JUST one week after the Saint Lucia Aquatics Federation (SLAF) took home the prestigious award for Association of the Year for the third consecutive time, and young Mikaili Charlemagne winning the Junior Sportswoman for the Year, the first for swimming since 2011 (Siona Huxley), Saint Lucia swimmers have done it again.
It was all greatness throughout as Team Saint Lucia were in a no nonsense mood when they blasted off 2020 with a stellar performance in Lima, Peru for the UANA Swimming Cup which ended on Sunday 23rd February.
The Saint Lucia delegation which comprised 4 males and 1 female in the persons of Tristan Dorville (SeaJays 11-12), Antoine Destang (Sharks 11-12), Karic Charles (11-12), Ethan Hazell (11-12) and Naima Hazell (13-14) Lightning Aquatics.
According to SLAF Public Relations Officer, Sue Monplaisir, “As our theme goes for 2020, they dug deep with big dreams”. Overall, the team walked away with 6 Gold medals, 7 Silver medals, and 1 Bronze medal.
When the dust settled and points tabulated, Saint Lucia ranked 5th out of 25 countries in the medal count. Their strong performance lead them to place 8th in Team Points finishing with a combined total of 157. They ranked second in overall points for Caribbean countries.
Swimmers from North, Central, and South America as well as the Caribbean Islands competed in the age groups 11-12, 13-14, and 15-17 in a variety of distance and stroke events.
Individually, the swimmers had stellar performances. Naima Hazell, the lone female on the team, achieved Silver in the 50 metre Breaststroke setting a 13-14 girls Age Group Record.
Ethan Hazell shaved seconds off almost every swim he had, setting personal bests in all his events. His grandest performance was most definitely the 50 metres Freestyle. He went in seeded at 25 and swam to a 4th place finish.
Karic Charles accomplished two Silver medals achieving four personal best times in his swims. His medal performances were stoic.
Tristan Dorville had an explosive performance in all of his events. He achieved two golds, two silvers, and one bronze medal accomplishing personal bests in all 6 individual events. Tristan set two UANA Cup event records in the 200 Individual Medley (IM) as well as the 50 metre Freestyle. He further set 11-12 Boys Age Group records in 200 IM, 50 metre Freestyle, 200 metre Freestyle, and 100 metre Freestyle. He finished 2nd overall with 41 individual points for the 11-12 age group.
Antoine Destang achieved two Golds and two Silvers setting one UANA Cup Event record in the 50 metre Fly. He further set four Age Group records for Boys 11-12 in 100 metre Fly, 100 metre Back, 50 metre Back, and 50 metre Fly. He was the 11-12 boys High Points Winners with a total of 43 points.
Overall, the 11-12 Boys crushed their competition in both the 200 metre Medley Relay as well as the 200 metre Freestyle Relay. They achieved UANA Cup event records in both events. At the end of the meet, Saint Lucia was awarded the trophy for the Age Group 11-12 Boys achieving the most points overall in the age group throughout the meet.
The Saint Lucia delegation lead by coach Peter James and assisted by Team Manager Martin Dorville had dazzling performances each day of the 3 day competition. The SLAF Executive and Members are all proud of each swimmer and their tenacity to achieve more on each swim. SLAF took the time out to thank all those who contributed and supported the team.
Team Saint Lucia was due to return home this morning (Tuesday 25th February) at 7.30 a.m.) via the George Charles Airport (Vigie).