Antigua & Barbuda’s Olympian Tiger Tyson Earns Sportsman of the Year
Nineteen-year-old Tiger Tyson makes history as the second sailor to win Antigua & Barbuda Sportsman of the Year. With a focus on the 2024 Summer Olympics in kiteboarding, Tyson continues to inspire athletes across the island nation.
March marked the second time in the history of the Antigua & Barbuda Sportsman of the Year award that a sailor won. Nineteen-year-old Tiger Tyson, who punched his ticket to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics in kiteboarding or the Formula Kite class, achieved this accolade twenty-three years after Laser Olympian, Karl James, MBE, claimed the title in 2001.
“Winning this award is an honor and incredible feeling because I know how hard the other athletes in our nation work and they too are deserving of the award, which makes it even more special,” says Tyson, who qualified for the Olympic Games after winning silver at the 2023 Pan American Games last fall. “I put all my time and effort into my sport and one of my biggest motivations is representing our small island nation around the world. I hope I can inspire and motivate other athletes in Antigua & Barbuda to push the limits and take sports in our country to the next level on an international scale.”
Junella King, of the winning Maiden crew, was the senior woman nominee, while up-and-coming dinghy sailor, Emily Gaillard, was the junior contender. Both were among the top three finalists in their respective categories.
In December, Tyson was also awarded the Faithful and Meritorious Service Cross for Meritorious Performance in Sports, presented by Governor General Rodney Williams.
Looking ahead to the 2024 Olympic Games, Tyson says, “I have been spending most of my time in Marseille, the Olympic venue, training with my coach and training partners, adjusting to the conditions there and improving every aspect of my performance.”
The Olympic Formula Kite competition takes place August 4-8, 2024. olympics.com/en/paris-2024/schedule/sailing
Carol Bareuther has written for ALL AT SEA since 2004.
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