Tristan Pragnell, one of Barbados’ talented junior swimmers, has achieved his dream of pursuing a full-time, four-year scholarship at Columbia University in the United States, after being accepted in the institution’s prestigious engineering programme.
The 17-year-old Pragnell, who is currently based in the United States but is a member of Pirates Swim Club, has represented Barbados regularly at CARIFTA and the Central American and Caribbean Amateur Swimming Confederation (CCCAN).
Columbia is ranked third in the US and sixth internationally this year and Pragnell said he believed the university was the “perfect fit” for him.
“It’s a dream come true to be accepted by such a prestigious Ivy League university. I’m honoured to have been accepted through early decision, well before the general acceptances go out in spring next year,” Pragnell told Barbados TODAY.
“I chose Columbia University because of its stellar academics, NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Division One swimming, and its incredible location in the heart of New York City.
“I was fortunate to be actively recruited by many Ivy League world-class universities around the USA but Columbia just seemed like a perfect fit for me.”
He continued: “I was able to leverage my track record of competitive swimming. I was lucky to be recruited by the head coach of Columbia’s Lions swim team and was offered an early decision after the admissions office reviewed my academic achievements.
“I verbally committed back in July after having made up my mind but kept it confidential until December 15 when Columbia formally announced their early acceptances for the class of 2025.”
Pragnell said he had met all of his academic and swimming targets required by Columbia, even amid the challenges presented this year by the coronavirus.
“In spite of the COVID pandemic, I was able to hit key milestones for consideration by Columbia and it’s swim team,” he explained.
“I maintained excellent grades, got near-perfect scores on one of the last SATs before lockdown and made Junior National and US Open times cuts in competitive swimming championships.
“I also had to write a personal essay. I spoke about my grandfather in Barbados as he has been a huge part of my life.”
Pragnell, the great-nephew of famous Barbadian philanthropist, Alfred Pragnell, will attend Columbia’s Fu Foundation College of Engineering to pursue his undergraduate degree.
According to Pragnell, this is a specialized division within the university with even more rigorous acceptance criteria. It is primarily focused on math, science and engineering.
“I’m interested in the intersection of Engineering and Finance. New York City is the perfect setting for this kind of programme and provides incredible internship opportunities,” he pointed out.
Pragnell boasts a solid track record representing Barbados. At CARIFTA and CCCAN combined, he has won 10 individual gold, five silver and three bronze and 11 in the relays.
At the Goodwill meet, he has captured nine individual medals and six in relays.
Pragnell won the 200 metres backstroke in every year between 2016 and 2019 at CARIFTA and also in 2016, 2018 and 2019 at CCCAN. He currently also holds the Barbados national records for the 50m backstroke in the 9-10 age group and the 50m backstroke for 13-14 division.
Looking ahead to 2021, Pragnell who trains six days a week with the Asphalt Green Unified Aquatics (AGUA) team at Asphalt Green in New York said: “I’d like to get back to the momentum I was achieving before we were all hit by the COVID pandemic. 2020 was very difficult with AGUA’s pool being closed for over six months and the CARIFTA and CCCAN international meets being cancelled in the Caribbean.
“I have represented Barbados since 2016 in all CARIFTA and CCCAN meets. These are my happiest memories as, in addition to the high level of competition, I was able to hang out with my Bajan teammates and spend time with my grandparents David and Eva Pragnell.
“I would love to attend my last 2021 CARIFTA and hopefully win medals for Barbados.”
Inspired by the great American swimmer Michael Phelps, Pragnell said he was determined to make Barbados proud.
“As a Bajan, I would love to represent Barbados at the Olympics in 2024. It would be an honour to swim for the country that has been such an important part of my life and where I want to live eventually.
“It would be a dream come true.”
morissalindsay@barbadostoday.bb
