ONE of Saint Lucia’s leading male swimmer has left our shores to take up studies and swimming at SPIRE Academy in Ohio, USA.
National swimmer TerrelMonplaisir is looking forward to bettering his academics and swimming prowess at the Academy.
The Institute is recognized as the USA’s top, offering a high level of swimming programme. While in Ohio, Terrel will be under the watchful eyes of Director – Thad Schultz and Ben Corley, Associate Swim Coach.
The VOICE spoke to Sue Monplaisir, Terrel’s mother about the programme and the academy, she said, “SPIRE Institute, is a USA Olympic and Paralympic Training site and FINA Training Centre; it is an International High School and Postgraduate Academy and focuses on developing and preparing athletes to be successful in swimming, placing emphasis on academic, athletic, leadership and character development”.
“Monplaisir Continued, Spire Academy is the ultimate environment for cultivating strong minds, strong bodies and strong character to help athletes reach their maximum potential”.
“The SPIRE Academy swimming programme is dedicated to helping each swimmer reach his or her dreams. The Academy provided a unique opportunity to train at the heart of the Olympic Movement. The training facilities are some of the best in the world and coaching is world class”.
With Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games just around, Monplaisir said, the sky is the limit for him; he will go where the training and his academics take him.
The 16 year old Terrel a former student of St. Mary’s College will enter Grade 12 equivalent to 1st year at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. The one year programme is in preparation for University as he wants to pursue studies in economics.
Terrel has represented Saint Lucia at a number of Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Swim Championship (OECS), the Carifta Swim Championship, Central American and Caribbean Swimming Confederation (CCCAN), Goodwill and FINA World Juniors. During his stint at SMC, he represented that learning institution at the annual Secondary School Swim Championship.
His favorite events are 200 backstrokes, 50 and 100 metre breast stroke.
He is a member of the Sea Jays Swim Club.
Terrel said, “I am grateful that my parents have given me this opportunity, I just want to do my best”
“I am happy to get to swim with swimmers who have faster times that me as the challenge is going to help improve my times and techniques” Noted Terrel.
Despite going to school in the USA, Terrel will continue to represent Saint Lucia at regional and international events whenever called upon to do so.
