compiled by Spectator Sports Desk
At just 22 years old, Daniel Antonio has done more than win matches. He has built a movement.
As the pioneering force behind competitive armwrestling in Antigua and Barbuda, Antonio competes at the highest international level while serving as President of the Antigua and Barbuda Armwrestling Association and leading its public relations efforts. In a sport where strength is measured in kilograms and victories in seconds, his greatest feat may well be the foundation he is building at home.
International Excellence
Over the past year, Antonio represented Antigua and Barbuda with distinction across multiple major championships.
At the IV North American Championship in Costa Rica, he captured first place in both the left and right arm 80-plus kilogram category, establishing himself as one of the region’s most dominant young athletes.
He continued that momentum at the VI Pan American Championship in Argentina, securing first place in the youth 90-plus kilogram left arm category.
On the global stage at the XLVI World Championship in Bulgaria, Antonio placed sixth in the youth 100-kilogram right arm division. Against elite international competition, the result marked a significant milestone for both athlete and nation.
Building a Sport from the Ground Up
Beyond medals and podium finishes, Antonio’s leadership has been transformative. As President and public relations lead of the national association, he has spearheaded the introduction and development of armwrestling at the local level. Through his club, Brothers in Armz, he has organised promotional events, training sessions, and exhibitions designed to educate the public and expand participation across the twin-island state.
His international success has drawn regional attention, helping to stimulate wider Caribbean interest in the sport and positioning Antigua and Barbuda as an emerging hub within the discipline.
Sacrifice, Vision, and Purpose
For Antonio, this 2025 nomination for Athlete of the Year represents more than personal recognition. It symbolises validation of countless unseen hours. Sleepless nights editing promotional videos. Gruelling gym sessions. Long layovers and jet lag endured in pursuit of competition abroad. The journey has required personal financial sacrifice, resilience, and relentless belief.
One of his greatest challenges remains securing sustainable funding and building consistent public support. As a developing sport, armwrestling requires advocacy, education, and visibility to strengthen its national presence.
Reflecting on the year, Antonio describes himself as proud yet determined. Satisfied with his performances, but driven to reach higher. Focused not only on personal excellence, but on elevating the sport’s profile for future athletes.
His story is not simply about strength at the table. It is about the strength to create opportunity where none existed before.
The 2025 National Sports Award ceremony is scheduled for March 1, 2026. Last March, at the 32nd edition of the National Sports Award, Antigua and Barbuda Athletic Association’s Tyra Fenton captured the Junior Sportswoman of the Year title, while the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association’s Jewel Andrew captured the Junior Sportsman of the Year title.