Barbados swimmers show promise at Goodwill Championships

Barbados’ young swimmers returned from the 30th Goodwill Swimming Championships in Trinidad with a fourth-place finish, with team manager Stacy Blunt confident the performances point to a bright future.

The medal haul comprised 15 gold, 20 silver and 23 bronze. Barbados also finished fourth last year, when the team collected 69 medals.

“We had fewer medals this year, but I think that the effort was still the same in terms of each athlete giving of their best, to ensure that the team succeeded at the games,” Blunt said.

Among the standout performers was Ziya Philips, who secured podium finishes in all seven of her events in the 11-12 age group, recording personal-best times in each.

Philips finished second overall in her age group, while Liam Courtenay was third overall among the 9-10 boys, Darren Anka third in the 13-14 boys and Amaya Harrison second in the 15-17 girls.

Blunt said the team was selected with development in mind, with the Goodwill Championships providing an opportunity to identify swimmers capable of progressing to the CARIFTA Games next April.

“Those persons that attended Goodwill this year will be looking to make the CARIFTA Games next April. You will see that we have persons in the eight and under category right up to 15-17, so we can start to identify those persons that may be ready for CARIFTA next year,” she said.

With the swimmers now back in Barbados, they will return to their respective clubs and resume their regular morning and afternoon training programmes.

Their upcoming schedule includes the interschool championships in November, Short Course Nationals in December and Long Course Nationals in February, along with various club meets.

A select group is also expected to compete at meets in Trinidad and Jamaica that serve as CARIFTA qualifiers.

Blunt thanked the Barbados Aquatic Sports Association for providing opportunities for the swimmers, as well as the parents, guardians and supporters who travelled to Trinidad.

Reflecting on Barbados’ performances throughout the year, she said the sport continued to produce encouraging results.

“We did well at CARIFTA, while some of our swimmers went off to the CAC Games and Commonwealth Games as well. I think that the standard of swimming in Barbados is at a very high level,” Blunt said.

“We have some excellent coaches who continue to prepare these swimmers, so that they can be ready for not only these regional events, but international events as well.

“I would definitely say that swimming is in good hands.”

(KH)