BSSS grab 42 medals at Invitational Swim Meet in St Lucia

Black Sands swimmers won an impressive total of 22 gold, 13 silver and 7 bronze medals, as well as breaking many meet records at the Rodney Heights Aquatic Centre Invitational Swim Meet that was held in St Lucia over the weekend of March 31 to April 3.

Jamie Joachim proved natural talent runs in the family, in producing an outstanding performance in the 50m butterfly, resulting in her winning gold, as well as smashing the meet record; siblings Shne and Alex Joachim proved unbeatable, with Alex winning nine gold and three silver medals and Shne bringing home six gold, three silver and three bronze medals.

Aaron and Mya DeFreitas, Shane and Paige Cadogan, Ria Adams, Cruz Halbich and Gerard Geowarsingh also all provided outstanding performances, resulting in podium finishes for all.

Outstanding efforts by Sophia Barwell, Caitlyn Polius, Christalle Wilson, Akayla Crichton and Tia Gun-Munro of the Black Sands Swim Squad (BSSS) resulted in them all swimming personal best times in all of their events.

Black Sands coach Kyle Dougan expressed delight and satisfaction from the results of the weekend’s competition, praising swimmers for their competitive drive and hard work resulting in such an impressive display.

Fifteen members of the BSSS attended the meet, which consisted of over 300 swimmers from numerous islands within the Caribbean region, which ensured there was full audience support throughout the three days of competition.

Over the recent Easter weekend, Bequia hosted a 1.5k open water swim race. This tightly fought contest was won by 15-year-old Dillon Gooding, who represented the Black Sands Swim Squad.

Dougan said his club, Black Sands Swim Squad, is actively looking for more swimming talent and he is encouraging and inviting persons interested in trying out the sport to contact him at 532 9462.