BSSS takes boys’ category of RHAC championships

Black Sands Swim Squad (BSSS) swam away with the overall male category of the Rodney Heights Aquatic Centre (RHAC) Swim Championships held from April 10 to 13 in St Lucia{{more}}

Topping the Vincentians’ charge was Nikolas Sylvester, who contested the 13 to 14 age group. Sylvester copped eight gold medals, seven silver medals and one bronze. Reports say that inclusive Sylvester’s accolades were his shattering of five national records, which had stood for more than a decade. He also placed second in the Sprint Challenge, to add to his list of achievements.

Also propping up the BSSS’ medal tally was Shane Cadogan, who accounted for 12 medals (three gold, six silver and six bronze). He was crowned the overall champion in the 11 to 12 age grouping. En route, Cadogan broke one St Lucia record and one meet record.

BSSS’ other outstanding male swimmer was Alexander Joachim, who swam in the boys 9 to 10 age group, and saw him placing second overall.

Joachim pouched three gold medals, three silver and seven bronze medals and broke the 200m Butterfly record in his age group.

Additionally, Joachim finished second in the Boys 10 and Under Sprint Challenge. Black Sands’ other medal winners included Dillon Gooding with two silver and a bronze, which put him second in his age category of the championships.

Jamie Joachim with one silver and a bronze medal; Cruz Halbich – a lone silver medal; Kyle Dougan – one silver medal) and Chavez Joseph – a bronze medal, pushed up the tally of medals achieved by the males.

Not to be outdone, Shne Joachim champed the girls 13 to 14 age group. She won six gold, three silver and three bronze medals. Shne won the overall female Sprint Challenge and broke three St Lucia national records, including two records set 10 years ago by St Lucia’s only female Olympic qualifier.

The 2013 edition of the RHAC was the 15th annual championships and saw participation of over 350 swimmers representing 14 swim clubs from five regional countries.

Apart from BSSS, St Vincent and the Grenadines was represented by Blue Marlins Swim Club.