With the solar setting on 4 thrilling days of aquatic excellence on the Nationwide Aquatics Centre, the Bahamas as soon as once more etched their identify in Caribbean swimming historical past.
Clinching their seventh consecutive title and ninth within the final 10 editions, the defending champions proved unbeatable on the thirty eighth CARIFTA Swimming Championships, wrapping up the meet in emphatic trend on Tuesday.
Their efficiency was nothing in need of a masterclass in depth, self-discipline, and dedication—leaving rivals of their wake as they surged to the highest of each the medal and factors standings.
Dominance in each lane: A championship of champions
The Bahamian squad delivered a convincing assertion of supremacy, amassing a commanding 74-medal haul—27 gold, 23 silver, and 24 bronze—nicely forward of host nation Trinidad and Tobago with 57 whole medals (23 gold, 17 silver, 17 bronze) and conventional powerhouse Jamaica, who collected 56 medals (21 gold, 19 silver, 16 bronze).
Much more telling was their staggering 979 factors, comfortably distancing themselves from Jamaica’s 795.50 and Trinidad and Tobago’s 735. In a captivating twist, the highest three nations mirrored the rostrum from the Carifta Observe and Discipline Championships, albeit in reverse—showcasing the area’s well-rounded sporting brilliance.
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Rising stars and report breakers: Younger expertise shines brilliant
Within the boys’ 11–12 age group, Dexter Russell was a power to be reckoned with, racking up 56 particular person factors. His gold medal spree included dominant victories within the 50m and 100m freestyle, 50m backstroke, and each 50m and 100m butterfly occasions, solidifying his repute as one of many area’s brightest younger skills.
David Singh, competing within the 13–14 age group, stored the medal machine rolling for Crew Bahamas, incomes 43 factors by spectacular breaststroke and particular person medley performances.
Nevertheless, the competitors intensified within the 15–17 division, the place Trinidadian standout Liam Carrington placed on a tour de power with a meet-high 79 factors. Nonetheless, the Bahamas confirmed grit and consistency, posting a sequence of top-five finishes that stored their medal depend—and their championship hopes—firmly afloat.
Women on hearth: Data, races, and memorable performances
Within the 11–12 ladies division, St. Lucia’s Sapphire Parks dominated the water with 65 factors, storming to victory within the 100m and 200m backstroke, 200m butterfly, and 400m IM. Shut behind was Kaija Eastmond of Barbados, whose 62 factors had been constructed on lightning-fast sprints within the backstroke and butterfly. Jamaica’s Kai Lawson earned a well-fought 58 factors, shining throughout freestyle, backstroke, and butterfly races.
However it was the 13–14 ladies division that delivered one of many meet’s most unforgettable moments. Skyelar Richards of Jamaica turned heads and stopped clocks, breaking her personal Carifta Championship report within the 50m backstroke with a blazing 29.87 seconds. Her dynamic vary throughout the 50m and 100m occasions made her certainly one of Jamaica’s most adorned swimmers, racking up 61 factors. To not be neglected, Reagan Uszenski of the Virgin Islands earned 64 factors, dominating the freestyle mid- and long-distance occasions with surgical precision.
Within the oldest ladies’ division, the 15–17 age group, it was Sierrah Broadbelt of the Cayman Islands who delivered a technical tour de power, incomes 56 factors with standout performances within the butterfly, backstroke, and IM occasions. Barbadian Heidi Stoute proved untouchable within the distance freestyle, gathering 51 factors, whereas Zuri Ferguson of Trinidad and Tobago broke information en path to 45 factors, because of her dominance within the backstroke.
Legacy secured, eyes on the longer term
Because the curtain closed on this newest chapter of Carifta aquatic competitors, the message was clear: the Bahamas will not be simply profitable—they’re constructing a dynasty. Their capability to supply medal contenders throughout all ages division, each female and male, has set a brand new benchmark in Caribbean swimming.
With elite performances, record-breaking swims, and a tradition of relentless pursuit, the Bahamas proceed to redefine excellence within the pool.
The area’s best have spoken by strokes and splits—and the Bahamas have answered with gold.
