Sport in Barbados
Barbados is a well-known summer destination and their government has implemented a sports-based tourism starting with them hosting the 2007 Cricket World Cup.
Cricket is almost like a religion for many Barbadians. Barbados has produced many cricketers that have since made a name for themselves like Sir Everton Weekes, Sir Clyde Walcott, Sir Garfield Sobers and Sir Frank Worrell. Other well-loved sports in Barbados are football basketball, volleyball and rugby. Barbadians also have done well in athletics which makes a lot of sense since it is their traditional sports.
As far as the international stage, Barbados has been participating in the Summer Olympic Games since 1968 under their own flag except in 1980 when they joined the boycott of the Olympic Games led by the United States. The only time that Barbados has won an Olympic medal was through sprinter Obadele Thompson (bronze) in the 100 meter dash at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. However, Barbados did compete as part of the British West Indies Federation in the 1960 Rome Olympics and James Weddeburn who was from Barbados was one of the team for the 4 x 400 meter relay which snatched the bronze. Barbados has never participated in the Winter Olympics mainly because they do not have any athlete and the facilities to train for such an event.
Below are details of sports, sporting events and sports people related to Barbados.
Popular sports of Barbados
Traditional or Regional Sports of Barbados
- Road Tennis — a version of tennis played on a smaller court with paddles and a low wooden net.
Barbados Sporting Success
- The only time that Barbados has won an Olympic medal was through sprinter Obadele Thompson (bronze) in the 100 meter dash at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Great athletes from Barbados
- Sir Garfield Sobers (cricket)
- Sir Frank Worrell (cricket)
Barbados Sports trivia
- Barbados compete in world cricket as part of the West Indies
Barbados at major events
- Barbados at the Summer Olympics
- Barbados at the Commonwealth Games
- Barbados at the Netball World Cup
Past sporting events hosted in Barbados
- 2007 Cricket World Cup hosted by the West Indies
- 2010 Women's World Boxing Championships in Bridgetown
Upcoming sporting events in Barbados
- 2024 Cricket T20 World Cup co-hosted in the West Indies (with the USA)
Annual sporting events held in Barbados
Sporting Facilities in Barbados
- Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados
Is there something missing? If you know of something that should be listed here, please let me know.
Related Pages
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.
Current Events