Sports

Cricket is the most popular sport in Antigua and Barbuda, and it was heavily inspired by European sports. It is nearly a religion among the people of Antigua & Barbuda. Otherwise, the players compete in domestic (Leeward Islands cricket team) and international (West Indies cricket) contests.

From March 11 to April 28, 2007, Antigua hosted the 2007 Cricket World Cup. Viv Richards of Antigua made history by scoring the fastest Test century, and Brian Lara set the World Test Record twice in Antigua Recreation Ground. Daniel Bailey was the first Antiguan to compete in a world indoor final, taking bronze at the 2010 IAAF World Indoor Championships. He was also the first Antiguan to compete in a 100m final at the 2009 World Athletics Championships, and the first Antiguan to go under 10 seconds in the 100m.

Antiguans are traditionally strong in athletics, but they also like soccer. The Antiguan national football team competed in the World Cup from 1974 to 1986. The Antigua Barracuda FC was founded in 2011 and competes in the USL Pro league. The Antiguan squad advanced from its preliminary group in 2012 to compete in the 2014 World Cup. Athletics is also naturally popular, with Olympic athletes such as Heather Samuel and Sonia Williams representing the country.