Barbados Track and Field fame owes much to former world-class sprinter Obadele Thompson and Commonwealth Games 400-metres gold medal hurdler Andrea Blackett.  Both have been role models to a new generation of aspiring young sportsmen and sportswomen on the island. From their midst has emerged World Champion 110-metres hurdler Ryan Brathwaite, and there are high hopes that he can repeat his success at the London Olympics in 2012.

The London Olympics, the Commonwealth Games and the CARIFTA Championships are the major international tournaments that drive Barbadian athletes to great achievements. Training facilities are limited in Barbados; so many of the elite young sportspeople align their studies to their sporting aspirations with scholarships at American universities.

Barbados also has its own Masters and Seniors Athletic Club with a thriving active membership where age has no bounds.