UPDATED: Addison James secures Dominica’s first medal at CARIFTA GAMES

Addison James has propelled Dominica to its first medal at the 51st CARIFTA Games in St. Georges Grenada collecting a bronze in the Under 20 boys Javelin.

James, competing in the boy’s Under-20 Javelin came third in the first round of the competition with throws of 61.49 meters, 59.07, and a best of 65.50 sending him to the next round of the competition.

From there, he had a throw of 60.49, a foul, and his final throw was 55.28 enough to capture the bronze medal in that competition, the first for Dominica.

For the young athlete, it was a proud moment for him and his country Dominica.

“I feel proud in representing my country and putting my best foot forward…I want to also thank my parents, coach, and the association for supporting me, I did my best to make my country proud and I am happy and appreciate it.”

He stated that during the second round of the competition where he had a foul throw, he was a “bit discouraged” but his coach Joel Hamilton encouraged him saying to him, “Don’t be discouraged, block better and it will fall in place.”

“I did just that, and, with the wind assisting me I got the desired result,” he said.

Brendan Williams is President of the Dominica Amateur Athletes Association (DAAA) and witnessed the event. In congratulating young James, he said he is “a hard worker with a good work ethic”.

“I must say congratulations to Addison James for achieving such a feat and also, to his coach, family, and club Westmar Rangers. I am extremely proud of Addison, his work ethic, and what he has been able to achieve.

Williams was nearby encouraging the young athlete and along with coach Hamilton would call him across for some tips and encouraging words. “When he had the foul throw, he was a little bit uptight so we called him and advised him to take it easy, relax and let it come naturally, and follow the instructions of the coach.

James, he stated came into the competition ranked number “6” and his throw of 65.50 meters was his “personal best” (PB) after coming into the competition with a throw of 57.70 meters, so everyone is proud of him and urges him to continue to work hard.

Brendan Williams of Dominica is the Chair of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Athletes Advisory Commission (AAC). Appointed in March 2021, he became the first Caribbean athlete in history to lead the athlete’s commission of a major International Sports Federation.

A former high jump athlete who competed for Dominica in the Commonwealth Games at Delhi 2010 and Glasgow 2014,  urges young athletes to “work hard and have good work ethics” because the sky is the limit since there are many opportunities outside and he is encouraged that Addison James has embraced the opportunities given and continues to excel and make his country proud.