Bahamian Athletes Shine in NCAA Conference Championships
A host of Bahamian track and field athletes delivered standout performances over the weekend, competing in their respective NCAA conference championships across the United States.
Jackson Sets Another National Record
Calea Jackson continues to push boundaries in the women’s weight throw, breaking her own Bahamian national record yet again at the 2025 ACC Indoor Track and Field Championships in Louisville, Kentucky. The University of Miami sophomore launched a massive throw of 20.02m (65’ 8-1/4”), finishing eighth in the event.
Her previous national record of 19.80m (64’ 11-1/2”), set just two weeks ago at the Clemson Tiger Paw Invitational, now takes a backseat to this new milestone. Jackson is now the first Bahamian woman to surpass 20 meters in the weight throw and has recorded five throws over 18 meters this year.
Andrews Grabs Two Medals in Big 12 Championships
Antoine Andrews, a Texas Tech Red Raiders junior, delivered an impressive performance at the Big 12 Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships in Lubbock, Texas, securing silver in the 60m hurdles and bronze in the 60m sprint.
He ran a blazing 7.56 seconds in the 60m hurdles final, improving from his 7.62 in the heats. In the 60m final, Andrews clocked 6.63 seconds, mirroring his time from the prelims to claim third place.
Charlton, McCoy, and Valcourt Compete at SEC Championships
Three Bahamian athletes showcased their talent at the SEC Indoor Championships in College Station, Texas.
- Anthaya Charlton, a University of Florida junior, finished fourth in the women’s long jump with a leap of 6.47m (21’ 2-3/4”) and seventh in the 60m sprint, clocking 7.27 seconds after running a personal best of 7.24 seconds in the heats.
- Wanya McCoy, a Florida Gators senior, ran a personal best of 20.25 seconds in the men’s 200m heats, but suffered an injury in the final, forcing him to withdraw. He also posted 6.64 seconds in the 60m heats.
- Javonya Valcourt, a University of Tennessee junior, placed sixth in the women’s 400m final with a time of 52.15 seconds, after setting a personal best of 51.73 seconds in the prelims. She later helped the Volunteers’ 4x400m relay team claim bronze with a time of 3:27.85.
Thompson Twins Dominate ASUN Championships
Cassie and Cassidra Thompson, twin sisters from Freeport, Grand Bahama, made their mark at the Atlantic Sun (ASUN) Conference Indoor Championships in Louisville, Kentucky, competing for Jacksonville University.
- Cassie Thompson, a senior, took gold in the 200m with a time of 23.54 seconds after posting 23.53 in the heats. She also secured silver in the 60m, running 7.44 seconds, after setting a personal best of 7.42 seconds in the prelims.
- Cassidra Thompson, a junior, claimed gold in the 400m with a personal best of 54.37 seconds, improving from her 56.76 in the heats. She also grabbed bronze in the 200m, running another personal best of 24.08 seconds after 24.10 in the prelims.
Both sisters were part of Jacksonville’s 4x400m relay team, which stormed to victory in 3:40.03.
Richards Competes at AAC Championships
Nia Richards, a University of South Florida freshman, took part in the AAC Indoor Track and Field Championships in Birmingham, Alabama. She clocked 8.71 seconds in the 60m hurdles, finishing 18th overall, but did not advance to the final.
Looking Ahead
With multiple personal bests, national records, and podium finishes, Bahamian athletes continue to make waves in the NCAA circuit. As the indoor season wraps up, many will now set their sights on the upcoming NCAA Indoor Championships and outdoor track season.
