compiled by Spectator Sports Desk
Mekhi Simmons continues to elevate the standard of table tennis in Antigua and Barbuda, blending academic discipline with elite athletic performance.
Now a freshman at Borough of Manhattan Community College, the 18-year-old remains deeply committed to representing his country while sharpening his game on the international stage.
On the local circuit, Mekhi delivered another commanding year. At the Pre-Independence Tournament, he secured gold medals in both the Under-19 and Open categories while representing Wadadli Table Tennis Academy. He followed that performance at the Antigua and Barbuda National Championships with first-place finishes in Under-19 Singles, Men’s Doubles, and Open Singles, reinforcing his position as one of the nation’s premier young players.
His ability to compete and win across age divisions continues to set him apart.
Regionally, 2025 marked an important milestone as Mekhi represented Antigua and Barbuda at his first Youth Caribbean Championships, gaining valuable experience against the region’s top youth competitors.
He captured first place in the Under-19 division at the Pre-Easter Open and earned third place in the Open category of the same tournament, again proving his competitiveness beyond his age group. He also advanced to the quarterfinals of the Trinbago Youth Tournament and secured the OECS Mixed Doubles Championship title.
Each tournament sharpened his technical awareness and strengthened his confidence under pressure.
International exposure remained central to his growth. During a training camp in China, Mekhi advanced to Group 1 within a year, a significant achievement that reflected marked improvement in both his tactical understanding and execution.
The progression signalled that his development is not accidental. It is structured, intentional, and global.
One of his greatest challenges last year was balancing the demands of A-Level academics, including CAPE examinations, with an intense training and competition schedule. Managing travel, competition pressure, and high academic expectations required maturity beyond his years. Despite the workload, Mekhi remained a top-performing student in his one-year A-Level programme while maintaining high competitive standards in table tennis.
The experience strengthened his composure, discipline, and mental resilience, qualities that now define his approach both on and off the table.
If he were to describe the past year in one word, it would be Determination.
This marks Mekhi Simmons’ consecutive year as Junior Table Tennis Athlete of the Year and his second nomination for the Junior Sportsman Award. The recognition reflects not only results, but consistency and continued growth.
For Mekhi, the nomination represents dedication, sacrifice, and steady progress. Winning Junior Sportsman of the Year would be a tremendous honour, not only personally, but for the sport of table tennis. He believes such recognition would elevate the sport’s national visibility and demonstrate that excellence can emerge from any discipline.
Most importantly, he hopes his journey inspires younger athletes to understand that discipline and persistence open doors.
The 2025 National Sports Awards will be held on March 1, 2025, at American University under the theme “Celebrating Excellence in Sports.”