SVGSA president commends athletes efforts at Rio Olympics

Although the two Vincentian swimmers who competed in the Rio 2016 Olympics did not advance past their heats, President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Swimming Association (SVGSA) Stephen Joachim says he was proud of them.

Last Thursday, Nikolas Sylvester registered a time of 25.64 s to win his heat in the Men’s 50 metre freestyle. Unfortunately, it was not good enough for him to advance to the next round. He finished 61st of the 85 competitors.{{more}}

Shne Joachim registered a time of 17.37 seconds in the Women’s 100 metre breaststroke which landed her in seventh place in that heat and 35th overall out of the 44 competitors. This was outside Shne’s best time of 14.64 seconds, which she registered at the Caribbean Islands Swimming Championships (CISC) which was staged in The Bahamas earlier this year.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Joachim said he was especially proud of Sylvester’s interview on ESPN Caribbean.

“It was tremendous, he is a young 16-year-old who didn’t show any sign of intimidation; who was terrific, who handled himself under pressure and that made me more proud than anything else he did in the pool, or will probably do in a long time,” he said.

Joachim noted that it was been a pleasure to see Sylvester develop into a splendid young man despite the obstacles he faced during the year.

“Nik has had a terrific year; he’s had a very difficult year also and his dedication and hard work are an example to all Vincentian youths.”

Joachim said Sylvester lost his mother, Nicole Sylvester earlier this year and also sat the CSEC exams, however, he managed to maintain his swimming.

According to him, Sylvester trains at 5 a.m., goes to school at 8 a.m. and back to practice at 5 pm.

Joachim also described Shne, his daughter, as an “unbelievable natural talent.” He however added, “but in this world, talent only carries you so far.”

Joachim noted that Shne had a great year adding that her swimming at the CISC was her best competition so far. He further noted that after many years of placing second, Shne is now the Caribbean swimming champion in the 50 metre breaststroke and has won medals at four consecutive Carifta championships.

Joachim also praised the national swimming coach Kyle Dougan, who he says has catapulted swimming in SVG. He said that Dougan’s dedication drives the students and that he takes advantage of every opportunity to improve as a coach.

According to the SVGSA president Dougan has been selected to an international coaching program in Colorado Springs, USA and in Switzerland.

Speaking at the press conference, Sylvester said he hopes that the Vincentian athletes are role models for upcoming athletes. He said that although his first Olympics did not result in his favour he enjoyed the experience.

“Winning my heat, it was something I couldn’t imagine doing at my first Olympics and that just shows that I have a lot to do to move forward in sports.” Sylvester said he would continue to prepare himself in order to qualify for Tokyo 2020, where he hopes to make it to the finals.

Brandon Valentine-Parris and Kineke Alexander also represented SVG in Rio 2016 Olympics.

Valentine-Parris competed in the Men’s 400m where he placed seventh in his heat last Friday. He registered a time of 47.62 which fell below his best effort to date 47.06. Alexander exited the first round of the women’s 400m last Saturday. She also placed seventh with a time of 52.45.

Remarks were also made at the press conference by representatives from Tennis, Football and Cricket associations who offered congratulations to the four Olympians.(AS)