Swimming in St. Lucia makes a triumphant return following prolonged absence due to COVID-19!

After a seven-month absence due to COVID-19, swimming made a triumphant return on Saturday, October 4 at the Rodney Heights Aquatic Centre (RHAC). About 90 swimmers from various ages, competed in the RHAC 2020 Developmental Swim Meet consisting of 26 events. Clubs represented were: Lightning Aquatics, RR Aquatics, Seajays, Sharks, Southern Flying Fish and Rodney Heights Aquatic.

There was an opening ceremony with brief remarks from the RHAC’s Managing Director, Diane Worrell. She was delighted to stage this competition, after what may have seemed an eternity for everyone. Swimmers were delighted to back in the pool and their enthusiasm was on display throughout the afternoon.

Clearly not all swimmers were at their best due to a lack of practice, which made it even more astounding that four Age Group records were set. Previous record holder Tristan Dorville lowered his own time in the 11-12 boys 100 metre (m) freestyle and 100 m fly.

Karic Charles was also a record breaker, establishing new Age Group times in the 11-12 boys 50 m breaststroke and 50 m fly. Having to cope with the complications brought about by COVID-19, Worrell and for that matter the St Lucia Aquatics Federation (SLAF), feel swimming is on the right path and plan to have other competitions later this year.

Commenting on the day’s proceedings, President of the SLAF, Eddie Hazell said. “It went really well, but you could see after not being in the pool for so long, the level of competition was not as high as before and that’s understandable. However, the whole idea was to really get the kids interest back into swimming. What we really feared was an exodus from the sport, because we were losing some swimmers and it was really taking a toll on some of the clubs. Today was testament that yes there was a need to really open up and get the kids back in the pool.”

If all goes well in terms of sponsorship, he mentioned the possibility of staging a National Championship sometime in December. Let’s hope so!