Rai Benjamin
Antigua and Barbuda will again host an elite group of international track and field athletes, as Olympic and world champions arrive for an off-season high-performance training camp later this month.
Leading the delegation is Rai Benjamin, the Olympic gold medalist and world champion hurdler affectionately known locally as “King Ben.” Benjamin, who won Olympic gold as a member of the United States men’s 4×400-metre relay team and holds multiple global titles in the 400-metre hurdles, will be in Antigua from December 26, 2025, to January 3, 2026, accompanied by teammates from the Hayestack training group.
The visiting contingent comprises 11 elite athletes, including Antiguans Cejhae Green and Joella Lloyd, alongside Olympic and world-level competitors such as Vernon Norwood, an Olympic gold medalist and World Championship medalist with the U.S. men’s 4×400-metre relay team. Also included is Jasmine Jones, who recently captured silver in the 400-metre hurdles in Tokyo.
Additional members of the group include Raevyn Rogers, Shae Anderson, Sammy Watson, Kendall Ellis, and Allie Jones. The team is led by Olympic gold medalist and renowned coach Joanna Hayes, who continues to play a major role in developing world-class athletes.
A key feature of the visit will be a meet-and-greet and training clinic for local athletes on December 29 at the YASCO Sports Complex. The clinic is expected to give young Antiguan track and field prospects a rare opportunity to train alongside Olympic champions and gain first-hand insight into elite-level preparation.
Newly elected President of the Antigua and Barbuda Athletics Association, Shawnor Joseph, said the initiative represents a major boost for local athlete and coach development.
“The Antigua and Barbuda Athletics Association is extremely proud to welcome back Rai Benjamin and his Hayestack training team to Antigua and Barbuda,” Joseph said. “We see this clinic as an important investment in athlete development.
It will have a meaningful impact on our coaches and athletes and provides a rare opportunity to learn directly from global competitors.”
Reflecting on last year’s inaugural visit, Coach Hayes noted the strong connection formed with local youth. “Our athletes thoroughly enjoyed interacting with young Antiguans, who were clearly inspired by the Olympians’ stories, presence, and encouragement,” she said. Hayes added that the athletes’ social media posts from the island generated significant international interest in Antigua and Barbuda as a training destination.
The visit is being supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, through its Department of Sports Tourism. Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez said hosting elite athletes aligns closely with the country’s broader sports tourism strategy.
“Welcoming world-class Olympians to Antigua and Barbuda helps inspire our youth, elevates our international profile, and showcases the destination as an ideal environment for elite training,” Fernandez said. “This visit demonstrates the powerful intersection of athletic excellence, community engagement, and destination marketing.”
Officials say the return of the Hayestack training group further strengthens Antigua and Barbuda’s growing reputation as a hub for high-performance sport, athlete development, and meaningful sports tourism engagement.
Love this, but let’s be honest, the facilities still need serious investment to match their level.