Dwanye R and other running on track (Sabrina Cicchi)
The Bahrain School Track and Field Team demonstrated resilience and determination throughout their uniquely demanding season, overcoming obstacles that most other teams never face. With no home meets due to their location, the Falcons have balanced grueling travel schedules, red-eye flights and unpredictable delays, often arriving with minimal rest. Yet, their team spirit and dedication have shone through.
This year, the Falcons participated in three key meets across Europe, including Naples (March), Aviano (April), and Vicenza (May). Five of their athletes qualified for the upcoming European Championships in Germany on May 22-23, cementing Bahrain’s place as a fierce competitor in the DODEA-Europe scene:
Braeden Youngblood (Wild Card): Long Jump
Noah Harmon (Wild Card): High Jump
Theodore Goddard (Wild Card): Long Jump
Jose Paulo Sarmiento (Wild Card): 800 Meters
Matthew Mendoza Jr (Qualified): Discus
Nicolas Cicchi (Qualified): High Jump
1600 SMR Relay - (Wild Card)
Nicolas Cicchi
Noah Harmon
Braeden Youngblood
Dwayne Rodgers
Seniors like Dwayne Rodgers and Ryan Hulitt, alongside dependable talents such as Nicolas Cicchi, and Matthew Mendoza Jr. to rising stars, freshman James Supple, Abigail Goddard, and Toritsefe Onuwaje, have driven the team’s success. Their commitment to pushing personal boundaries has not only elevated their performance but also set the tone for growth and success in years to come for the Falcons.
James S. running on track with baton in hand (Sabrina Cicchi)
While other schools may compete in up to 10 meets during a season, Bahrain’s athletes make do with far fewer opportunities. The additional burden of travel—flying across continents with less than 48 hours on the ground and limited sleep—is a testament to their fortitude. Additionally, logistical hurdles, such as missing luggage, are recurring challenges, but the Falcons have persisted with unwavering resolve.
The season will culminate in the European Championships at Kaiserslautern High School on May 22 and 23. Here, Bahrain’s athletes will go head-to-head with some of the finest competitors in Europe. Whether it’s soaring in the high jump or sprinting toward personal bests, the Falcons are poised to leave a lasting mark on the European stage. Fans back home and around the world will surely be cheering them on as they continue to defy the odds.
The Bahrain School Track and Field Team exemplifies ambition, hard work, and resilience, embodying the spirit of athletic excellence. Follow their journey as they strive to bring home medals and create lasting memories that will inspire other Navy and USMC families with orders to Bahrain to say YES and embrace the spirit of adventure.
Jose S. and other runner on the track (Sabrina Cicchi)
Editor’s Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of Defense.
