06232016 sports

SPORTS SECTION E

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016

By RENALDO DORSETT Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

CHARISMA TAYLOR and BRIA SANDS (right) compete in the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ National Junior Track and Field Championships at the new Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium yesterday.

Photos by Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff

Top juniors shine bright

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

S

amson Colebrooke and Divine Parker emerged as the top male and female sprinters in the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ National Junior Track and Field Championships, while Parker joined high hurdlers Tavonte Moss, Sasha Wells, Charisma Taylor and thrower Serena Brown in surpassing the qualifying standards for the IAAF World Youth Championships in Poland in July.

Samson ran away with the under-20 male title last night as the two-day met kicked off at the new Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium. Colebrooke clocked 10.66 seconds to pull off the win over Cameron Oliver, who did 10.79 for second. Christopher Moree came in third in 10.96.

Parker, who moved up from the under-18 girls’ division, won the under-20 title as she stopped the clock in an impressive 11.92 to outdistance her nearest rival, Sasha Wells, who came in second in 12.07. Alexis Gray was third in 12.27. In the process, Parker went under the World Youth qualifying time of 11.94.

The under-18 boys’ race was won by Johnathan Smith in 10.84. Karon Bain was second in 10.96 and Keron Dean got third in 11.00.

In Parker’s absence, Megan Moss claimed the under-18 girls’ crown in 12.28. Rashan Darling was second in 12.36 and Shericka Treco came in third in 12.54.

Another keenly contested final on day one was the 400m.

Bradley Dormeus was the winner of the under-20 male one-lapper in 48.27. He was trailed by Donovan Storr in 48.70 and Carlos Outten, who did 49.18 for third.

As expected, the under-20

girls’ race was won by Doneisha Anderson in 55.61 with Dreshanae Rolle taking second in 55.91. Marissa White was a distant third in 57.35.

Corey Sherrod won the under-18 boys’ quarter-miler in 49.58 with Israel Williamson placing second in 50.61. Bre’Sha Pennerman came in third in 51.11.

Only two competitors contested the under-18 girls’ race with Tavia Bullard holding on for the win in 1:02.80 over Dejania Turnquest, who did 1:06.10.

Ricardo Richardson was the lone competitor in the under-20 boys’ 1,500, clocking 4:25.27.

The boys’ under-18 three and-ahalf lap race had two competitors with Lhevinne Josph crossing the finish line in 4:25.33, well ahead of Richardson Ambrose, who did 5:15.91.

On the girls’ side, Andora Melina was the only competitor in the under-18 division, running 5:13.91.

The only other final on the track was the high hurdles.

In the under-20 boys’ 110m hurdles race, Tavonte Mott ran 13.88 to win as he dipped under the World Youth qualify-

ing standard of 14.20. Shakeem Smith was just shy, clocking 14.26 for second. Aaron Ross came in third in 14.58.

Two competitors surpassed the under-20 girls’ 100m hurdles time of 14.20 as Sasha Wells pulled off the upset in 13.86 over Charisma Taylor, who did 13.94. Kaylea Albury was third in 14.38.

On the field, Serena Brown was the only World Youth qualifier, tossing the under-20 girls’ discus 48.20 metres to surpass the qualifying standard of 47.50.

Tahj’Nee Thurston came in second with 39.44m and Tiffany Hanna was third with 36.59m.

Charisma Taylor showed her versatility when she cleared 12.03m to snatch the under-20 girls’ triple jump title. Bria Sands, the sister of Leevan ‘Superman’ Sands, was second with 11.65m and Daejha Miss was third with 11.38. Rutherford, Jazmyn Rutherford, the daughter of Frank Rutherford, the first Bahamian Olympic athletics medallist, also competed in the event but she fouled out.

Also on the field, Amina Forbes took the under-18 girls’ high jump with 1.40m and the under-20 girls’ crown went Celina Thompson as she won on fewer knockdowns on the count back over Daejha Moss, who both cleared 1.60m.

Malik Stuart won the under-20 boys discus with 51,32m; Jean-Jacques won the under-18 boys shot put with 14.89m and he doubled up in the discus with 41.41m; Dejaniq Turnquest was the winner of the under-18 girls javelin with 18.96m; Keron Dean was the winner of the under-18 boys long jump with 6.70m and Martin Holland won the under-20 boys long jump with 7.25m.

The Jr Nationals are scheduled to continue 6pm today. On Friday and Saturday, the Senior Nationals are slated to take over in the National Stadium.

Vanderpool-Wallace looks to make another splash

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net WHEN the Bahamas Swimming Federation/Royal Bank of Canada 2016 National Swim Championships kick off today at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex, multi-national record holder Arianna VanderpoolWallace intends to make another splash.

The 26-year-old graduate of Auburn University will be the top contender for the Bahamas in the Nationals as she prepares for her third trip to the Olympic Games in August in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

“My season has been going well,” she said. “I have been focusing in a lot more on the 50 freestyle versus the 100 freestyle which was my main event before but between my coach and I we feel I have a better opportunity in the 50 freestyle in Rio.” Coming into the nationals where she’s expected to face

Soccer, Page 20

BUDDY JUST HOURS AWAY FROM BEING SELECTED IN NBA DRAFT

BASEBALL NATIONALS UNDERWAY

THE Bahamas Baseball Federation’s 14th Grand Bahama Port Authority Andre Rodgers National Baseball Championships is currently underway at the EMERA Baseball Complex in Grand Bahama.

The championships got started yesterday but the official opening ceremonies is set for 7pm Friday. That will be followed by a live 11-12 game at 8:30pm on Cable Bahamas. The tournament will wrap up on Sunday.

“Join the BBF and see who will be the next Antoan Richardson, Jervis ‘Champ’ Stuart, Anfernee Seymour, Luscious Fox, Byron Murray, Todd Isaacs, Jasarado Chisholm, Larry Alcine Jr, Reshard Munroe and Kyle Simmons,” the federation wrote in a press release.

The federation is expecting Major League Baseball scouts to evaluate the talent and host a try-out showcase for the selection of players to participate in the first MLB Summer Training Programme.

Leagues taking part in the tourney this weekend are: Freedom Farm Baseball League – 5 Divisions Coach Pitch Ages 7-8 / BBF Minor Ages 9-10 / BBF Major Ages 11-12 / BBF Junior Division Ages 13 thru 15 / BBF High School Division Ages 16 thru 18.

Eleuthera Junior Baseball League of Rock Sound – 1 Division BBF Junior Division Ages 13 thru 15.

Grand Bahama Little League – 4 Divisions Coach Pitch Ages 7-8 / BBF Minor Ages 9-10 / BBF Major Ages 11-12 / BBF Junior Division Ages 13 thru 15.

Grand Bahama Amateur Baseball Association – 2 Divisions BBF Junior Division Ages 13 thru 15 / BBF High School Division Ages 16 thru 18.

Legacy Baseball League – 4 Divisions Coach Pitch Ages 7-8 / BBF Minor Ages 9-10 / BBF Major Ages 1112 / Junior Division Ages 13 thru 15.

Junior Baseball League of Nassau – 5 Divisions Coach Pitch Ages 7-8 / BBF Minor Ages 9-10 / BBF Major Ages 11-12 /BBF Junior Division Ages 13 thru 15 / BBF High School Division Ages 16 thru 18.

North Abaco Baseball League – 3 Divisions BBF Minor Ages 9-10 / BBF Major Ages 11-12 / BBF Junior Division Ages 13 thru 15.

The sponsors for the nationals are: Grand Bahama Port Authority – Title Sponsor; Insurance Management – BBF Coach Pitch – (Ages 7/8); Gatorade – BBF Major Division – (Ages 11/12); FOCOL – BBF Junior Division – (Ages 13 thru 15); Summit Insurance – BBF High School Division – (Ages 16 thru 18); D’Albenas Agency and Pelican Bay Hotel.

EURO 2016

some top-notch competition from around the world, Vanderpool-Wallace had a relatively active year, competing in five meets on a pro-swimming circuit where she has done extremely well.

“I have posted pretty good times heading into Rio, so I’m pleased with my performances,” she noted. “In the 50 free my best has been a 24.8 which is about 5 tenths off of my best and generally where I am in season.

“As for the 100m freestyle, my best so far has been a 54.1 which is also about 5 tenths off my best and is a great time for me so far for this season.”

The most decorated swimmer in the country has posted lifetime best times of 24.34 in the 50m free and 53.73 in the 100m.

No doubt, with the competition she expects here this week at the Nationals and next week at the Caribbean Islands Swim Championships, Vanderpool-Wallace feels she can swim even faster.

“At this point in my season,

VANDERPOOL-WALLACE because I am fortunate enough to have already qualified for Rio, my coaches and I are using this extra time to work the small details that won’t affect my overall training,” she said.

“We wanted to make sure I am technically good in the water as well as doing all the strength exercises out of the water. In preparation for coming to the Bahamas for Nationals and CISC we

are working on having my swims in the Bahamas be fun and enjoyable before the real stress races come in about a month in Rio.” The perennial national champion said she’s eager not only to come home and defend her titles in the nationals, but also to show to the country that she’s prepared for the challenge that will be provided by the visiting swimmers.

But she’s also making the trip home a personal one.

“I am really excited to come home and compete, swimming at home allows me to really enjoy the experience and compete while also spending time with family and friends that I don’t have the chance to see very often,” she said.

Once the nationals are done this weekend, Vanderpool-Wallace said she will turn her focus on the CISC. “CISC is really going to be the

SEE PAGE 18

NEW YORK, New York — Years of hard work, execution and performing at the top of his craft have led to this moment as Buddy Hield is just hours away from the lifechanging experience of being selected in HIELD the NBA Draft.

Hield’s whirlwind Draft Week tour made stops yesterday at media availability, an NBA Cares event and also several appearances for his endorsed products.

“I’m just anxious and I cant wait.

I’m not nervous yet but I’ll probably be nervous Thursday morning. I probably won’t sleep [Wednesday] night but this process it’s fun,” Hield said. “Growing up in the Bahamas, a Bahamian kid going from home to out here living this different dream, is just amazing. All these cameras, the lifestyle out here, I’m just blessed and I can’t wait until

SEE PAGE 18

‘THE MOST IMPORTANT DRAFT IN BAHAMIAN HISTORY

By RENALDO DORSETT Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net FOR most of you, this is really your first NBA Draft.

You may have been anecdotally aware of the draft as a casual NBA fan because it’s the main reason your team adds to its roster. The practice of hope trafficking gives you something to look forward to next year. This year is different for you. This year you got swept up into the euphoria of college basketball. This year you know the origin story behind these players. This year Buddy made you take notice.

Tonight in the Brooklyn Centre you’ll see the best college basketball players in America (and several international prospects) graduate from the amateur to the professional ranks with all the pomp and pageantry the NBA and ESPN has to offer.

We’re here for the wardrobe choices, to prognosticate on how we’re certain every pick is going to be a superstar or a bust, for the manic trade rush and most importantly to start the conversation on next year’s team.

For us this just became the most important draft in Bahamian history.

Buddy’s stature has outgrown that of

SEE PAGE 18

Swimming Nationals will have some international flavour

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas Swimming Federation’s 2016 Royal Bank of Canada National Swimming Championships has added some international flavour.

According to federation president Algernon Cargill, when the four-day championships get underway 9am today at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex, a number of international swimmers will make up the 500-plus competitors participating.

“When you look at the psych sheets, the top Bahamian males are not even ranked in the top 10, in terms of the competitors competing

SEE PAGE 18

PAGE 18, Thursday, June 23, 2016

‘THE MOST IMPORTANT DRAFT IN BAHAMIAN HISTORY FROM PAGE 17 a mere basketball player.

He’s a certified sports icon. A Bahamian folk hero.

So here’s where we are in our story, today our country of nomadic sports fans will learn of our new destination together.

Hield, a 6ft 4in, 207-pound shooting guard, is projected to have a likely destination of lottery teams looking for shooting and backcourt help – the Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, Denver Nuggets or Sacramento Kings.

In his star-studded senior season at Oklahoma he averaged 25 points per game, shot 50 per cent from the field and 45 per cent from three-point range. He also made four three-point field goals per game and shot 88 per cent from the free throw line.

He also grabbed six rebounds per game, dished two assists, finished with a true shooting percentage of 66 and one just about every noteworthy postseason award there is.

Buddy is one of the “it guys” chosen by the NBA and ESPN, which means he’ll be in the green room and plastered across your TV screens in ads and network shorts.

His name won’t just be called, we’ll get to see him walk across the stage, put on the hat bearing the logo of his new franchise and hear the Bahamas mentioned dozens of times with the world watching.

– Hield is our reason for watching, but there are a few others in the green room worth your attention, if only for a passing moment stories on Buddy.

Ben Simmons - 6’10” 240 lbs, SF/PF, LSU, Freshman He’s been the consensus No.1 overall pick ever since he phased out the Australian accent (No one would trust taking a true Aussie with the top pick after Andrew Bogut).

When your NBA comparison is LeBron James, you’re as close to a “can’t miss pros-

pect” as you can get. Simmons is so LeBron James that his biggest question marks are his shooting and work ethic… along with the other ridiculous immeasurable variables we use when we don’t like a guy’s face – “work ethic, will to win, killer instinct.” If he didn’t pay attention to the sham of a freshman year at LSU, it’s because he didn’t need to. If as a freshman he can average 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists and two steals per game…I think he’ll be fine.

BUDDY JUST HOURS AWAY FROM BEING SELECTED IN NBA DRAFT FROM PAGE 17

Brandon Ingram – 6’9” 195 lbs, SF, Duke, Freshman It seems criminal for me to mention a Duke player in a positive light, but I think Ingram’s a lock to be an All-Star in the very near future. It took him a while to get adjusted to the NCAA game at Duke so we’ll have to grade him on a learning curve in the NBA but he’s earned the Kevin Durant comparisons. He averaged 17.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, but most importantly, shot 41 per cent from three.

BRANDON INGRAM

Kris Dunn - 6’4” 220 lbs, PG, Providence, Junior Dunn is the only pure point guard prospect in the lottery (not a myth, they still exist). A former Big East Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, Dunn finished second in the NCAA in assists.

Jamal Murray - 6’4” 205 lbs, SG, Kentucky, Freshman This guy here is the greatest threat to Buddy’s draft stock.

As the other highly touted shooting guard in the lottery, any team looking at Buddy is also looking just as closely at Murray as an option. As a combo guard, Murray is projected to be able to play the point, which in all likelihood is the only advantage he has over Buddy. Another advantage is youth. At 19, he could be projected to have a higher ceiling. For all the fanfare Buddy received by making an amazing 85 of 100 three pointers in his pre-draft workouts with the Celtics, Murray made 79.

THE TRIBUNE

KRIS DUNN When the Dolphins drafted Ted Ginn Jr in 2007, Cam Cameron made the statement that the organisation had just drafted the entire Ginn family. Well we’re about to take that premise up a notch.

When Adam Silver announces Buddy’s selection on

JAMAL MURRAY Draft night, that’s the level of commitment that particular franchise is getting. You’re not just getting Buddy, you’re getting a family of about 400,000 Bahamians.

We’re his family and this decision couldn’t be more important to us.

the night is finally here.”

Hield, a 6ft 4in, 207-pound shooting guard, is projected to have a likely destination of lottery teams looking for shooting and backcourt help – the Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, Denver Nuggets or Sacramento Kings.

“I cant tell you how happy I am to be here and how happy I am to have my family here. can’t wait to find out which team I’m going to and for everybody back in the Bahamas, everyone in the 242 can represent me,” Hield said.

“I appreciate you guys being with me through this whole process. It’s going to be fun. I don’t know what team I’m going to but I know whatever team I go I know you guys will give me all of your support and as always it’s 242 to the world.”

Hield and other top NBA Draft prospects joined NYC Youth for a Junior NBA Clinic and NBA Cares Hospital Packing Project at Basketball City. Approximately 130 from Basketball City, Dual Language Middle School and University Neighbourhood Middle School to participated in the camp facilitated

by Hield and others, including Ben Simmons, Brandon Ingram, Dejounte Murray, Denzel Valentine, Deyonta Davis, Domantas Sabonis, Dragan Bender, Henry Ellenson, Jakob Pöltl, Jamal Murray, Jaylen Brown, Kris Dunn, Malik Beasley, Malachi Richardson, Marquese Chriss, Skal Labissiere, Taurean Prince, Timothe Luwawu and Wade Baldwin.

NBA veteran Ron Harper, NBA Cares Ambassador Jason Collins and NBA Hall of Fame Bob Lanier, were also on hand at the event.

The packing project was aimed to benefit local hospitals throughout New York and New Jersey areas.

On Wednesday, Hield and Denzel Valentine were among four projected top NBA Draft picks who watched batting practice from near the Yankees dugout. For Hield, who grew up in the Bahamas and then starred at Oklahoma, it was his first major league game he’d seen in person. He looked eager to take a few cuts, but playfully admitted: “I have a bad swing.”

Domantas Sabonis of Gonzaga and Marquese Chriss of Washington also were in attendance ahead of tonight’s draft.

• The 2016 NBA Draft presented by State Farm will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. Live coverage begins at 7pm ET on ESPN and the NBA on ESPN Radio.

Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace looks to make another splash at Nationals FROM PAGE 17 same process as nationals in that I want to just have fun and enjoy the experience,” she said. “I haven’t had a chance to represent my country in my own country since 2004 I believe so it will be a great part of my journey into the games.

“I am really looking forward to CISC and I hope the Bahamian

people come out and support the strong team the federation has put together. It should be a great event and lots of Olympians and Olympic hopefuls will be competing as this meet is the last event in the region to present qualifying times.”

As for the Olympics, Vanderpool-Wallace said her season is geared towards her having a banner performance in Rio where she hopes to become the first Bahamian to win a medal at the four-

yearly games.

“I just want to do my best in Rio and that is all I can pray for,” she said. “I have put in the hard work and obviously I would love to stand on the podium and possibly hear the Bahamas national anthem play, but I think that along with the support of Bahamians and my family I will preform to the best of my abilities whatever that brings. “ Although she has qualified so far in both the 50 and 100m free,

Vanderpool-Wallace said if the opportunity presents itself where she also qualifies in the 100 butterfly, she will welcome it, but she’s content with what’s on her agenda so far.

In addition to her two appearances in the Olympics, Vanderpool-Wallace also represented the country at the World Championships, the Commonwealth Games, the Pan American Games and the Central American and Caribbean Games.

At the 2012 Olympics in London, England, she was the first Bahamian to make the final in a swim event, while at the 2011 FINA World Championships in Shanghai, China, she was seventh overall in the 50m free.

And at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Vanderpool-Wallace won a silver medal in the 50m fly, was fourth in the 50m free and came in fifth in the 100m free in producing one of the best individual performances ever.

National Swimming Championships will have some international flavour FROM PAGE 17 this weekend,” he said. “This is going to be a really big meet here this weekend.

“Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace is ranked first in her events on the girls’ side, but the other swimmers right behind her are not too far in terms of times, so she will have to swim very fast to win. We know that she will win, but she will have some competition, which is good for her because this will be the type of competition she will face when she goes to Rio.” Vanderpool-Wallace, who has already qualified for her second Olympic Games in two events and could possibly make it in another, will be joined by Vereance ‘Elvis’ Burrows, Dustin Tynes and Joanna Evans. The quartets are the hopefuls for Team Bahamas in Rio. As the nationals is a FINA qualifier for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in August, Cargill said a majority of the international swimmers are here to qualify for their respective countries.

“We have organised FINA meets in the past, so for that reason, we are known to have quality meets here in the Bahamas,” Cargill said. “So we are looking forward to having a very high quality meet here.”

Swimmers are here from India, Denmark, Algeria, Canada, the United States, Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala are among the list of participants.

“This is the going to be the largest swim meet ever held in the Bahamas, in terms of the age range and the quality of swimmers,” Cargill said.

“Next week, we will have the

THE BETTY KELLY KENNING swim complex has been upgraded for the Swim Nationals and CISC event.

Caribbean Island Swimming Championships, which will have an ever larger number of international competitors competing. So we have a very busy time ahead of us right now.”

In preparation for the nationals, Cargill said the National Sports Authority has done a tremendous job in getting the stadium ready

for the two meets. “The NSA has done a tremendous job for the meets,” Cargill stated. “I’m very impressed with the work that they have done and the improvements that have been made.

“Obviously, there’s more work to be done, but they have brought the stadium back to 2000 where it was when the stadium was turned

over to the Bahamas Government by the contractors.”

The meet will begin 9am today with the preliminaries and the heats to follow at 6pm. On Friday, the afternoon session will begin at 5:30pm. All the other sessions on Saturday and Sunday will remain the same at 9am and 6pm respectively. The nationals is expected

to be carried live on Cable 12 and streamed live on the internet.

Following the nationals, the federation will move into the CISC, which will run from Wednesday to Saturday with more than 30 countries from the region scheduled to participate. The event will serve as the final qualifier for the Olympics in Rio.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, June 23, 2016, PAGE 19

McIlroy opts out of Rio over Zika concerns ONE OF the world’s top golfers, Rory McIlroy, became one of the most highprofile sports stars to opt out of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics this summer because of concerns about the Zika virus, saying yesterday it is “a risk I am unwilling to take”.

In a statement released by his management company the four-time major winner said: “After speaking with those closest to me, I’ve come to realise that my health and my family’s health comes before anything else.”

The 27-year-old McIlroy said this month that he and his fiancee, Erica Stoll, may consider starting a family “in the next couple of years”. Zika is a mosquito-borne virus which has been linked to severe birth defects and possible neurological problems in adults.

“Even though the risk of infection from the Zika virus is considered low,” McIlroy said, “it is a risk nonetheless and a risk I am unwilling to take.” Fourth in the world rankings, McIlroy was scheduled to play for Ireland as golf makes its return to the Olympics for the first time since 1904.

The Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) said it was “extremely disappointed” not to have McIlroy in its team. “However, as we have always said, it is down to the individual and of course we respect his decision, which he has taken for personal reasons,” the OCI said in a statement.

GOLFER Rory McIlroy has pulled out of the Olympics in Rio this summer citing the Zika virus threat as “a risk I am unwilling to take”. The Olympic Council of Ireland said it is “extremely disappointed” with his decision. (AP) Next in line for the Irish would be Graeme McDowell, of Northern Ireland, whose wife is expecting their second child about two weeks after the Olympics. If he chooses not to play, the spot would fall to Padraig Harrington.

Marc Leishman, of Australia, and Charl Schwartzel, of South Africa, are golfers to have already pulled out of the Olympic tournament specifically because of Zika. Leishman cited concerns over the health of his family - his wife, Audrey, nearly died last year from toxic shock syndrome - while Schwartzel has said he and his wife intend to have more children and the risk of getting

the virus is too great.

American cyclist Tejay van Garderen is another sportsman to cite Zika as the reason behind not going to Rio. Basketball star Stephen Curry has dropped out of the Games, not specifically citing Zika but noting that “other factors” played a role in the decision.

Bahamas-based Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen and Vijay Singh are other golfers to have also said they will not compete at Rio, mostly due to scheduling commitments.

McIlroy might not be the last of golfers to pull out. Jason Day, the No.1 player in the world, earlier this month began to raise

doubts that he would go to Rio because of Zika. He has two children and he said his wife wants more.

“I don’t think it’s an Olympic issue. I don’t think it’s a Rio issue,” Day said at the Memorial tournament.

“I just think it’s a medical issue attached to what happens if I go there, get it and bring it back. They don’t know. The recommendation from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) is ‘x’. You don’t know how long it’s going to last in your body. So I’m a little wary about it. I’ve just got to make a smart, educated decision whether to go or not.”

Last month, 150 health

experts issued an open letter to the United Nations health agency calling for the Games to be delayed or relocated “in the name of public health”. The World Health Organisation responded that such steps would “not significantly alter the international spread of Zika virus”.

The OCI said it has been taking its lead on the Zika situation from the International Olympic Committee. “They have provided us with every assurance and we have total confidence that the Games will be safe for all athletes,” the Dublin-based organisation said.

McIlroy had been eligible to compete for either

Britain or Ireland at the Olympics. The four-time major champion eventually chose Ireland, which he had represented throughout his amateur career and twice in the World Cup. “I trust the Irish people will understand my decision,” McIlroy said. “The unwavering support I receive every time I compete in a golf tournament at home or abroad means the world to me. I will continue to endeavour to make my fans and fans of golf proud with my play on the course and my actions off it.”

The International Golf Federation (IGF) said it was “disappointed” with McIlroy’s decision but “recognises that some players will have to weigh personally a unique set of circumstances as they contemplate their participation in golf’s historic return to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, with the Zika virus foremost among them.”

It added that “the Olympics is the world’s greatest celebration of sport and we remain excited about golf’s return after a 112-year absence.” The IGF, founded in 1958, is recognised by the IOC as the official world body for golf.

The Tribune is following Team Bahamas in the build up to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and will be reporting from Brazil this summer. The ‘242 on the Road to Rio series’ appears every Monday and Thursday.

Comments and responses to bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

Paul De Souza sets his sights on 2020 Japan Olympics

By ALEXANDER HAWKINS TOP young Bahamian sailor Paul De Souza is setting his sights on the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan after winning his fifth consecutive Junior Laser Nationals win earlier this month.

De Souza, 17, told The Tribune that he aspires to represent his country in Tokyo as the Bahamas have not won an Olympic medal in sailing “in a while” and he has set himself the challenge of ending this drought.

He expects the likes of Cochise Burrows and Spencer Cartwright to challenge for Olympic qualification along with him, but De Souza said that he would compete as a “one man team” if necessary.

Tokyo holds a special place in the hearts of Bahamians as the country’s first Olympic gold medal was won there in 1964 by Sir Durward Knowles and Cecil Cooke in the Star class. The Bahamas have

twice won medals in sailing at the Games, with Sir Durward and Sloan Farrington taking bronze in 1956 in Melbourne, Australia.

The last Bahamian sailors to compete at the Olympics were Steven Kelly and William Holowesko in 1992 in Barcelona, Spain.

De Souza has experience of international competitions. He had a “tough regatta” in the Youth World Championships in Malaysia in 2015, finishing 42nd in a fleet of 63 competitors having in the same competition in Canada the previous year finished an impressive 14th against over 100 other competitors. De Souza’s other sailing achievements include being the flag carrier for the Bahamas at the 2014 Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China, as well as being the reigning Laser Junior and Senior Champion of the Bahamas.

A student at St Andrews International School, De Souza told The Tribune that despite his sail-

BAHAMIAN sailor Paul De Souza is setting his sights on the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan. ing aspirations he “tends to put school work first”. He has missed two Bahamian sailing compe-

titions this year due to clashes first with his SATs and then his BGCSE exams. Although unde-

cided, it is likely that he will attempt to continue his education in Business studies at a college with a strong sailing programme in the United States such as Charleston.

He praised the Bahamas Sailing Association for its “good youth programme”, which provides opportunities for government and private school students. He said that sailing had allowed him to become friends with individuals who he would never have met otherwise. However, De Souza accepts that sailing is a “very expensive sport” and has called for an increase in sponsorship for young sailors who cannot afford to go to international regattas.

He said that the support from his family was critical to his sailing success so far. “Specific coaching pointers” from his father as well as his whole family accompanying him to international competitions have given him the confidence to set his sights on Tokyo 2020.

PAGE 20, Thursday, June 23, 2016

Ronaldo, Ireland and Iceland survive Euro 2016 dramas PARIS (AP) - Cristiano Ronaldo dragged Portugal back from the brink of elimination twice, Ireland found a late goal to stun Italy and stay in the European Championship, and Iceland’s winning goal in stoppage-time against Austria wrote another chapter of the tournament’s feel-good story and set up a round of 16 clash with England.

Belgium, regarded as potential champions, confirmed their place in the supposedly easier half of the draw by beating Sweden 1-0, a result which signalled Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s retirement from the Swedish national team.

Sweden and Austria are heading home, as are Turkey and Albania, who had hung around in France hoping that results would fall their way and lead to a place in the last 16 among the best third-placed teams. Those hopes were dashed yesterday as Portugal and Ireland earned the final two slots on a day of wildly swinging fortunes and emotions.

Ronaldo showed an array of anguished expressions and gestures as Portugal, needing at least a draw to advance, trailed three times in Lyon to a Hungary side that already was sure to advance but sought to top Group F. Bursting out of a two-game slump in form, Ronaldo created an equaliser for Nani and then scored two himself in the second half - the first with an audacious back heel - as a thrilling game ended 3-3 in Lyon. “This was an insane match. Three times we were going home,” said Ronaldo, who set an all-time European Championship record of scoring in four different editions. He has now scored 60 goals for Portugal.

With one more goal when Portugal play Croatia on Saturday in Lens, Ronaldo will equal Michel Platini’s career scoring record of nine goals at European finals tournaments.

Portugal ended up with three points in Group F from three draws, advancing as one of the top four third-place teams. Hungary won the group with five points and will play Belgium on Sunday.

What started with a belittling of Iceland following their draw got worse after Ronaldo missed a penalty in the stalemate with Austria. The Real Madrid star lost his composure hours before yesterday’s match when he responded to a TV reporter’s question by grabbing his microphone and tossing it into a

PORTUGAL’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with teammate Nani, left, after scoring his side’s second goal yesterday during the Euro 2016 Group F match against Hungary at the Grand Stade in Decines-­Charpieu, near Lyon, France. (AP) nearby lake.

Zoltan Gera had given Hungary 1-0 lead and Balazs Dzsudzsak’s two goals again put Hungary back in front as the goals flowed. The draw looked to be pointing Ronaldo towards another knockout encounter with old rivals England until Iceland’s Arnor Ingvi Traustason scored in the last of four added minutes against Austria in Paris.

The smallest nation ever to compete at the tournament won 2-1 to advance from Group F and the reward of a match against their heroes from England in Nice on Monday. “Icelanders know everything about English football,” Iceland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said. “We are English football crazy.”

Traustason clinched a dramatic win for Iceland, finishing off a counter-attack as the Austrians piled forward in search of the goal that would have earned them a place in the round of 16 at the expense of their opponents. Iceland spent much of the game on the defensive after striker Jon Dadi Bodvarsson gave them the lead in the 18th minute, pouncing on a flick-on from Arnason at a throw-in and wrong-footing goalkeeper Robert Almer with an angled shot.

Austria defender Aleksandar Dragovic struck the post with a penalty before half time and Iceland repelled a succession of attacks before Alessandro Schoepf equalised on the hour.

If Iceland and their happy fans have become many neutrals’ favourite team at Euro 2016, they have taken on a role Ireland have had at previous major tournaments.

The Irish delighted their passionate throng of green-clad fans in Lille when Robbie Brady headed an 85th-minute goal to win 1-0 against a much-changed

Italy, who had already topped Group E. Until that moment, Ireland were going home and Turkey were set to get one of the third-place slots.

“It was very special. I am thrilled, it was a great win,” Ireland coach Martin O’Neill said.

“We deserved to win. We played some phenomenal stuff. There wasn’t a player in the Irish shirt that didn’t play heroically.”

Ireland’s reward is a match against hosts France in Lyon on Sunday that will revive memories of the last time the two sides met in November 2009, in a two-legged playoff for the 2010 World Cup. The aggregate score was 1-1 when the return match went into extra time at Stade de France. In a notorious incident, France striker Thierry Henry used his left arm and hand to control the ball and then pass to William Gallas who scored the decisive goal.

Brady’s goal was just reward for an inspired team performance and his goal capped a period of intense Irish pressure that also saw Wes Hoolahan miss a golden chance to put Ireland ahead.

Belgium also left it late to confirm their passage as Group E runners-up, Radja Nainggalon’s powerful shot in the 84th minute from outside the penalty area sealing a 1-0 win. “It was a very difficult game for people who have heart problems,” Belgium coach Marc Wilmots said.

“Some people thought we were dead after the first game, but we’re here. We’re back on track.”

It was the 116th and last international game for Ibrahimovic.

The last round of group games left two-time defending champions Spain, World Cup holders Germany, France, Italy and England all in the same half of the draw.

Messi ready to end title wait in Copa America LIONEL Messi is one match away from filling the gap in his glittering footballing resume.

He has helped Barcelona win eight titles in Spain’s La Liga and four in the Champions League, but his Argentina trophies have been limited to the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship for players under 20 and the gold medal in the 2008 Olympics, mostly for players under 23. Argentina lost to Germany in the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil and to hosts Chile on penalty kicks in last year’s Copa America final.

On Sunday, he has the chance to put that right and on the evidence of his semi-final performance in the Copa America on Tuesday night, he is in the mood.

Messi pretty much ended the United States’ hopes of reaching the final in less than three minutes in Houston. Argentina’s diminutive dribbling and scoring machine showed the skills, speed and brilliance that have made him a five-time world player of the year, exposing the huge gap between the US and football’s elite.

Messi set up Ezequiel Lavezzi’s opening goal after 175 seconds, scored a free kick to break Argentina’s scoring record and assisted with the second of Gonzalo Higuain’s two goals in a 4-0 rout that put ‘La Albiceleste’ into the Copa America final. They play either Chile or Colombia, whose match was delayed by lightning last night in East Rutherford, New Jersey, hoping to claim their first major title since the 1993 Copa America.

ARGENTINA’s Gonzalo Higuain (9) celebrates his goal against the United States with Lionel Messi, left, and Ezequiel Lavezzi, centre, during a Copa America Centenario soccer semi-final on Tuesday in Houston. Argentina won 4-0. (AP) Chile were leading 2-0 at halftime through early goals from Aranguiz and Fuenzalida before the weather stoppage.

“We deserve it, for all the good work we’ve been doing all these years,” Messi said. Argentina will be missing Lavezzi, who broke his left elbow when he fell backwards over an advertising sign board in the 63rd minute while trying to chest a pass. “I think that since losing the final in Brazil, these players set out to have a new possibility,” Argentina coach Gerardo Martino said.

Messi flicked the ball over the defence to an open Lavezzi for the opener, then doubled the lead in the 32nd minute with his 55th international goal, his fifth of the tournament. Higuain added goals in the 50th and 86th minutes, the latter from Messi’s pass.

“We got outplayed badly by a very good team,” US Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati said. “Today is a good day to judge where we are in the programme overall. We’re obviously a long way off.” Argentina had 67 per cent possession and outshot the US 10-0 - nine of them on goal.

“Once we were 1-0 down, we had far too much respect,” US coach Jurgen Klinsmann said.

“After that early goal, I think just that our players could feel that they are just probably in every position on the field just better than we are.”

“It’s some of his angles and his spurts and just going from a walk to an absolute sprint,” US midfielder Kyle Beckerman said of Messi. “You try to do what you can to stop him, but once he gets going, it’s hard.”

THE TRIBUNE

EURO 2016 AT A GLANCE

Kick offs Bahamian time All matches televised live on ESPN, ESPN 2 and ESPN Deportes Friday, June 10 Group A: France 2 (Giroud, Payet) Romania 1 (Stancu) Saturday, June 11 Group A: Albania 0 Switzerland 1 (Schaer) Group B: Wales 2 (Bale, Robson-Kanu) Slovakia 1 (Duda) Group B: England 1 (Dier) Russia 1 (Berezuktski) Sunday, June 12 Group D: Turkey 0 Croatia 1 (Modric) Group C: Poland 1 (Milik) Northern Ireland 0 Group C: Germany 2 (Mustafi, Schweinsteiger) Ukraine 0 Monday, June 13 Group D: Spain 1 (Pique) Czech Republic 0 Group E: Ireland 1 (Hoolahan) Sweden 1 (Clark og) Group E: Belgium 0 Italy 2 (Giaccherini, Pelle) Tuesday, June 14 Group F: Austria 0 Hungary 2 (Szalai, Stieber) Group F: Portugal 1 (Nani) Iceland 1 (Bjarnason) Wednesday, June 15 Group B: Russia 1 (Glushakov) Slovakia 2 (Weiss, Hamsik) Group A: Romania 1 (Stancu) Switzerland 1 (Mehmedi) Group A: France 2 (Griezmann, Payet) Albania 0 Thursday, June 16 Group B: England 2 (Vardy, Sturridge) Wales 1 (Bale) Group C: Ukraine 0 Northern Ireland 1 (McAuley, McGinn) Group C: Germany 0 Poland 0 Friday, June 17 Group E: Italy 1 Sweden 0 (Eder) Group D: Czech Republic 2 (Skoda, Necid) Croatia 2 (Perisic, Rakitic) Group D: Spain 3 (Morata 2, Agudo Duran) Turkey 0 Saturday, June 18 Group E: Belgium 3 (Lukaku 2, Witsel) Ireland 0 Group F: Iceland 1 (Sigurdsson) Hungary (Saevarsson og) Group F: Portugal 0 Austria 0 Sunday, June 19 Group A: France 0 Switzerland 0 Group A: Romania 0 Albania 1 (Sadiku) Monday, June 20 Group A: Slovakia 0 England 0 Group A: Russia 0 Wales 3 (Ramsey, Taylor, Bale) Tuesday, June 21 Group C: Northern Ireland 0 Germany 1 (Gomez) Group C: Ukraine 0 Poland 1 (Blaszczykowski) Group D: Croatia 2 (Kalinic, Perisic) Spain 1 (Morata) Group D: Czech Republic 0 Turkey 2 (Yilmaz, Tufan) Wednesday, June 22 Group F: Hungary 3 (Gera, Dzsudzsak 2) Portugal 3 (Nani, Ronaldo 2) Group F: Iceland 2 (Bodvarsson, Traustason) Austria 1 (Schopf) Group E: Sweden 0 Belgium 1 (Nainggolan) Group E: Italy 0 Ireland 1 (Brady)

THE FINAL STANDINGS

GROUP A

P W D L F A Pts France

3 2 1 0 4 1 7 Switzerland 3 1 2 0 2 1 5 Albania 3 1 0 2 1 3 3 Romania 3 0 1 2 2 4 1 GROUP B

P W D L F A Pts Wales

3 2 0 1 6 3 6 England 3 1 2 0 3 2 5 Slovakia 3 1 1 1 3 3 4 Russia

3 0 1 2 2 6 1 GROUP C

P W D L F A Pts Germany 3 2 1 0 3 0 7 Poland 3 2 1 0 2 0 5 N Ireland 3 1 0 2 2 2 3 Ukraine 3 0 0 3 0 5 0 GROUP D

P W D L F A Pts Croatia 3 2 1 0 5 3 7 Spain

3 2 0 1 5 2 6 Turkey 3 1 0 2 2 4 3 Czech Rep 3 0 1 2 2 5 1 GROUP E

P W D L F A Pts Italy

3 2 0 1 3 1 6 Belgium 3 2 0 1 4 2 6 Ireland 3 1 1 1 2 4 4 Sweden 3 0 1 2 1 3 1 GROUP F

P W D L F A Pts Hungary 3 1 2 0 6 4 5 Iceland 3 1 2 0 4 3 5 Portugal 3 0 3 0 4 4 3 Austria 3 0 1 2 1 4 1 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw Top two teams in each group plus the four third-place teams with the best records qualify for the knockout stages Leading goalscorers 3: Bale (Wales), Morata (Spain).

2: Stancu (Romania), Payet (France), Lukaku (Belgium), Perisic (Croatia), Nani (Portugal), Dzsudzsak (Hungary), Ronaldo (Portugal).

1: Giroud (France), Schaer (Switzerland), Robson-Kanu (Wales), Duda (Slovakia), Dier (England), Berezutski (Russia), Modric (Croatia), Milik (Poland), Mustafi (Germany), Schweinsteiger (Germany), Pique (Spain), Hoolahan (Ireland), Giaccherini (Italy), Pelle (Italy), Szalai (Hungary), Stieber (Hungary), Bjarnason (Iceland), Weiss (Slovakia), Hamsik (Slovakia), Glushakov (Russia), Mehmedi (Switzerland), Griezmann (France), Vardy (England), Sturridge (England), McAuley (Northern Ireland), McGinn (Northern Ireland), Eder (Italy), Rakitic (Croatia), Skoda (Czech Republic), Necid (Czech Republic), Agudo Duran (Spain), Witsel (Belgium), Sigurdsson (Iceland), Sadiku (Albania), Ramsey (Wales), Taylor (Wales), Gomez (Germany), Blaszczykowski (Poland), Kalinic (Croatia), Yilmaz (Turkey), Tufan (Turkey), Bodvarsson (Iceland), Gera (Hungary), Schopf (Austria), Traustason (Iceland), Brady (Ireland), Nainggolan (Belgium).

ROUND OF LAST 16 Saturday, June 25 Switzerland v Poland (9am) Wales v Northern Ireland (noon) Croatia v Portugal (3pm) Sunday, June 26 France v Ireland (9am) Germany v Slovakia (noon) Hungary v Belgium (3pm) Monday, June 27 Italy v Spain (noon) England v Iceland (3pm) QUARTER-FINALS Thursday, June 30 1 Switzerland or Poland v Croatia or Portugal (3pm) Friday, July 1 2 Wales or Northern Ireland v Hungary or Belgium (3pm) Saturday, July 2 3 Germany or Slovakia v Italy or Spain (3pm) Sunday, July 3 4 France or Ireland v England or Iceland (3pm) SEMI-FINALS Wednesday, July 6 Winner 1 v Winner 2 (3pm) Thursday, July 7 Winner 3 v Winner 4 (3pm) FINAL Sunday, July 10 At Saint-Denis, Paris (3pm)