CARIFTA swimming team departs for Martinique

Following a 32 medal haul in 2025, Barbados’ delegation to the CARIFTA Swimming Championships in Martinique, departed the island on Thursday eyeing a similar level of success.

Head coach Dave Farmer told Barbados TODAY that while the squad is well balanced, it is especially strong in the 15-17 girls’ category as well as the 11-12 boys’.

Despite the closure of the Wildey Aquatic Centre earlier this month, Farmer said the impact on the team’s preparations was minimised, with the squad switching its training base to the Ursuline Convent.

The Ministry of Health closed the Aquatic Centre in early March and work is still ongoing, after filtration issues arose.

While Farmer shied away from making specific medal predictions, he said the conditions in Martinique appear to be excellent ahead of the start of competition.

BARBADOS SQUAD FOR CARIFTA SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS: 

15-17 Girls: Heidi Stoute, Toria Alleyne, Naomi Als, Ayoka Martin, Isabella Mayers, Allysa Rocheford and Jaiya Simmons.

15-17 Boys:Victor Ashby, Tariq Greenidge, Jordan Kinch and Elliot Reid. 

13-14 Girls: Kaija Eastmond, Aaliyah Greaves, Simya Johnson, Saniya Minnis and Jada Pounder.

13-14 Boys: Miheal Sobers, Theo Narain, Aidan Salmon and Amir Gittens

11-12 Girls: Gabrielle Babb, Jayla Best, Ivy Corbin and Lailah Shorey. Boys’ 

11-12 Boys: Aaron Brathwaite, Attie Joseph, Zachary Ladipo, Keniel Legister II, Joshua Parris and Christian Vanderpool.

 

(KH)