Vincentian swimmers bag over 20 medals at Barbados Long Course Championships

Swimmers from the Black Sands Swim Squad (BSSS), and Blue Marlins Swim Club (BMSC), bagged a total of 23 medals at the Barbados Long Course Championships, held from February 25 to March 2, 2025.

Seven swimmers from the Black Sands Swim Squad (BSSS), and two from the Blue Marlins Swim Club compete at the high level event where they gave a good account of themselves.

The standout performers for the Tus-t Water sponsored BSSS were, siblings Abigail and Kione Deshong, who together claimed an impressive 15 medals. Abigail captured 7 gold, and 1 silver; while Kione earned 5 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze.

Also medalling were Matthew Ballah, who picked up 2 gold and 3 silver medals; Brandon George, 1 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze; Eltonique Leonard, 1 silver; and Zariel Nelson, 1 bronze.

Ballah also received special mention as he set a new SVG national record in the Boys’ 16-17 age group for the 50-meters backstroke, clocking an impressive 27.97 seconds.

Though Seth Byron competed valiantly, he was unable to secure a medal at this year’s competition.

Blue Marlins Swim Club was represented at the Barbados meet by Tayeah St. Hilaire and Caghry

Williams who finished in the top four in the majority of their races.

Williams, who swims in the boys 11-12 age category, medalled in all but one of his eight races. He bagged 5 silver medals in the 50m back stroke, 50m breast stroke, 200m breast stroke, 100m breast stroke, and 50m freestyle; and 2 bronze medals in the 100m Backstroke and 50m butterfly, some of these being personal best times.

St. Hilaire captured a silver medal in the 50m butterfly in the girls 13-14 age group.

Vincentian swimmers usually take the opportunity to participate in the BASA Long Course Nationals to attain CARIFTA Swimming qualifying times, as well as to get the 50 meter pool swimming experience as the pool at the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre is 25 metres, a release states. CARIFTA Swimming will be held during the Easter weekend at the

National Aquatic Centre in Couva, Trinidad and Tobago which has a 50 meter pool.