The Cayman Islands Olympic Committee have officially announced the national rosters for two massive international sports events happening this summer.
A total of 35 local athletes across multiple sports will gear up to fly the Cayman flag at both the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland from 23 July to 2 Aug. and the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games (CAC) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, from 24 July to 8 Aug.
For the Commonwealth Games in Scotland, a delegation of 20 athletes will compete across three sports.
The swim team features Kyra Rabess, Sierrah Broadbelt, Harper Barrowman, Riley Watson, James Allison, Connor Macdonald, Daniel Kish, Will Sellars, Luke Higgo, and Elijah Bain while Justin Spencer and Sienna Santiago are set to take on gymnastics.
The 3×3 basketball roster features both men’s and women’s teams. The men’s roster includes Brad Lansdell, Bryan Ebanks-Perez, Alwin Buttrum Jr. and Nathaniel Hurlston-Anderson while the women’s side comprises Lyandrea Watson, Jamie Rankin-Maize, Khailan O’Connor and Courtisha Ebanks.
Closer to home, 15 athletes will compete in six different sports for the Cayman Islands at the CAC Games as the regional event celebrates its 100th anniversary since starting in Mexico City in 1926.
The roster features Ciara Murphy in sailing, alongside swimmers Adam Sellars and Katerina Galatopoulos. The squash team includes Jade Pitcairn, Lara Conolly, and Kaylee Pierre, while Dylan Lynee, Jesario Ebanks, Luna Ebanks and Joanna Robinson will compete in beach volleyball.
Karthik Adapa is set to compete in gymnastics, and the 3×3 basketball squad consists of Daric Ebanks, Justin Collins, Davion Cotterell and Shaad O’Garro.
CIOC remarks
Bernie Bush, president of the CIOC, stated in a press release, “These athletes embody the dedication, resilience and excellence that define Caymanian sport.
“On behalf of the CIOC, I congratulate every member of Team Cayman and thank everyone who has contributed to making these opportunities possible. We wish our athletes every success as they proudly wear the Cayman Islands colours on the international stage.”
Bush’s sentiments were echoed by Shakeina Bush, the secretary general of the CIOC, who said, “Preparing teams for two major international Games in the same year is a significant undertaking, and I would like to acknowledge the outstanding collaboration between our National Federations, coaches, medical personnel, technical officials, volunteers and the many partners who continue to support Caymanian sport.
“These Games are about more than competition. They are opportunities for our athletes to gain invaluable international experience, build confidence, strengthen friendships across the sporting community and inspire the next generation of Caymanian athletes. We are excited to support Team Cayman throughout this important chapter and look forward to celebrating their performances in Santo Domingo and Glasgow.”
The Cayman Islands has competed in every Commonwealth Games since its 1978 debut and has witnessed standout historic moments including Kareem Streete-Thompson’s 2002 long jump bronze in Manchester and Cydonie Mothersill’s landmark 200-metre gold in Delhi in 2010 – Cayman’s first-ever Commonwealth gold.
Additionally, Cayman has also enjoyed notable success at the CAC Games over the years, capturing a total of 19 medals across athletics, swimming, sailing, squash and gymnastics.
“For many Caymanian athletes, the CAC Games and Commonwealth Games have served as important steppingstones towards the Pan American Games and the Olympic Games, providing critical international experience against elite competition,” stated the Olympic committee.
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