[dropcap]A[/dropcap]fter four days of intense competition at the XXXIII Carifta Swim Championship March 31 to April 4 at the National Aquatic Center Kingston Jamaica, the Saint Lucia Amateur Swimming Association Swim Team (SLASA) remained consistent with the past years, in returning home with medals.
With seven in 2015, two in 2016, four in 2017 and this year 2018 returning with five medals, the team continued to make St Lucia proud!
With a team comprising of 10 swimmers to include Naima Hazell, D’Andre Blanchard, Naekesha Louis, Allandre Cross, Mikaili Charlemagne, Jayhan Odlum Smith, Jamarr Archibald, Devin Boodha, Terrel Monplaisir and Veronica Brown, 14 finals were made at the Championship from team St Lucia. Hazell, Blanchard, Louis and Charlemagne, all went in as the top eight swimmers in various strokes at the competition.
Ultimately Swimming rising stars emerged with 11 to 12 year-old Hazell leading the medal charge with two silver medals in 50 Breast and 50 Free and a bronze medal in 50 Back. Blanchard followed taking the podium for silver in 50 Breast and Bronze in 50 fly.
The 15 to 17 year old boys were challenged in their first year competing in the age group, with the majority of their competitors swimming in their second and third year in the 15 to 17 year old category.
Seven new age group records were set for St Lucia by 11 – 12 year old girls Hazell in 50 free and 50 Breast, 11 – 12 year old boys Blanchard in 50 Free, 15 – 17 year old boys Boodha in 100 Breast and Monplaisir in 200 Back and 200 Breast. The 15 to 17 year old boys including Odlum Smith, Archibald, Boodha and Monplaisir also set an age group record in the 400 medley relay.
Thirty two 32 personal best times were accomplished by Hazell, Blanchard, Louis, Cross, Charlemagne, Boodha, Archibald and Monplaisir collectively.
The final day of competition Brown took to open water completing the course in one hour and 25 minutes.
The SLASA commends all its Carifta Swimmers on their accomplishments and efforts at the 2018 Swim Championship. The association acknowledges despite the swimmers being out a competitive pool for training for approximately a month the team rose to the challenge.
The association thanks head coach Brian Charles, Team Manager Constance Rene and support parents for keeping the team focused and motivated in working towards their goals.
The SLASA is also grateful to it financial contributors: St. Lucia Olympic Committee Inc, National Lotteries Authority, Boslil Bank Ltd, Lucelec, West Indies Shipping, Carnival Sailing, Invest St Lucia, St Lucia Mortgage Finance and Caribbean Metals.
Next on the agenda for St Lucia Swimming will be the Primary and Secondary schools Swim Meet and CCCAN.
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