Barbados names 21-member Commonwealth Games team

Defending Commonwealth Games 400 metres champion and record holder Sada Williams will spearhead a 21-member Barbados team heading to Glasgow later this month, as the island looks to build on its recent success on the international stage.

The Games get underway in Scotland from July 23 to August 2.

For the first time the squad includes one para athlete.

Team Barbados will compete in six sports — athletics, gymnastics, judo, para-swimming, swimming and weightlifting, joining approximately 3 000 athletes from 74 nations.

With 10 sports and six para sports on the schedule, the 21-member team which comprises 11 males and 10 females, includes a mix of returning Birmingham 2022 competitors and several newcomers.

In addition to Williams, the track delegation includes 2023 CAC Games Silver Medallist Kyle Gale and CARIFTA Gold Medallist Rasheeme Griffith. 

In the pool, swimmers Adara Stoddard and Luis Sebastian Weekes are returning for their second consecutive Games, like gymnast Erin Pinder. They will join several first-time competitors, including weightlifter Daniel Griffith, judoka Deann Walton, World Silver Medallist Kishawna Niles, and para-swimmer Antwahn Boyce-Vaughan.

Chef de Mission for the games is Shelley-Ann Griffith, while the team manager is Paula Jarvis. The delegation will also be accompanied by a medical team comprising Chief Medical Officer Dr Carl Ward, physiotherapist Phyllis Burnett and massage therapists Sharon Coppin and Rondell Griffith.

Chef de Mission Shelley-Ann Griffith

According to President of Commonwealth Sport Barbados Sandra Osborne, the team reflects the culmination of rigorous training and promise.

President of Commonwealth Sport Barbados, Sandra Osborne

“Our squad represents a powerful blend of veteran expertise and fresh talent, and we are particularly proud that these Games mark a historic milestone for Barbados with the inclusion of our first para-athlete. 

“Although the 2026 Games have been scaled down compared to previous years, Commonwealth Sport Barbados remains especially keen to participate and is fully committed to supporting our athletes as they prepare to excel in Scotland. We eagerly anticipate seeing their performance and determination on the world stage,” Osborne said.

Griffith describes it as a privilege to lead Team Barbados for the 11-day event. “We are keen to participate in the upcoming games and fly Barbados’ flag with pride. Our priority right now is ensuring that the management and medical teams have everything in place to support the squad. We want to make sure our athletes can focus entirely on their events and perform to the best of their abilities.”

The full team

Athletics -Sada Williams (W 400m), Adeyah Brewster (W 100m Hurdles, W 4x100m relay), Maya Rollins (W 100m Hurdles, W 4x100m relay) ,Kishawna Niles (W 100m, W 4x100m relay),Kelia Bentham (W 100m, W 200m, W 4x100m relay), Kuron Griffith (M 100m, M 200m), Desean Boyce (M 400m), Kyle Gale (M 400m),Rasheeme Griffith (M 400m Hurdles), Julian Forde (M 100m)

Gymnastics– Erin Pinder (All Around – Individual),

Judo– Deann Walton (W 57kg)

Para–Swimming -Antwahn Boyce-Vaughan (S9 100m backstroke)

Swimming-Adara Stoddard (W 50m, 100m, 200m breaststroke), Jaiya Simmons (W 50m, 100m, 200m butterfly; 200m I.M.),Toria Alleyne (W 50m, 100m, 200m freestyle; 50m butterfly),Christien Kelly (M 50m freestyle; 50m butterfly) ,Victor Ashby (M 50m, 100m, 200m butterfly) ,Joshua Ross (M 50m, 100m, 200m breaststroke) ,Luis Sebastian Weekes (M 50m, 100m breaststroke)

Weightlifting -Daniel Griffith (M 94kg). 

(KH/PR)