BFIT celebrates a stellar 2025 and sets sights on a world-class 2026 The Barbados Federation of Island Triathletes (BFIT) has every reason to celebrate after a packed and highly successful 2025 season that showcased growth, talent, and innovation across all levels of the sport. From the national duathlon at the iconic Bushy Park Raceway to the thrilling National Championships along the scenic Spring Garden and Mighty Grynner Highway, triathlon in Barbados continues to rise as one of the region’s fastest-growing and most inclusive sports. “2025 has been an extraordinary year for triathlon in Barbados,” said BFIT President Garth Mc Intyre. “We’ve seen record participation, strong performances at home and abroad, and genuine excitement for new formats like the mixed relay, which is transforming how people experience our sport.” Racing into the National Spotlight The season kicked off with the National Duathlon in May at Bushy Park Raceway, a venue steeped in motorsport heritage that is a great fit for the high-speed combination of running and cycling. The event attracted athletes of all ages, from seasoned competitors to newcomers eager to test themselves on the smooth, looping circuit. The duathlon has always been a calendar highlight, offering both a technical challenge and a spectator-friendly environment that captures the energy of modern multisport and an entry point into triathlon for the running and riding community. The momentum carried into October with the 35th National Triathlon Championships, held on Spring Garden —the heart of Barbados’ triathlon scene. The event saw participants tackle a course celebrated for its fast, scenic design and electric atmosphere. For the first time, the Championships included a Mixed Relay, a fast-paced, team-based format where athletes complete a short swim, bike, and run before tagging their teammates. “The Mixed Relay brings a new level of excitement and accessibility,” Mc Intyre noted. “It’s fun, it’s social, and it’s perfect for teams, families, and visitors. We want the National Championships to be a must-attend event—not just for local athletes, but for triathletes from across the region and internationally.” Inclusive Growth from the Ground Up At the heart of BFIT’s mission is inclusivity. The Federation’s Kids Series, a monthly competition for ages 6–21, continues to introduce young Barbadians to triathlon in a fun, encouraging environment. These grassroots events have become a hub for family participation and visiting youth athletes alike. “This sport is growing because young people are finding their passion early,” Mc Intyre emphasized. “We’re seeing children start at six or seven years old, and within a few years they’re competing regionally and internationally. It’s an incredible pathway.” In 2025, the Primary Schools Triathlon Showcase, organized by the National Sports Council with BFIT’s support, marked its second edition—drawing dozens of enthusiastic students. BFIT hopes to work with stakeholders to add a Secondary School edition, strengthening triathlon’s role in the national sporting curriculum and inspiring the next generation of athletes. Regional Glory in Tobago The international stage also saw Barbados shine at the CARIFTA Triathlon and Aquathlon Championships in Tobago in August. The 18-member Barbadian contingent captured second place overall, finishing just behind Bermuda despite fielding less than half the number of competitors. The standout moment came in the Mixed Relay, where Barbados’ “A” team—Ali Banfield, Fynn Armstrong, and siblings Laila and Luke Mc Intyre—claimed a dominant gold medal performance. Individually, Luke Mc Intyre won double gold in the 16–19 Triathlon and Aquathlon, while his sister Laila mirrored his success in the 13–15 category. Youngsters such as Isabella Mayers and Yele Renwick-Williams added to the medal count, rounding out a truly inspiring team performance. “This was an incredible showing from a small but mighty team,” said Mc Intyre. “To finish second overall with fewer athletes than most countries speaks volumes about the dedication, talent, and heart of our triathletes.” High Performance on the Global Stage BFIT athletes continued to raise Barbados’ profile abroad in 2025, reflecting the Federation’s growing investment in elite development. Following a ten-day High Performance Camp in Barbados, a youth and junior team competed at the Flatland Tri Cup in Iowa, where Laila Mc Intyre earned a podium finish with third place in the Youth Elite Female Super Sprint, while others achieved personal bests against strong international fields. Building on that momentum, a small group then represented Barbados at the USA Triathlon Youth and Junior National Championships in Ohio, facing the best young triathletes from across the United States. The Barbadians showed their worth with Laila Mc Intyre and Zindzele Renwick-Williams both achieving top 15 positions in the Youth division, with teammate Luke Mc Intyre placing solidly in the Junior division with strong swims and steady performances. Overseas exposure continued in August with three athletes – Isis Gaskin, Fynn Armstrong and Matthew Lashley racing at the Panamerican Junior Championships in Paraguay following a qualification event in Cuba earlier in the year. Competing amongst the continent’s best, Isis was the only Caribbean female finisher and achieved a top 20 position. “These young athletes continue to make us proud,” said President Garth Mc Intyre. “They’re proving that Barbados can compete with the best - showing the determination, skill, and spirit that define our triathlon community.” Looking Ahead: The Road to 2026 If 2025 was about growth, 2026 promises to be about transformation. In February, Barbados will host a World Triathlon Development Cup, a landmark event serving as a qualifier for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar and the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) games in Santo Domingo in August 2026. For the first time, Barbados hopes to field a full team of two males and two females in the CAC games, as well as a relay team. “This is a huge step for Barbados and for the Caribbean,” said Mc Intyre. “Hosting a World Triathlon event is a great privilege but getting our athletes to the Youth Olympics and to the CAC games are firsts for us and an indicator of things to come. It elevates our profile internationally and provides our young athletes with a world-class platform to chase their Olympic dreams.” Beyond the Development Cup, the 2026 calendar will include the full suite of national events—the Duathlon, Aquathlon, and Triathlon—each building on this year’s innovations. BFIT will also field a team for the CARIFTA Championships in Jamaica, continuing Barbados’ strong regional tradition. The Federation remains committed to accessibility, inclusion, and performance, ensuring that triathlon remains open to everyone—from schoolchildren and weekend warriors to elite athletes. “Our aim,” Mc Intyre concluded, “is to make triathlon in Barbados not just a sport, but a community—one that inspires, challenges, and welcomes all.”
