Vincentian breaks national swimming record in Barbados

The Barbados National Swimming Championships took place last weekend and six swimmers from St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Black Sands Swim Squad demonstrated their great competitive form. {{more}}

Shne Joachim led the way, with some outstanding record-breaking swims. Carifta record holder Joachim swam herself to a total of six golds, one silver and two bronze medals and made her mark in the Barbados record books by breaking three national age group records. 

Shne’s younger brother, Alex, also got himself on the medal podium, proudly winning one silver and three bronze medals and came away from the event swimming a total of nine personal best times. 

Long distance specialist Cruz Halbich controlled the pool waters, winning gold in the 800 metre freestyle and went on to win two silver medals and swam a total of six personal best times. Cruz’s cousin, Aaron Defreitas, was close on his heels and claimed the silver medal in the 800 metre freestyle, followed by two bronze medals and a fantastic nine personal best times. 

Youngsters Mia Defreitas and Jamie Joachim also showed good form at the event, with Mia coming away with a total of eight personal best times and Jamie Joachim coming home with four personal best times. 

Black Sands coach Kyle Dougan said “Shne Joachim’s records are a fantastic achievement and I envisage that the records will stand for many years to come, because she is swimming to a standard that very few swimmers are able to get to.

“All the swimmers swam exceptionally well and should be very pleased with their end of season results. They’ve worked extremely hard all year and are now able to demonstrate to the region that swimming in St Vincent and the Grenadines is at a very competitive standard.” 

Next up for St Vincent’s swimmers is the Trinidad Invitational Meet, December 10 to 13 and then the Black Sands Sprint Meet, which will be held here in SVG at the Shrewsbury pool.