NIGEL FORBES STANDS TALL AT CCCAN,WINS REGIONAL BREASTSTROKE TRIPLE CROWN (UNANA,CARIFTA AND CCCAN TITLES) EN ROUTE TO FIVE GOLD AND TWO SILVER

At the recently concluded CCCAN swimming Championships held in Aruba Nigel Forbes continued his epic season in an 11-12 age group division which was brimming with talent. Forbes stood tall among his peers in the breaststroke for 2018 and was unbeaten for the season in that stroke .

50 metre breaststroke medallists from left to right Blackman, Forbes and Trejos Photo courtesy of CCCAN

It would be the 50 metre breaststroke in  which he would make put together a masterpiece of a swim .Already the fastest Bahamian 11-12 breaststroker of all time with 32.54 he now had his sights on the 2005 CCCAN record of Panamanian Arturo Medina of 32.42 .That time tied Bermudan Sam Williamson 11-12 national mark of 32.42 as the second fastest of all time in the CCCAN region. The unofficial record was held by  Aruba Jordy Groters at 32.41. Things looked promising for young Forbes when he clocked the fastest time of the preliminaries of 32.99. In the championship Final Forbes  took off from the sounding of the starter’s gun and was more than a body length of the field by the 25 metre mark.With the question of the Gold answered what needed to be determined was what the record would be lowered to . Forbes continued to blaze towards the wall and slapped the pads in a time of 32.15 , a new PB, Bahamian , CCCAN Championship  record and he can officially hold the moniker of the fastest the region had ever seen in the event. Winning the Silver was Trinidad and Tobago Nikoli Blackman in 34.74 and the Bronze to Edu Trejos in 34.75. It was this event that he created history for the CARIFTA region by winning the first ever Gold medal at the  inaugural UANA Championships so it is fitting that he would take the regional Triple Crown UANA , CARIFTA and CCCAN titles in the fastest swim of all time.

Nigel Forbes of The Bahamas First Gold Medallist for The Bahamas and the CARIFTA region 11-12 breaststroke Gold at the 2018 UANA cup

UANA	34.20
CARIFTA	34.05
CCCAN	32.15

The 100 metre breaststroke would see Nigel putting another show of scintillating speed.As with the 50 metre breaststroke he was already the best The Bahamas had ever produced with his 1:12.24 clocking from the REV nationals and was within a hair’s breadth of the CCCAN record time of 1:12.18 set by  Olympian Carlos  Claverie of Venezuela  (Rio 2016) .

Carlos Claverie waving to the crowd after being presented with Bronze medal at the 2014 Youth Olympics Photo courtesy of panamericanworld

Claverie  won Bronze at the 2014 Youth Olympics in Nanjing China in the 100 metre breaststroke in a time of 1:01.56.

After easing into the final with a time of 1:14.78  he decided to turn on the thrills in the final. When the race started Nigel again separated himself by some distance by the halfway mark turning in 33.13, a split that would have would the Silver in the 50 metre race. He kept applying the pressure and touched in a new PB,Bahamian record and CCCAN Championship record of 1:11.16.  Forbes is now the fastest ever swimmer the CARIFTA region has produced in the event.He just missed the unofficial CCCAN 2014 record of 1:10.94 held by Puerto Rico’s Daniel Chevere. The win also marked another Triple Crown performance ( UANA, CARIFTA and CCCAN). Silver went to Panamanian Trejos in 1:13.24 and Blackman won Bronze in 1:16.24.

Event	Time	Split
UANA	1:15.07	35.40
CARIFTA	1:15.81	35.50
CCCAN	1:11.16	33.13

Boys 11-12 200 metre breaststroke medallists from left to right Trejos, Forbes and Bonati Photo courtesy of Harold Wilson

The 200 metre breaststroke which was Forbes first individual race saw a colossal battle between himself and Trejos. The Panamian started the race with a split of 35.67 followed by Nigel with a 36.50 . They were the only swimmers under 37 seconds for the first 50 metres and well ahead of the rest of the field. Nigel kept closing the gap on Edu until he was ahead by .01 ahead of him coming off the final wall.

Forbes pushing for Gold in the 200 metre breaststroke Photo courtesy of CCCAN

 

He then stepped on the gas to take the win in a new PB and Bahamas record 2:36.00.  Forbes just missed another Claverie standard of 2:35.89 but is now the fastest ever 11-12 200 metre breaststroke swimmer from the CARIFTA region. Edu was close behind winning Silver in 2:36.32. Bronze went to Stefan Bonati of the Cayman Islands in 2:49.08.

Boys 11-12 100 metre butterfly podium from left to right Wilson,Forbes and Gossmann Photo courtesy of CCCAN

There would be more Gold for Forbes in Aruba in the sprint butterfly events. In the 100 metre butterfly he won the Gold based on a strong back half. This, as he was behind at the 50 metre mark as the early leaders Christopher Gossmann of Guatemala 29.23 and Trinidad and Tobago standout Zarek Wilson 29.44. Nigel’s split was 30.05. He however provided the fastest last 50 metres to take the Gold in 1:01.95 a new PB and Bahamian record taking almost a second off the 2014 Evante Gibson standard of 1:02.83 .that completed the regional Golden Double as he won the CARIFTA Gold in 1:04.05 earlier this year in Kingston. Silver went to Wilson in a new PB of 1:02.16 and the Bronze to Gossmann in 1:02.23.The same trio finished in the exact same order earlier at the UANA cup with times of 1:03.34,1:03.48 and 1:04.19 respectively

CARIFTA	1:04.09	30.47
CCCAN	1:01.95	30.05

Boys 11-12 50 metre butterfly medal podium from left to right Sealy, Forbes and Gossmann Photo courtesy of CCCAN

In the 50 metre butterfly he posted the only sub 28 seconds time in the final to win 27.73. Omari Sealy of Barbados took the Silver in 28.17 and Gossman 28.25. He holds the national record at 27.67.

Boys 11-12 100 metre freestyle medal podium from left to right Forbes,Blackman and Johnson Photo courtesy of Harold Wilson

In the 100 metre freestyle he dipped under the 58 seconds barrier for the first time to win Silver in a PB and national record time 57.79.Gold went to Blackman in 57.61 and the Bronze to his teammate Marvin Johnson in 58.75. The old 11-12 record of 57.99 belonged to Lamar Taylor .

 

11-12 mixed 200 metre freestyle relay medallists from left to right The Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago and the Cayman Islands Phoot courtesy of Harold Wilson

There would be another Silver for Forbes and Team Bahamas in the 200 metre mixed freestyle relay.The team of Johnson (27.98),Keianna Moss (28.72) ,Devin Cuffy-Bethel 28.98 and Forbes (25.76) stopped the clock in 1:50.64 just behind Team Trinidad and Tobago 1:50.29 .The Bronze went to the Cayman Islands in 1:52.64. Nigel placed 9th in the 400 metre freestyle.

When draftingthecaribbean contacted the young swimmer he gave his thoughts on his breaststroke Gold medals . He said that he felt great about all the breaststroke races his favourite was the 100 metre race. When questioned about the 200 metre event if he knew about the record and if he could have gone faster he said he did not think he could have gone any faster because he had great competition from his Panamanian competitor (Edu Trejos) and he gave it his all. Forbes now owns 7 of the 16 individual Bahamian national records for the 11-12 age group

Event	Record
100 metre freestyle	57.79
50 metre breaststroke	32.15
100 metre breaststroke	1:11.16
200 metre breaststroke	2:36.00
50 metre butterfly	27.67
100 metre butterfly	1:01.95
400 metre IM	5:18.05

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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ZAREK WILSON LEADS STRONG 11-12 AGE GROUP TO BE A MAJOR FORCE IN TEAM TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO’S MEDAL COUNT AT CARIFTA 2018

The recently concluded 2018 CARIFTA Championships saw a very strong contingent from the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago dominating the 11-12 age group in Kingston.The 11-12 team included Nikoli Blackman,Zoe Anthony,Joy Blackett,Gabrielle Vickles,Josiah Changar,Amelia Rajack,Savannah Chee-Wah, Stachys Harley,Nieshelah Caseman, Caitlyn Look Fong ,Sheni St Hilaire and Zarek Wilson.

TEAM TTO 11-12 swimmers at CARIFTA 2018 Photo courtesy of Harold Wilson

They were also the major force behind the squad earning 19 Gold 19 Silver and 7 Bronze as the youngsters hauled in 15 Gold, 14 Silver and Two Bronze.

Team Trinidad and Tobago at the opening ceremony Photo courtesy of Harold Wilson

In the relays Team TTO did not place below Silver for any relay and fittingly they won the 400 mixed freestyle relay . The team of Anthony , Changar ,Chee-Wah and  Blackman swam under the old Championship record of 4:10.82  twice, in the heats 4:05.25 and final 4:08.60.

11-12 400 medley relay Silver medallist from left to right Zoe Anthony, Caitlyn Look Fong, Neishelah Caseman, Savannah Chee-Wah Photo courtesy of Harold Wilson

 

400 medley relay Gold medallists from left to right Josiah Changar, Nikoli Blackman, Stachys Harley, Zarek Wilson Photo courtesy of Harold Wilson

The 11-12’s got their CARIFTA 2018 off on a Golden note as Zoe Anthony won the 200 metre breaststroke in a time of 2:53.55

Zoe Anthony competing in the heats of the 200 metre breaststroke Photo courtesy of Harold Wilson

Leading the medal charge for the 11-12 age group was Zarek Wilson who won 13 Gold medals and set a CARIFTA record in the 400 metre freestyle on his way to winning  the high point trophy .

11-12 high point winners girls and boys Elan Daley of Bermuda and Zarek Wilson Photo courtesy of Harold Wilson

In many of 11-12  victories for the boys Team TTO delivered a one –two punch for the boys as Wilson and his countryman Nikoli Blackman set a pace that gave their competitors too much to handle.

Nikoli Blackman and Zarek Wilson Photo courtesy of Harold Wilson

Draftingthecaribbean contacted Wilson and he gave us his thoughts

“After Carifta 2017 where I won 2 individual bronze and 2 relay golds I was both satisfied and disappointed at the same time.  Satisfied to have qualified for Carifta after competing at the Goodwill level for several years.  Disappointed because I wanted to achieve so much more.  After the Bahamas, I was able to train more consistently and pay more attention to my dryland exercises, since the Secondary Entrance Exam was now behind me.

Zarek Wilson Photo courtesy of Harold Wilson

This year in Jamaica I was satisfied with what I had achieved, especially since this was my final year of the 11-12 age group.My coach, Edmund Pouchet, expanded my swim program, adding new events like the 400 metre  freestyle and 400 metre  individual medley.  These two events ended up being memorable.  The 400 metre freestyle was a battle with my friend Nikoli Blackman.  We both went under the Championship record (4:29.92 Samson Boileau Guadeloupe), but I was able to out touch him at the end (4:27.78 to 4:27.89).

Wilson with the Landon Von Kanel trophy for the 11-12 swimmer who wins both the 200 and 400 metre freestyle races. It is awarded in honour of Von Kanel who was a top swimmer from The Cayman Islands who left us too soon Photo courtesy of Harold Wilson

And the 400 metre individual medley was on the back end of a triple, which  included the 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke.  Head Coach Shawn Pouchet really encouraged me when I was feeling tired.  He reminded that I had actually been been practicing for days like this.  His encouragement paid off for me.  Even though it was painful, I was able to persevere and gain my third personal best of the day  (5:10.41).

Zarek and Nikoli preparing to race Photo courtesy of Harold Wilson

 

CARIFTA in Jamaica was a really enjoyable experience for me. The atmosphere was great and I was happy to share the podium with my team mate and friend Nikoli on multiple occasions.  We have been swimming, competing and having fun together since we were  6 or 7 years old. Now that CARIFTA is over, I am preparing for CCCAN in Aruba.  After that I will sit down with my coach, Edmund Pouchet, and begin planning for next year, which will be my first year in the 13-14 age group”.

UANA CUP DAY THREE 15-17 BOYS JACK KIRBY OF BARBADOS WINS 50 METRE BACKSTROKE COMPLETES SPRINT DOUBLE,SMASHES THREE AGE GROUP RECORDS

The final day of the UANA CUP in Coral Springs Florida saw Jack Kirby of Barbados completing the backstroke sprint double.  Kirby  would be the best placed swimmer from the CARIFTA region as he placed second overall with 26.5 points. Kirby, who was fittingly named Junior Athlete of the Year for 2017 for his nation lived up to that accolade by producing yet another  another stellar performance.

Jack Kirby UANA Gold medallist and Barbadian age group in the 50 metre backstroke

He started his run of good performances by completing the CARIFTA region trifecta in the 50 metre backstroke. Earlier Zarek Wilson of Trinidad and Tobago and Lamar Taylor of The Bahamas captured the 11-12 and 13-14 crowns respectively.

Trinidad and Tobago’s first Gold medallist at the UANA Cup Zarek Wilson 11-12 50 metre backstroke Gold  medallist

Lamar Taylor of The Bahamas 13-14 50 metre backstroke gold medallist

He won the event in a time of 26.63 holding off Mexican standout Guillermo Cruz Zuniga who stopped the clock 26.73 .Matheus Zacharias of Brazil won the Bronze in 27.16. Kirby’s effort lowered his previous 15-17 national record of 26.88 set at the World Junior Championships in Indianapolis on August 25.It also bettered the Youth Olympic Games A qualifying standard of 26.73.He completed the backstroke double after winning the 100 metre in an new age group and Youth Olympic A standard time of 56.34.

In his sights for the CARIFTA Games will be the Championship record of 26.31 set by Trinidad and Tobago’s David McLeod at the 2014 Aruba Championships.

In the 100 metre freestyle he placed 4^th in a time of 52.04 (split time 25.70) .He was just out touched by Zacharias who punched the clock in 51.96. Kirby’s strong back end speed was evidenced yet again as he produced the fastest last 50 metres of the competition of 26.34.

Alex Sobers of Barbados( 15-17 boys champion in the 200 and 400 metre freestyle receiving award Photo courtesy of carifta2016mque

His effort earned him yet another age group record as he lowered the 52.25 (split time 25.42) set by Olympian Alex Sobers (Rio 2016) when he won Gold at the 2016 CARIFTA Championships in Martinique.

In the very last event of the day the mixed 200 metre freestyle relay Kirby lead off the Barbados team with a time of 23.68. That broke yet another Sobers age group standard of 24.14. Alex had set the record in the heats of the 50 metre freestyle at the 2016 CARIFTA championships. That also puts Kirby within striking distance of the Youth Olympics A standard time of 23.56. The other members of the team Danielle Titus 27.79, McKayla Treasure 29.31 and Luis Sebastian Weekes helped to produce a total time of 1:45.39 just missing the age group record of 1:45.16 to place 8^th overall. The national age group record was set by the team of Sobers, Hannah Gill, Damon St Prix and Treasure set at the 2016 Caribbean Island Swimming championships in The Bahamas.

Renzo Tjon A Joe photo courtesy of Renzo Tjon A Joe

With that swim Kirby has put his name in the conversation to swim the event at CARIFTA in Jamaica and possibly go after the Championship record of 23.37 set by Olympian Renzo Tjon A Joe (Rio 2016) of Suriname at the 2013 Kingston Championships. Kirby gave his thoughts about his final day performances to draftingthecaribbean

“To me the race (50 metre backstroke) didn’t feel that great but the outcome was good. For the 100 free, the plan was to make the same time or better from the day before. For the 50 free, the goal was just to make the 23 from the start of the meet so making it on the second attempt was a great feeling”.

Top Regional Performances

Izaak Bastian Photo courtesy of Michael C Lyn

Name	Country	Event	Age Group	Time	Place
Izaak Bastian	The Bahamas	50 metre breaststroke	15-17	29.23	Gold
Izaak Bastian	The Bahamas	100 metre breaststroke	15-17	1:04.37	Gold
Izaak Bastian	The Bahamas	50 metre freestyle	15-17	24.08	Bronze

Nicholas Vale Photo courtesy of Michael C Lyn

Name	Country	Event	Age Group	Time	Place
Nicholas Vale	Jamaica	400 metre IM	15-17	4:56.85	Bronze

Kael Yorke Bronze medallist in the 100 metre butterfly

Name	Country	Event	Age Group	Time	Place
Kael Yorke	Trinidad and Tobago	50 metre butterfly	15-17	25.52	Silver
Kael Yorke	Trinidad and Tobago	100 metre butterfly	15-17	56.53	Bronze

Top Carifta performer in the 11-12 and 15-17 age group Zoe Anthony , Graham Chatoor top performer in the 15-17 400 metre freestyle and Zarek Wilson

Name	Country	Event	Age Group	Time	Place
Graham Chatoor	Trinidad and Tobago	200 metre freestyle	15-17	1:59.43	12th
Graham Chatoor	Trinidad and Tobago	400 metre freestyle	15-17	4:15.18	12th

Luis Sebastian Weekes Photo courtesy of Micheal C Lyn

Name	Country	Event	Age Group	Time	Place
Luis Sebastian Weekes	Barbados	200 metre IM	15-17	2:13.97	4th

UANA CUP DAY THREE BOYS 11-12 AGE GROUP NIGEL FORBES OF THE BAHAMAS AND ZAREK WILSON OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO WIN BUTTERFLY AND BACKSTROKE MEDALS RESPECTIVELY

The final day of the UANA Cup in Coral Springs Florida on Jan 21 saw Nigel Forbes of the Bahamas and Zarek Wilson of Trinidad and Tobago landing more titles. The two swimmers were the top individual swimmers in all the individual events.

Forbes would complete the sprint breaststroke double when he took the 100 metre breaststroke title in a time of 1:15.07. The race itself was a close battle between Forbes and Brazilian Breno Bespo as they had respective splits of 35.40 and 35.41. Forbes’ superior back end speed proved decisive as he turned in the only sub 40 second last 50 in the field to touch in 1:15.07. Bespo stopped the clock in 1:16.07.  Mexican Nathan Ochoa Neurouth won the Bronze in 1:18.90.

Nigel Forbes of The Bahamas on his way to 50 metre butterfly Bronze Photo courtesy of Michael C Lyn

Earlier in the day he would add the 50 metre butterfly Bronze to the 100 metre butterfly Silver he had won earlier. Forbes would stop the clock in 28.68.Nigel will certainly have the 2009 CARIFTA record of Dylan Carter in his sights .

Draftingthecaribbean got a few words from Nigel about his medal winning performances and UANA overall

“It was a good experience for me I enjoyed event and the competition was very tough. But in the end my hard work payed off because I ended up with Two Gold One Silver and a Bronze. It was a good meet for me and I hope to do even better next time”.

Name	Country	Event	Age Group	Time	Place
Nigel Forbes	The Bahamas	50 metre breaststroke	11-12	34.20	Gold
Nigel Forbes	The Bahamas	100 metre breaststroke	11-12	1:15.07	Gold
Nigel Forbes	Bahamas	100 metre butterfly	11-12	1:03.34	Silver
Nigel Forbes	The Bahamas	50 metre butterfly	11-12	28.68	Bronze

Zarek Wilson being presented with the 11-12 high point trophy Photo courtesy of Michael C Lyn

Easily the most versatile CARIFTA region swimmer at the meet Zarek Wilson lead a Gold Rush for the boys in the 50 metre backstroke. Copping Gold as well were Lamar Taylor of The Bahamas 13-14 and Jack Kirby of Barbados 15-17. Zarek completed the sprint backstroke double when he won his race in 30.20.He will be looking to take down the 2014 CARIFTA record of 29.80 set by Suriname’s Yael Touw Ngie Tjouw. Zarek had a convincing victory as the Silver medallist from Mexico José Nangullasmú Arellane touched in 31.80 Simon  Bermudez of Colombia won Bronze in 32.83.Wilson would be back to medal winning ways again in the very next event taking the Silver medal in the 100 metre freestyle in a time of 58.30.

Zarek Wilson with his Eight medals won at the UANA Cup

Wilson’s strong performances follow in the same vein of top age group swimmers that we have seen from the twin island Republic to include Joshua Romany, Dylan Carter, Nicholas Bovell and George Bovell III to name  just a few. Zarek gave draftingthecaribbean a few words about the competition overall

“The UANA Swim Cup provided excellent competition and it was also an opportunity to see where I am in my training. I am happy that I was able to contribute to Team TTO’s efforts and improve a few of my personal bests.  My focus now returns to preparing for CARIFTA”.

Zarek Wilson with the 11-12 high point trophy

Name	Country	Event	Age Group	Time	Place
Zarek Wilson	Trinidad and Tobago	100 metre backstroke	11-12	1:07.63	Gold
Zarek Wilson	Trinidad and Tobago	50 metre backstroke	11-12	30.20	Gold
Zarek Wilson	Trinidad and Tobago	50 metre freestyle	11-12	27.32	Silver
Zarek Wilson	Trinidad and Tobago	100 metre freestyle	11-12	58.30	Silver
Zarek Wilson	Trinidad and Tobago	400 metre freestyle	11-12	4:33.49	Bronze
Zarek Wilson	Trinidad and Tobago	200 metre IM	11-12	2:31.50	Bronze
Zarek Wilson	Trinidad and Tobago	100 metre butterfly	11-12	1:03.48	Bronze
Zarek Wilson	Trinidad and Tobago	200 metre freestyle	11-12	2:09.05	Bronze

NIGEL FORBES OF THE BAHAMAS OPENS CARIFTA REGION GOLD MEDAL ACCOUNT, WILSON OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO CONTINUES INCREDIBLE FORM WITH GOLD AND TWO BRONZE, KEIANNA MOSS AND US VIRGIN ISLANDS RELAY WIN BRONZE MEDALS

Nigel Forbes of The Bahamas and Zarek Wilson of Trinidad and Tobago were the standout performers in the 11-12 age group for the CARIFTA region on Day 2 of the UANA Cup in Coral Springs Florida.

Nigel Forbes of The Bahamas First Gold Medallist for The Bahamas and the CARIFTA region 11-12 breaststroke Gold

Forbes etched his name in the history books by becoming the first CARIFTA region Gold medallist at the competition when he won the 50 metre breaststroke in a time of 34.20. Nigel won the race handily turning back the challenge of Mexican duo of Juan Valverde Sánchez 35.56 and Nathan Ochoa Neurouth 35.70.He would also claim Silver in the 100 metre butterfly in a time of 1:03.34 (split time 29.08). In speaking to draftingthecaribbean the Bahamian expressed the following thoughts about his showing on Day Two.

“I was very pleased with my performances and I enjoyed all my races”

Trinidad and Tobago’s first Gold medallist at the UANA Cup Zarek Wilson 11-12 100 metre backstroke Gold Triple medallist on Day Two

Trinidad and Tobago’s Zarek Wilson continued his magnificent form at the Coral Springs Aquatic Complex winning Three more medals, Gold and Two Bronze for an overall total of Six ,One Gold One Silver and Four Bronze medals. He got Trinidad and Tobago’s first ever Gold medal at the competition when he won the 100 metre backstroke in 1:07.63. He was easily ahead of Silver medallist Mexican José Nangullasmú Arellane 1:08.80 and Simon Bermudez of Colombia 1:11.80. He started the Day with a Bronze medal in the 100 metre butterfly in 1:03.48 (split time 29.28) . He would win another Bronze medal in the 200 metre freestyle in 2:09.05 (split time 1:03.38).

When draftingthecaribbean spoke the  young speedster he gave his impressions of the meet and his performances so far

“ I am really happy with my performances on Day Two and looking forward to the final day of competition. Today’s races were challenging. I am happy with my personal best in the 100 metre butterfly and 200 metre freestyle. While I was just off my personal best in the 100 metre backstroke I am elated with my first Gold medal of this competition. I have to give thanks to God first and my coaches, teammates and my supportive family and friends.

Keianna Moss of The Bahamas Bronze medallist in the 11-12 100 metre backstroke

Keianna Moss of The Bahamas ensured a podium spot of Day Two after finishing fourth in the 50 metre freestyle a day earlier. She took the Bronze medal in the 100 metre backstroke in a time of 1:12.50 . Moss actually had the fastest opening split with a time of 35.10. Speaking about her swim she said

“I was mentally and physically focused on my race and I executed my race just like how my coach expected me to and I am very proud to represent the Bahamas”

The US Virgin Islands would win their first medal at the Cup ,a Bronze in the girls 200 metre freestyle relay . The team of Lindsey Barr 31.05, Victoria Sperber 31.50,Fairley Maltby 32.04 and Gabriela Brunt 30.61 stopped the clock in 2:05.25.

The top CARIFTA regional performers in the 11-12 age group in other events included

Jillian Crooks of the Cayman Islands Photo courtesy of Cayman Sports Buzz

Name	Country	Event	Age Group	Time	Place
Jillian Crooks	Cayman Islands	100 metre butterfly	11-12	1:12.43	7th
Zoe Anthony	Trinidad and Tobago	50 metre breaststroke	11-12	38.33	6th
Zoe Anthony	Trinidad and Tobago	200 metre freestyle	11-12	2:22.73	4th

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO’S ZAREK WILSON’S TRIPLE LEADS THE CARIFTA REGION’S EIGHT MEDAL HAUL ON DAY ONE OF UANA CUP

The CARIFTA region’s swimmer performed well on the opening day of the UANA Cup . The meet which being held in Coral Springs Florida is designed for athletes from Central America, South America, and the Caribbean that are in UANA Zones 1 and 2. Despite  the temperature reaching as low as 14 degrees Celsius the Regions swimmers still brought the heat winning EIGHT medals on the day Three Silver and Four Bronze medals. Leading the way in the 11-12 age group was Zarek Wilson who won a Silver and Two Bronze medals.

Zarek Wilson winner of Three medals on opening Day of UANA Cup

Zarek became not only the first medallist  from Trinidad and Tobago  but the Region when he won the Bronze in the 400 metre freestyle in a time of 4:33.49.He would also win  the Region’s second medal when he won yet another Bronze in the 200 metre individual medley in a time of 2:31.50. He would complete the medal hat trick  when he won the Silver in the 50 metre freestyle in a time of 27.32. He had the following thoughts about his performances

“The first day was a bit tough because the weather was colder than what I am accustomed to. I am happy to have won medals for Trinidad and Tobago. The competition was stiff, which is what Coach Edmund Pouchet wanted me to face. The UANA Cup is a chance to face quality swimmers so I can see all the areas I have to improve. I am looking forward to the rest of my races where I hope to challenge my best times.”

Lamar Taylor of The Bahamas Silver medallist in the 13-14 50 metre freestyle

Zarek’s Silver lead to a medal rush with the region winning medals as well in the 13-14 and 15-17 races. In the 13-14 race it was The Bahamas Lamar Taylor who also took the Silver in a time of 24.57 and earned The Bahamas first medal of the competition.He was edged by the narrowest of margins by Mexican Victor Salcedo Carrillo who clocked 24.56. Lamar spoke to draftingthecaribbean about his performance

“After the disappointment at CCCAN (he was disqualified in the final) I basically just wanted to regain my title and swim my heart out.The race went pretty well .My start was not the best but it was good enough for me to get enough momentum.During the race I looked once and saw  the boy in Lane 3 and swam harder . I was kind of disappointed by the one hundredth defeat but to be honest I wasn’t really focused on the place I was focused on the time”.

Izaak Bastian Photo courtesy of Shelly Bastian

There would be another medal for The Bahamas as Izaak Bastian won the Bronze in the 15-17 age group.He won Bronze in a time of 24.08.That swim was under the Youth Olympic B qualifying time of 24.38. He gave his analysis of his race

“The 50 was a pretty good race for where I am in my training.I took some more time off than I usually do because I knew coming into the next 2 or 3 years in my training I know I will have to be very focused and not take off that much time.This winter break I took off 18 days so I could mentally reset before going into the next 2 years and decompress from 2017.This was only my second week back in training so to get up and go 24.0 with only two weeks of training was pretty impressive for me so I was really happy with the time.It was also great to see the swimmers I don’t normally race from Argentina and Brazil.I felt I had a good race the breakout was good I felt like I getting on it in my first couple of strokes which is something I have been working on a lot in practice”

Silver medallist in the 13-14 200 metre Individual medley Roan Baker of Barbados

Roan Baker of Barbados in the 13-14 age group earned his country’s first medal when he won the Silver in the 200 metre individual medley in a time of 2:18.23.

UANA Cup Bronze medallists and new national record holders in the 15-17 200 metre medley relay from left to right Luis Sebastian Weekes,Nkosi Dunwoody,Damon St Prix and Jack Kirby

Barbados would earn the last medal for the region when the Boys 15-17 200 metre medley relay team of Jack Kirby backstroke 27.47,Nkosi Dunwoody breaststroke 31.93 ,Luis Sebastian Weekes butterfly 27.16 and Damon St Prix freestyle freestyle won the Bronze in a new senior national and 15-17 age group record of 1:51.99. That lowered decades old record of 2:02.88 set back April 1993.That team had in their line up Dean Durant doing backstroke and Chris Moseley doing anchor leg duties.

Jamaica’s first Bronze medallist at the UANA Cup Emily MacDonald 13-15 50 metre freestyle Bronze medallist

The young ladies  winning  medals on the day included Jamaica’s Emily MacDonald who won the Silver in the 13-14 50 metre freestyle in 27.42.She gave draftingthecaribbean an assessment of her performance on Day One

“Medalling at UANA was a very big accomplishment for me especially swimming against the best swimmers from Central and South America who I am not used to competing against. Winning the very first medal for Jamaica at this meet was also a big accomplishment for me”.

 

Winning the only medal for the Region’s 15-17 girls

UANA Cup 15-17 Silver medallist Chadé M. Nersicio.Photo courtesy of Curacao national swimming team

was Curacao sprint princess Chadé M. Nersicio. She won the Silver in the event in 26.72 under the Youth Olympics B qualifying time of 27.39

Top CARIFTA Region performances for Day One

Zoe Anthony top CARIFTA region performer in the 11-12 age group in the 400 metre freestyle and 200 metre individual medley

Name	Country	Event	Age Group	Time	Place
Zoe Anthony	Trinidad and Tobago	400 metre freestyle	11-12	5:04.30	4th
Avery Lambert	Cayman Islands	400 metre freestyle	13-14	4:45.18	5th
Sam Bailey	Cayman Islands	400 metre freestyle	15-17	4:45.76	9th

Top Carifta performer in the 11-12 and 15-17 age group Zoe Anthony , Graham Chatoor top performer in the 15-17 400 metre freestyle and Zarek Wilson

Name	Country	Event	Age Group	Time	Place
Zarek Wilson	Trinidad and Tobago	400 metre freestyle	11-12	4:33.49	Bronze
Brian Desmond	Bermuda	400 metre freestyle	13-14	4:29.25	9th
Graham Chatoor	Trinidad and Tobago	400 metre freestyle	15-17	4:15.18	12th

Name	Country	Event	Age Group	Time	Place
Zoe Anthony	Trinidad and Tobago	200 metre IM	11-12	2:46.12	10th
Sabine Ellison	Cayman Islands	200 metre IM	13-14	2:34.57	8th
Sam Bailey	Cayman Islands	200 metre IM	15-17	2:31.70	12th

Name	Country	Event	Age Group	Time	Place
Zarek Wilson	Trinidad and Tobago	200 metre IM	11-12	2:31.50	Bronze
Roan Baker	Barbados	200 metre IM	13-14	2:18.23	Silver
Luis Sebastian Weekes	Barbados	200 metre IM	15-17	2:13.97	4th

Keina Moss Top CARIFTA performer in the 11-12 50 metre freestyle

Name	Country	Event	Age Group	Time	Place
Keiana Moss	The Bahamas	50 metre freestyle	11-12	29.50	4th
Emily MacDonald	Jamaica	50 metre freestyle	13-14	27.42	Bronze
Chadé M. Nersicio	Curacao	50 metre freestyle	15-17	26.72	Silver

Name	Country	Event	Age Group	Time	Place
Zarek Wilson	Trinidad and Tobago	50 metre freestyle	11-12	27.32	Silver
Lamar Taylor	The Bahamas	50 metre freestyle	13-14	24.57	Silver
Izaak Bastian	The Bahamas	50 metre freestyle	15-17	24.08	Bronze