by Petra WIlliams

The Wildey Gymnasium in Barbados became a proving ground for Antigua and Barbuda’s rising gymnastics talent, as the Antigua Elite Gymnastics Academy delivered a composed and competitive showing at the 2026 Barbados Amateur Gymnastics Association Trident Classic. Competing against approximately 300 athletes from Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica, the young Antiguan team rose to the occasion, securing second place overall in the Level 2 team competition while collecting an impressive spread of individual podium finishes.

The team’s silver medal performance was built on consistency across all four apparatus (Floor, Vault, Bars, Beam), with multiple gymnasts contributing meaningful scores in each rotation. 

Leading the charge was Zalika Quashie in Level 2, who delivered a standout all-around performance to capture gold with a score of 37.3. Her campaign included a gold medal on floor with a 9.5, complemented by three silver medal finishes on vault (9.35), bars (9.25), and beam (9.2). Joy Kasonda added further strength to the Level 2 squad, earning silver on both vault (9.475) and bars (8.8), along with bronze on beam (9.1) and floor (8.8).

Anna Micon’s technical execution proved equally valuable, particularly on bars and beam, securing silver medals. She won a bronze on the floor. Cali Tarter contributed steadily across all events, highlighted by a bronze medal performance on bars, while Kaylynn Holder rounded out the Level 2 team effort with consistent routines across the board.

  INDIVIDUAL RESULTS (Placement: Gold 🥇 | Silver 🥈 | Bronze 🥉)

At Level 3, the team’s sole entrant Kayli Charles showcased her power and potential with gold medal performances on vault (9.4) and floor (9.1), alongside a bronze on beam (9.275). She placed sixth overall in the all-around with a score of 36.025, underlining her strength on the power apparatus and her readiness to compete at higher levels.

Throughout the competition, the Antigua Elite Gymnastics Academy amassed 16 podium finishes, including 3 gold medals, 7 silver medals, and 5 bronze medals, reflecting individual excellence and depth within the team.

Reflecting on the team’s performance, Head Coach Schlosser expressed pride in the group’s effort and composure in their debut outing.   Speaking with Spectator Sports, he stated, “I am very proud of our girls for their fantastic first competition. Competing against around 300 athletes from Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica, they showed great confidence and did an amazing job. It was a wonderful experience and a strong start to their gymnastics journey. 

Guiding the athletes was Head Coach Alex Schlosser, supported by Mitzi Gonsalves, forming a coaching team committed to long-term athlete development through consistent exposure to regional and international competition. The Club operates with a clear mandate to place its athletes in competitive environments that build confidence, sharpen execution, and accelerate growth.

Beyond the medals and placements, the Academy’s performance carries broader national significance. It brings renewed attention to the Antigua and Barbuda Amateur Gymnastics Association, which was initially launched in 2019 but is currently inactive. The absence of an active governing body has limited the sport’s structural development, coordination, and expansion at the national level.

The success of the Antigua Elite Gymnastics Academy in Barbados lends tangible weight to calls for its reactivation. Its ability to showcase local talent on a regional stage demonstrates capacity and potential, reinforcing the need for a functioning national framework to support and scale the discipline, execute the mandate to strengthen pathways for athletes, and ensure that more young people across Antigua and Barbuda are exposed to and supported within the sport.

Congratulations to our young gymnasts, the technical team, the parents and supporters, and the Antigua Elite Gymnastics Academy.