The Barbados Community College has a lot to boast about when it comes to the sport of archery. Not only does the college have a number of students who take part, but they are among the best young talent in the region as well!
This was all proven when three BCC students Joshua Lucas, Jared Lynch, and Ramona Forde shot their way to the top of the recently held 8th Caribbean Developmental Championships in Guyana.
Jared and Joshua won gold and silver respectively in the Under 21 Individual Men’s Recurve Bow bracket and gold as a team in the doubles, and Ramona won bronze in the Under 18 Women’s Doubles Recurve Bow bracket.
Their outstanding performances in the October 22nd to October 25th competition have earned them the ranking of the best Under 21 archers in the Caribbean.
Speaking on their success, Joshua was overjoyed and proud of his team’s performance, singling out his friends from BCC.
He explained that the trio’s fight for gold began long before their flight to Guyana, winning spots in the Barbados National Outdoor Developmental Championships (BNODC), a national competition attended by the best archery clubs on the island.
After securing their positions on the team, the young archers overcame the gruelling weather and several close matches to solidify their place in the finals and, eventually, on the podium.
“Honestly, it was amazing. They're really cool people but you just can't mess with me and Jared.” Joshua added.
He attributed their success in part to the solidarity the trio shared, describing the group hugs, frequent hydration checks, and supportive words that made it all possible.
Joshua explained that while the medals were great, the camaraderie was easily his favourite part of the experience.
"By the end of the trip everyone was like family."
Looking towards the future, the team is preparing for the next iteration of the CDC, set to take place in Panama next year.
Aiming for gold as always, the team’s main focus will be to improve on past performances and represent Barbadian archery, with the hope that more Bajans will take up the sport because of their success.