The 2019 Caribbean and Central America Swim Championship concluded on July 2nd in Barbados. The championship ran from June 28th to July 2nd with ten swimmers from Saint Lucia meeting the qualifying times to compete.
In 2009 Saint Lucia earned a gold medal when Danielle Beaubrun swam the 100 meter breaststroke, and in 2015 Katie Kyle stood tall on the podium in 1st place after swimming the 50 meter butterfly.
Through the years other swimmers including Ethan Dyke Elliott, Jordon Augier, Sonia Huxley, Naima Hazell, Naekeisha Louis and TerrelMonplaisir to name a few, were also recipients of individual CCCAN medals.
With 25 countries competing this year, Saint Lucia stood proud when its very own JayhanOdlum – Smith in the 15 – 17 Age Group snatched a gold medal in the 50 meter Butterfly and a silver medal in the 100 meter Butterfly.
Jayhan also broke three Age Group Records in the 50 meter and 100 meter Butterfly, 100 meter Freestyle, and a National Record in the 100 meter Butterfly.
Head Coach Brian Charles expressed, “I can’t be more satisfied with the performance of all the swimmers and most of all Jayhan who demonstrated determination and the will to succeed.”
Jayhan shared his thoughts with a few of the younger swimmers encouraging them and recommending, “Don’t be discouraged. I swam for many years at Carifta and CCCAN without medals. Keep giving your best and the results will pay off!”
The support team including Team Manager Tessa Louis-Charles, Chaperone Sabrina Odol, President Eddie Hazell and parents stood tall when Saint Lucia’s National Anthem filtered through the sound system at the Barbados Aquatic Center. Pride and joy were the sentiments of all including the fraternity here at home in Saint Lucia.
President Eddie Hazell expressed his congratulations to Jayhan and all the team’s members including those who swam best times. Hazell also singled out Ethan Dyke Elliott and Karic Charles who both claimed fifth place positions in the 50 meter Butterfly and 200 meter Freestyle, respectively. Naima Hazell also claimed a 6th place position, Mikaili Charlemagne 7th place and Naekeisha Louis 8th place in the 50 meter Freestyle.
Though not taking a podium placement, TerrelMonplaisir achieved a National Record in the 200 meter Backstroke.
Ziv Reynolds, D’Andre Blanchard and Tristan Dorville swam best times as they strove with the remainder of the team to succeed.
SLAF is extremely grateful for the support of the clubs from which the swimmers reign and their parents.
Most importantly, SLAF recognizes the Saint Lucia National Lottery and the Saint Lucia Olympic Committee Inc. (SLOC) for their support.
Four Swimmers namely Naima Hazell, Mikaili Charlemagne, JayhanOdlum Smith and Jean Luc Zephir are now in preparation mode for the FINA World Aquatics Championships in Gwanju, South Korea from July 12th to the 28th.
SLAF now shifts gears to host the Pee Wee Pirates Swim Camp from July 22nd to August 2nd.