a formula and we followed the formula as much as we could. And when we did follow the formula we delivered and it was good in the end and we learned a lot from it. It was a massive thing for us to step on the rugby field against the world’s best and hopefully soon we can get to that level. We came a long way and we will be there pretty soon with the support of a few agencies and the Government,” Ward said.
The local boys played against defending champions New Zealand who were going after their fifth consecutive gold medal. They also played hosts Scotland and Canada at Ibrox Stadium.

marissalindsay@barbadostoday.bb