Some Stunning Performances Recorded
THE Rodney Heights Aquatic Centre hosted its annual Summer Splash Swim Meet this past weekend.
During the event, swimmers from age six to 31 years gathered from the various swim clubs on the island to enjoy their first competition back from summer break.
Summer Splash is intended to allow swimmers to get back into pace. During the school break from July through September, many families travel, some swim clubs suspend training, or swimmers do not practise as often. This event is geared to rev up the swimming fraternity for the OECS Swimming Championship in November.
Overall, there were some stunning performances. A number of swimmers gunned for record times. Therron Herelle (Racers, Boys 8 and Under) broke national records in 100 metre Individual Medley, 50 metres Freestyle, 100 metres Freestyle, 200 metres Freestyle, and 100 metres Butterfly. It must be noted that the 100 metres Freestyle record was last set in 2011 by Ethan Dyke-Elliot. In the same age group, Karic Charles (Lightning Aquatics) broke national records in the 50 metres Breaststroke and 100 metres Breaststroke. Terrell Monplaisir (Sea Jays, Boys 13-14) broke the national record for 200 metres Breaststroke.
Naima Hazell (Lightning Aquatics, Girls 9-10) had another outstanding performance throughout the swim meet. She broke national records in 50 metres Butterfly which was set back in 2012 plus 100 metres Individual Medley previously in 2005 by Alana Mc Quilken. Katie Kyle (Sea Jays, Girls 13-14) broke the national record in the 200 metres Butterfly.
The swimming fraternity also welcomed the return of two former national swimmers – Marlon and Peter James – as they now take up their coaching caps.
Dr. Diane Worrell and the RHAC staff are encouraged by the overall event.
The next event at RHAC – National Time Trials – will be hosted by Sea Jays Swim Club in mid October. The national team to represent Saint Lucia at OECS Swimming Championship in November will be selected after this swim meet.