Grapplers battle it out at Miami’s ‘Heroes of the Sand’ Beach Wrestling

Young grapplers and seasoned fighters clashed on the shores of Miami Beach on Heroes Day, as the Barbados Wrestling Association’s Beat the Blocks community beach arm hosted the third leg of its Heroes of the Sand series.

The junior beach sumo and wrestling showcase brought out athletes from across the island, including representatives from St. Lawrence Primary School, Rocky Creak Fight Gym, Central Beach, and Kime-Kan Wrestling.

The event, held on Monday, formed part of a growing grassroots push to introduce beach wrestling to communities and develop local stars in the African-originated sport.

Organisers say the initiative aims not only to grow participation but to identify community heroes and attract much-needed sponsorship to sustain and expand the sport.

Backed by Tacos on the Bay, the California Beach Wrestling Association, and the Barbados Olympic Association, the tournament delivered plenty of excitement, with tight bouts and standout performances across age divisions.

In the Under-10 Boys category, Milez Grahame edged Jakobee Beckles 3–2 in a spirited match, while in the Under-8 Girls, Anmarise Ramden shut out Deckaida Griffith 2–0 before returning in the Mixed Division to defeat Aslan Ramden 4–1.

In one of the biggest upsets of the day, Kush Emery stunned top-ranked Ajaden Goodridge 2–1 in the Under-8 Boys division, while Javier Lovell dispatched Ricardo Giller 3–0.

In the Senior Men’s 90+ kg, Shaquille Agard claimed the top spot, beating Camron Layne into second. In the 80 kg class, Thaddeus Yearwood took gold, followed by Benjamin Caddle and Stephen Forde. The 70 kg title went to Peter Murray, with Jaheim Weeks finishing second.

The next leg of the Heroes of the Sand series is set for May 18 at Accra Beach, and all combat clubs across the island are invited to participate. (SM)