In preparation for the upcoming CARIFTA Games, several local swimmers showcased their talent at the Crédit Mutuel Meeting held at the Pierre Samot Aquatics Centre in Le Lamentin, Martinique, last weekend.
Henri-Christian Theobalds emerged as a standout performer, qualifying in the 50m breaststroke and demonstrating significant improvement on his career-best times.
Swimmers from Sharks, Sea Jays, and Lightning Aquatics participated in the meet.
While most Saint Lucian swimmers entered without tapering, aiming primarily for acclimatization, Theobalds was an exception. He clocked in at 34.99 seconds in the breaststroke preliminaries and improved to 34.09 seconds in the final, securing his spot to compete in the boys 13-14 category during the Easter weekend meet.
Theobalds is among three Sharks swimmers anticipated to be named to the CARIFTA team by the Saint Lucia Aquatics Federation later this week. Also in the 13-14 division is Caden Calderon, who finished just ahead of Theobalds in the 50m breaststroke, placed third in the 100m breaststroke, and second in the 200m medley.
Zaina Brathwaite also impressed by making the finals in the women’s 50-meter breaststroke.
“The swimmers went in untapered, most looking to acclimatize themselves,” explained Sea Jays acting president Denise Parks.
She added that for those already qualified, it was more about familiarization. “Some of them who already had CARIFTA times were there to get a feel for the water, visualize their swims, and experience the venue at a higher level.”
Defending high point winner in the 11-12 age group, Sapphire Parks of Sea Jays, utilized the meet to acclimatize to the conditions.
Competing in timed finals, she was often up against older swimmers but excelled, winning the 200m butterfly and 400m individual medley outright. She also topped her age group in the 200m individual medley, 200m backstroke, and 400m freestyle.
From the Sea Jays team, Jayden Xu secured victories in both the 50m and 100m backstroke events for men.
Tyler Dantes won the 50m and 100m backstroke in the 12-13 boys’ category, placing second in the 50m freestyle and third in the 50m butterfly. Dylan Corcoran finished first in the 12-13 boys’ 100m breaststroke and second in the 50m breaststroke. Noah Dorville reached finals in three events.
Representing Lightning Aquatics, Jayce Daniel won the 12-13 boys’ 100m freestyle and competed in two other finals. Aaron Charles and Liam Felicien also advanced to the finals in their respective divisions, while Aniya George and Tre Theresine each reached one final.
With these impressive performances, Saint Lucia’s swimmers are looking forward to making their mark at the CARIFTA Games.