Are we about to have a speed drain?
We used to love it when Jamaica-born sprinters won major international championships for their adopted home countries. Even though they retired long ago, Ben Johnson, Linford Christie and Donovan Bailey are still heroes here, and that despite Johnson’s tainted past. Today, we take delight whenever Kingston native Sanya Richards-Ross wins big for the USA.Johnson, Christie and Bailey crossed the line first in consecutive Olympic 100 metres finals that were run before this current golden age of Jamaican sprinting. They were taken as a sign of our greatness. To be frank, I felt awkward celebrating those performances because they displaced Raymond Stewart and Michael Green. The former, lest we forget, was in the 1988 and 1992 finals where Johnson and Christie arrived first at the finish, and the latter was in Bailey’s magnificent world-record race at the 1996 Olympics.Recent news of the pending athletic migration of three Jamaicans to Bahrain revives those memories and writes a new script for the future. True to our ‘chicken merry, hawk deh near’ heritage, there’s a worry that Jamaican Bahranians will rise on our backs to the top of world sprinting.annoying possibilitiesSince Bailey’s wonderful win for Canada in 1996, Jamaica has truly taken over world sprinting. For those who curse the migrating trio as much as Jamaica did with cricketers who went on a rebel tour of South Africa decades ago, the possibilities are annoying.The worry foresees a speed drain similar to the brain drain occasioned by migration to the United Kingdom and the USA in the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. Funnily enough, athletes have been moving to the Gulf States from distance kings Kenya and Ethiopia for more than a decade. It was only a matter of time before sprinters would go too.Ironically, it’s 10 years since Brandon Simpson, an Olympic and World Championships 400-metre finalist, moved from Jamaica to Bahrain. Since then, hurdler Oniel Wright ran for Liberia, Merlene Ottey made a big move to Slovenia, and Jamaica’s 2003 Pan-Am high jump champion Germaine Mason won an Olympic silver medal for Great Britain in 2008.Those moves, and the 1988 departure by world-class 400-metre hurdler Sandra Farmer to the USA, have happened for different reasons. There is one common denominator. All went seeking opportunities not available here, just like those who left in the brain drain.In recent years, there has been much athletic migration from the USA to Nigeria and from diverse places to Great Britain. Jamaica has got in on the act with the recent arrival of national cham-pions Ahkeem Gauntlett and Aisha Praught. Athletes, like the rest of us, just keep on moving.Curiously, I haven’t ever heard of a Bahamian athlete making tracks to Bahrain. That might be because of the vibrant athlete support programme operated by our Caribbean colleagues. Given our economics, that might be a hard act to follow. It may well be the only way to go.n Hubert Lawrence has made notes at trackside since 1980.
Of Nigerian and Russian ancestry, Adams was a junior prodigy in the triple jump but took time to blossom in senior athletics before winning World Indoor Championship gold last year at the age of 26. ALEXANDER MENKOV ANNA CHICHEROVA Russia dominates the women’s high jump, with their athletes winning gold at the last three World Championships. Even though she was forced to settle for World Championship bronze in Beijing in August as her teammate, Maria Kuchin, won the title, Chicherova remains Russia’s best-known high jumper. The winner of Olympic gold in 2012 and, the World Championship title the year before, Chicherova’s personal-best jump of 2.07 metres places her joint-third on the all-time list. YELENA ISINBAYEVA SERGEI SHUBENKOV While Russia traditionally is strongest in the field events and endurance races, Shubenkov bucks the trend with his explosive performances in the 110-metre hurdles. At the World Championships in Beijing in August, the 25-year-old Shubenkov brought home his country’s only gold medal in a men’s event. The face of Russian track and field, Isinbayeva is the world record holder in the pole vault. In full training again after a lengthy break to have her daughter, Eva, Isinbayeva is now in danger of missing what would be her fifth Olympics and a chance at a third gold medal. Her coach, Evgeny Trofimov, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that she is in the form of her life and could break her own world record next year. Ahead of the IAAF vote to suspend Russia, she issued a plea to be allowed to compete, saying the Russian team was in a “very sad” state, but that it was not fair to punish athletes who had not been individually found guilty of doping. LYUKMAN ADAMS MOSCOW (AP): Russia was suspended on Friday by track and field’s world governing body, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), four days after a World Anti-Doping Agency report alleged a vast, state-sponsored operation of performance-enhancing drug use. If that suspension is not lifted or overturned at a full disciplinary hearing, Russian athletes face being unable to compete at the Olympics in August and the World Indoor Championships in Portland in March. Here is a look at five leading Russian athletes who would be notably absent. Menkov’s finest hour came in front of his home crowd at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow, when he blew away the competition in the long jump final with three huge efforts that were each further than any of his rivals could match. Now 24, Menkov is still chasing a first major championship medal since that day in Moscow. If he can find that form, he is sure to be a medal contender – his winning jump of 8.56 in 2013 would have been enough for gold at the last two Olympics.
Jourdaine Fletcher (Cornwall) – 7 Alphanso Gooden (Wolmer’s) – 5 Creggton Charlton (Clarendon) – 5 Demar James (STETHS) – 3
With the start of the new school term, preparations are underway for the 37th annual Institute of Sports (INSPORTS) Primary School Athletics Championship to be held from May 10-13 at the National Stadium. Over 90 primary schools across the island, with the exception of the parishes St Ann, Trelawny, and Westmoreland, are expected to participate. While last year’s championship had close to 4,500 children competing, the state agency expects a six to ten per cent increase in this year’s young athletes. The INSPORTS Primary Championships will be staged across four classes for boys and girls. Portmore-based Naggo Head Primary, which is coached by Floyd Coke, are the reigning champions, having won for four consecutive years. Naggo Head, the second most successful team in the history of the competition, behind 10-time champions Waterford, is expected to face stiff competition from last year’s runners-up, Southborough Primary, whose Brianna Lyston was Top Girl in last year’s competition. Third-place finishers Rousseau Primary will also seek to win the title in the competition. Black River Primary had the Top Boy last year – Bauwahijgie Nkummrie. EARLY PREPARATION Rudolph Barnes, assistant national sports coordinator, said the championship aligns with their objectives. “This competition is in keeping with our mandate to improve sports from the grassroots level. Many champions start here and are discovered through this competition,” he said. Barnes further stated that the INSPORTS-run competition prepares athletes for national competition from a young age. “Our participants are six to 12 years old and are competing at the National Stadium. We host this competition at a national venue so, in this way, our young participants are being primed for competing in increasingly advanced capacities.”
CLEVELAND (AP):LeBron James is done bowing to Sir Charles.After he was criticised by Charles Barkley for questioning Cleveland’s front office, James tore into the former NBA star and opinionated TV commentator on Monday night following a loss in Dallas. James not only countered what was said about him, but he also attacked Barkley’s character for some off-the-court missteps.”I’m not going to let him disrespect my legacy like that,” James told ESPN after the Cavs lost 104-97 to Dallas, dropping the defending champions to 7-8 in January. “I’m not the one who threw somebody through a window. I never spit on a kid. I never had unpaid debt in Las Vegas. I never said ‘I’m not a role model’. I never showed up to All-Star Weekend on Sunday because I was in Vegas all weekend partying.”All I’ve done for my entire career is represent the NBA the right way. Fourteen years, never got in trouble. Respected the game. Print that.”BARKLEY’S CRITICISMBarkley has never been one to hold back his opinion on James or any other player, but the 11-time All-Star was particularly critical of James last week after Cleveland’s star complained about Cleveland’s roster being “top-heavy” and questioning whether the team’s front office was satisfied with one title.Barkley said James was “whiny” and “inappropriate” and wondered about his motives. Barkley called James “the best player in the world”, but wondered if he really wanted to compete. James initially dismissed Barkley, saying he was only trying to boost TV ratings. Barkley works as an in-studio host for TNT.However, James decided he couldn’t let those comments go, and turned on Barkley, who never won an NBA title.”He’s a hater. What makes what he says credible? Because he’s on TV?” James said. “I know he wanted to retire a long time ago, but he can’t. He’s stuck up on that stage every week.”James also said if Barkley wants to continue any discussion, he knows where to find him.”If this makes him want to talk to me, the schedule’s out there,” James said. “He knows every road arena I’ll be in. Don’t just come up to me at All-Star and shake my hand and smile.”
As a result, Cruz and Amer were ejected with 5:41 left in the third quarter with Gilas protecting a 57-41 lead.Surprisingly, no Malaysian player was expelled after the incident.This fueled the Filipinos, who widened the gap to 73-46 going into the final period.Naturalized player Christian Standhardinger scored 18 points and got 18 rebounds for Gilas.Kobe Paras also had a solid outing for the second straight game to finish with 16 points off the bench.ADVERTISEMENT Search on for 5 Indonesians snatched anew in Lahad Datu Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Police seize P68-M worth of ‘shabu’ in Pasay Bishop Baylon encourages faithful in Albay to help Taal evacuees Marcosian mode: Duterte threatens to arrest water execs ‘one night’ LATEST STORIES Cignal guns for crown vs CEU five OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/POOLKUALA LUMPUR—Malaysia managed to ruffle Gilas Pilipinas’ feathers, but it paid a big price for doing so.Before a loud crowd cheering for the host squad, the Philippines blew Malaysia apart, 98-66, to score its third straight win Wednesday night and inch closer to the Southeast Asian Games men’s basketball gold medal.ADVERTISEMENT Hotdog’s Dennis Garcia dies MOST READ The Philippines needed some time to heat up, trailing Malaysia, 15-20, in the first quarter as it put up poor defense and could not hit its shots.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next The win, which came after victories over Thailand and Myanmar, assured the Philippines of a place in the semifinals.Filipino fans packed the MABA stadium cheering for the Gilas Cadets, which is practically guaranteed the gold medal here.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSEnd of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legendSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’Things got a little hot in the third quarter when Kuek Tian Yuan fouled Kevin Ferrer and locked up the arm of the former UST star.This drew the ire of the Gilas players with Baser Amer, Bryan Cruz and Troy Rosario engaging Malaysian players in a pushing contest. Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to give up royal titles National Historical team rescues Amorsolos, artifacts from Taal Trending Articles PLAY LIST 00:50Trending Articles02:11SEA GAMES 2019: PH’s Nesthy Petecio boxing featherweight final (HIGHLIGHTS)08:07Athletes treated to a spectacle as SEA Games 2019 officially ends06:27SEA Games 2019: No surprises as Gilas Pilipinas cruises to basketball gold05:02SEA Games 2019: Philippines clinches historic gold in women’s basketball05:21Drama in karate: Tsukii ‘very sad’ over coach’s bullying, cold shoulder03:24PH’s James Palicte boxing light welterweight final (HIGHLIGHTS) What’s in store for your animal sign this year View comments
End of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legend It’s too early to present Duterte’s ‘legacy’ – Lacson LATEST STORIES End of his agony? SC rules in favor of Espinosa, orders promoter heirs to pay boxing legend Winning start View comments For Aby Maraño, it was one tangible indication that Philippine volleyball is on the upswing.The feisty middle blocker helped steer a bunch of Philippine Superliga players to a bronze medal in the 2017 Annual Princess Maja Chakri Sirindhorn’s Cup in Sisaket, Thailand, over the weekend.ADVERTISEMENT Break new ground Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Learning about the ‘Ring of Fire’
A costly, catty dispute finally settled Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Mayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’ Grand Slam-seeking Beermen on the right track “After four months, finally a sweet, sweet podium finish,” said Maraño, referring to the period of time she spent with the national team.“Hopefully with more hard work from us players and a strong volleyball program we can achieve our goals,” added Maraño, the former UAAP MVP from La Salle.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’SPORTSFederer blasts lack of communication on Australian Open smogThe PSL All-Star squad bested Khonkaen Star Volleyball Club, 25-18, 25-22, 32-34, 25-22, for the bronze medal.Other team members were Mika Reyes, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Remy Palma, Bang Pineda, Frances Molina, Rhea Dimaculangan, Chie Saet, Jheck Dionela, Honey Royse Tubino, and Mar-Jana Philips. MOST READ OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award
Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles the ball against Dennis Schroder #17 of the Atlanta Hawks in the first half at American Airlines Center on October 18, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images/AFPDALLAS — Dallas Mavericks rookie point guard Dennis Smith Jr. missed Friday’s game against the Sacramento Kings with swelling in his left knee.Smith, the ninth pick in the NBA draft out of North Carolina State, had 16 points and 10 assists in the Mavericks’ season-opening loss to the Atlanta Hawks.ADVERTISEMENT Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next View comments Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ Coco’s house rules on ‘Probinsyano’ set Margot Robbie talks about filming ‘Bombshell’s’ disturbing sexual harassment scene Jo Koy: My brain always wants to think funny Kiss-and-tell matinee idol’s conquests: True stories or tall tales? Smith participated in the Mavericks’ shootaround on Friday morning and was a late scratch.The Mavericks were also missing guard Devin Harris, who was granted leave of absence after his brother died on Thursday.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’SPORTSFederer blasts lack of communication on Australian Open smog Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’
MOST READ LATEST STORIES OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Coco’s house rules on ‘Probinsyano’ set Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award Rockets could be without Paul for four weeks — reports It’s too early to present Duterte’s ‘legacy’ – Lacson Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. 
Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ LATEST STORIES “We were beaten, but we continue to fight until we get the win. We always fall short, but even though we’re losing, we still stick together, go back in training, and try to correct our mistakes.”The 20-year-old was also touched to see the support of the UST community, which came out at the Smart Araneta Coliseum for the team’s final game.“For me, whenever they cheer, it’s really a big boost for us, especially when we got the lead. I feel like we have someone backing us up and won’t let us down. So we don’t want to let them down,” he said.And as UST turns the page and move on from this nightmare of a campaign, Lee is hopeful that the Growling Tigers will be a much better team.“This is not just for coach Boy, but also for the whole UST community,” he said. “I hope whatever we endured will be a lesson for us, an inspiration for the next season. I hope we can recover next year.”ADVERTISEMENT Redemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie Thompson It’s too early to present Duterte’s ‘legacy’ – Lacson View comments MOST READ For the complete collegiate sports coverage including scores, schedules and stories, visit Inquirer Varsity. Margot Robbie talks about filming ‘Bombshell’s’ disturbing sexual harassment scene Jo Koy: My brain always wants to think funny READ: UST averts winless season, beats UEThe win also marked the end of one of the darkest times in the school’s rich basketball history after the Tigers dropped their first 13 games of the season-17 straight dating back to last season-easily their worst performance in the UAAP.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSRedemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie ThompsonSPORTSMayweather beats Pacquiao, Canelo for ‘Fighter of the Decade’SPORTSFederer blasts lack of communication on Australian Open smogAfter the buzzer, Lee shared a moment with his coach Boy Sablan, who took majority of the flak for all the losing.“We endured a lot and that made us players closer to coach because we always want to make up for the losses,” said the 5-foot-8 playmaker.
Jake says relationship with Shaina ‘goes beyond physical attraction’ Coco’s house rules on ‘Probinsyano’ set UST Growling Tigers. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.netUniversity of Santo Tomas may have had a tumultuous season, but Marvin Lee found relief after the Growling Tigers escaped the ignominy of ending UAAP Season 80 without a win.“It feels good to win. It’s like we feel like champions. I just thank the Lord because he fulfilled my wish for us to win at least one, that we won’t be 0-14,” said the UST captain a thrilling 88-85 victory over University of the East on Sunday.ADVERTISEMENT OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ‘a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Kiss-and-tell matinee idol’s conquests: True stories or tall tales? Trending Articles PLAY LIST 00:50Trending Articles02:28’Star Wars’ cast reveal which co-stars they’d go caroling with and hopes for the New Year01:00Chief Justice Peralta on upcoming UAAP game: UP has no match against UST02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Pasaol pleased with UE’s campaign despite 3-11 record
Boston Celtics’ Kyrie Irving (11) shoots in front of Brooklyn Nets’ DeMarre Carroll (9) during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game in Boston, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)BOSTON — The Boston Celtics squandered several opportunities to put away the pesky Brooklyn Nets before Kyrie Irving ended the comebacks.Irving scored 28 points, hitting a pair of free throws with 7.7 seconds left after his teammates struggled from the line, and the Celtics held off the Nets 108-105 on Sunday.ADVERTISEMENT Brian Heruela arrival bolsters Phoenix backcourt, defense Scottie Thompson also worthy of Finals MVP, thinks Cone OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ’a duplicitous move’ – Lacson “You’ve got to give credit to just how talented that team is. They play extremely hard for all 48 minutes,” said Irving, who also had eight rebounds. “We had to take the challenge on every single possession.”Al Horford had 10 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks, Marcus Morris added 15 points and Terry Rozier scored 14 as Boston closed 2017 by winning three straight and four of five.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSTim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crownSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folkRondae Hollis-Jefferson had 22 points and 12 rebounds and Caris LeVert scored 16 for the Nets, who could not overcome 10 turnovers in the second half.“They’re a team that’s not going to give up,” Rozier said. “They’ve got a lot of shooters, which opens up a lot for them. They use it to their advantage. That’s a tough team.” LATEST STORIES “Sometimes you’ll have a slip-up like we did at the beginning of the first quarter, but it’s the overall outcome that you kind of want to base it on and we kind of stayed with it,” Hollis-Jefferson said. “Give them credit. Boston’s a really good team.”TIP-INSNets: Brooklyn outscored the Celtics 31-23 in the second quarter and had one turnover in the first half. … Brooklyn won consecutive games only once in December. … The Nets outscored the Celtics in the paint 50-34.Celtics: Irving scored at least 20 points for the 11th straight game. … Boston took a 38-28 lead on Terry Rozier’s 3-pointer just before the buzzer at the end of the first period. … Boston shot 69.6 percent (16 for 23) in the first quarter. … The Celtics outrebounded the Nets 22-14 in the first half.FAST STARTAt 30-10, the Celtics reached the 30-win mark before January for the third time in franchise history. Only the 1964-65 team, which won its 30th on Dec. 28, and the 1959-60 club (Dec. 30) reached 30 wins earlier.HELLO CLEVELANDThe Celtics open 2018 at home Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, their partners in the offseason trade that sent Irving to Boston. The Cavs beat the Celtics in the 2017 Eastern Conference finals and in the season opener in Cleveland.“They’ve had everybody’s number in the East for a couple of years now and we’re among that list,” Boston coach Brad Stevens said.UP NEXT Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Paul, Harden lead Rockets to double OT win over Lakers Meralco ‘never the same’ after Almazan injury in PBA Finals
Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina Nets: Are back at home Monday night hosting Orlando after a five-game trip.Celtics: Host the Cavaliers on Wednesday night.Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award OSG plea to revoke ABS-CBN franchise ’a duplicitous move’ – Lacson Steam emission over Taal’s main crater ‘steady’ for past 24 hours Redemption is sweet for Ginebra, Scottie Thompson The Celtics won their seventh straight against the Nets, although Boston didn’t have the game in hand until Irving made a pair of free throws with 7.7 seconds remaining. Boston went the final 4:27 without a field goal and struggled from the foul line, going 16 for 25 in the game, and missed several opportunities to put Brooklyn away.“We stayed poised to make a comeback,” Hollis-Jefferson said. “That’s basketball. Sometimes it goes your way, sometimes it doesn’t. But for us now we’re definitely competing. It starts with the starting unit, we’ve got to come out that way. And I feel like the effort’s there.”Hollis-Jefferson pulled the Nets within 103-95 on a dunk, and then converted a three-point play with 2:05 left to cut the margin to 103-98. Quincy Acy hit a 3-pointer with 18 seconds left after the Nets grabbed two offensive rebounds, and Brooklyn was within 105-103.Marcus Smart made 1 of 2 free throws with 15.2 seconds left, and then Irving — who went 4-for-4 from the foul line — added two more to seal it.Acy scored 14 for the Nets, DeMarre Carroll and Allen Crabbe scored 12 points apiece and Spencer Dinwiddie had 10 points and nine assists.ADVERTISEMENT MOST READ View comments