As the entire Caribbean remembers those nations from the region affected by the passage of the recent hurricanes draftingthecaribbean celebrates the performances of a swimmer from an island impacted greatly by the adverse weather activity Antigua and Barbuda’s Stefano Mitchell.
At the Budapest World Championships which ran from July 23 to 30 Stefano established himself as the fastest ever performer from his country at the global championships in the 50 metre butterfly and the 50 metre freestyle.
Competing in the 50 metre butterfly Mitchell stopped the clock in 25.98 to place 57th overall and record the 5th fastest time by a swimmer from the CCCAN region. It also blew away the fastest time done by a swimmer at the World Long Course swimming championships which he set at the 2015 Kazan competition of 27.72. It also doubled as the best placing in the event which Stefano also held at 60th position.
In the freestyle race he eclipsed the time of 24.79 set by teammate Noah Mascoll-Gomes as the fastest ever by a swimmer from Antigua and Barbuda. Noah had recorded that time at the Kazan meet two years earlier. The new standard is now 24.15 which enabled Mitchell to finish 80th overall and 8th in the CCCAN region.
Mitchell is also the reigning CCCAN bronze medal winner in the 15-17 category after setting a new senior national record of 23.81 in Trinidad and Tobago on July 2
Draftingthecaribbean got Stefano’s thoughts on the competition on July 30 and he said
“Overall it was a good experience. Being able to compete the way top athletes do is very different compared to the regional events I usually attend”
Coach of the delegation to Budapest that included Noah Mascoll –Gomes ,Gabby Gittens, Bianca Mitchell and manager Cleopatra Gittens gave his impressions as well about the competition
“Thrilled to be a part of this sport and to see that its growing. It will always be in my memory as a highlight to the event, witnessing Adam Peaty clocking in sub 26 on the 50m breaststroke. On a personal note I would like to thank FINA for continuing their support to developing countries. It was a fantastic experience for our athletes to compete next to the very best in our sport. The Hungarian people were extremely welcoming and helpful in every aspect. The venue was spectacular and well supported with encouraging fans. A huge thank you to the host country for an experience.
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