Government praises Peters gold medal capture
Barbadian all-rounder Nico Reifer. ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC – Grenada’s government has lauded the achievement of Anderson Peters following his historic capture of the men’s javelin title at the World Championships in Qatar last Sunday.
The gold medal was the first ever for Grenada’s in a field event at a World Championship and only the second gold overall, following on from Kirani James’ success in Daegu in 2011.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Grenada, the Ministry of Youth Development, Sports, Culture, and the Arts congratulates Anderson Peters on capturing the gold medal in the men’s javelin at the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha,” a statement said.
“We also wish to extend congratulations to Anderson’s family on this great achievement.
“Anderson Peters’ historic LONDON, CMC – Promising teenaged Barbadian all-rounder Nico Reifer has penned a one-year rookie deal with English county Surrey for the upcoming 2020 campaign.
The 18-year-old, who has attended Whitgift School in South Croydon for the past four years, has already made 10 Second XI appearances for Surrey across all formats since his debut two years ago and the county’s director of cricket, Alec Stewart, said he expected the player to continue to develop.
“Nico has been in our academy and involved with the 2nd XI and has shown good potential,” said the former England win has made him the first Grenadian to win a World Championship medal in the field events. He is also the second athlete in Grenada’s history to become a World champion, with Kirani James being the first.
“He concluded his 2019 athletics season undefeated as the two-time SEC Champion, twotime NCAA Champion, NACAC Under-23 Champion, and PanAmerican Champion.”
The statement added: “The Ministry extends congratulations to coach Paul Phillip and the team officials who assisted Anderson Peters on the remarkable achievement.
“Their commitment and expertise continue to guide and ensure that our athletes have an opportunity to compete and succeed on the world’s stage.”
Peters measured 86.89 on his fourth attempt which proved to be the winning mark, upsetting a Test captain.
“Through signing his first rookie contract he has the opportunity to really develop his all-round talent and be a part of the professional set up. This is a great opportunity which we’re confident he will grab.”
Reifer was part of the West Indies Under-15 squad which toured England in 2015, emerging as his side’s Most Valuable Player and subsequently led the side on the 2016 tour of England.
A right-handed batsman who bowls medium pace, Reifer also turned out for Barbados in the 2017 and 2018 CWI Regional Under-19 tournaments before field which saw defending World champion Johannes Vetter of Germany forced to settle for bronze with a throw of 85.37.
Estonia’s Magnus Kirt clinched silver with a mark of 86.21.
The 21-year-old Peters, a student at Mississippi State University in the United States, said he hoped his success served as an inspiration for the tiny Caribbean nation.
“I want to tell my fellow Grenadians that everybody can do it, if I can do it,” he said. “It’s possible for everybody to become a World champion. You just have to want it as badly as I do.”
There was disappointment, however, for James who could only muster a fifth place finish in a time of 44.54 seconds as Bahamian Steven Gardiner took gold in a national record 43.48.
His effort also came in for missing out earlier this year through injury.
A product of Queens College school in Barbados, Reifer said he was thrilled with the chance to further develop his skills.
“I’m proud to have signed this contract with Surrey and I’m excited to have the opportunity to show what I can do,” he said.
“I’ll be working hard over the winter to make sure I’m ready for pre-season and the start of the 2020 season in England.”
Also in preparation for the season, Reifer will travel Down Under where he will represent Midland-Guildford in grade cricket. praise from government.
“Although James did not bring home a medal for Grenada, his return and performance showcased his resilience, especially with the recent passing of his mother, Ms. Annie James.”