Trinidad and Tobago retain Carifta Gymnastics crown

Trinidad and Tobago retained their Carifta Artistic Gymnastics Championships crown after capturing the lion’s share of prizes when the second edition concluded on the infield of the National Cycling Centre in Balmain, Couva, on December 7.

TT’s 63-member contingent bettered last year’s medal haul by flipping to a whopping 167 medals in total, comprising 85 gold, 57 silver and 25 bronze.

Coming in second overall, with a medal tally less than half of TT’s, was Jamaica with 71 medals including 31 gold, 25 silver and 15 bronze.

Bahamas rounded off the top three finishers as they claimed 44 medals altogether, made up of eight gold, 11 silver and 25 bronze.

TT’s haul at the inaugural edition in Jamaica last year saw them return home with 161 medals (72 gold, 61 silver and 28 bronze).

At the opening ceremony on day one (December 6), Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Phillip Watts delivered the feature address. He said it was “a tremendous honour” for TT to host the second Carifta meet, and hailed it as “a proud milestone for TT and for gymnastics in our region.”

He welcomed visiting delegations and said their presence signalled the rapid growth of Caribbean gymnastics and the confidence the international sporting community now shows in the region’s athletes and federations.

Watts reflected on TT’s historic performance at the first Carifta meet last year and highlighted several recent international breakthroughs.

Among those achievements, he singled out national gymnast Yandy Stafford’s recent Pan American gold medal, describing it as proof that Caribbean athletes “can compete and win on any stage in the world when given the right support, opportunities and belief.”

Watts stressed that events such as Carifta are not solely about podium finishes, but also teach balance, focus, respect and perseverance. Watts said the government intends to strengthen elite programmes while also expanding access to safe, properly managed grassroots opportunities in communities across the country.

Watts acknowledged the TT Gymnastics Federation, led by president Suzanne Babooram, for its “extensive planning, fundraising, logistics and coordination” required to stage a multi-country championship.

He also thanked coaches, judges, medical personnel, volunteers, venue staff, sponsors and parents for their unseen contributions which made the event possible.

Addressing the young competitors directly, the Minister encouraged them to compete with intensity and fairness, support one another, and treasure the friendships and lessons that would outlast the competition itself.

With that, Watts declared the 2025 Carifta Artistic Gymnastics Championships officially open, ushering in a weekend of regional talent and celebration for the sport.