Black Sands Swim Squad collects bounty of medals at Barbados National Swimming Championships

St Vincent’s Black Sands Swim Squad swimmers competed in the Barbados National Swimming Championships from February 26 to March 1, 2015, making it their first regional competition for 2015.

Whilst up against the very best swimmers from Barbados, the competition also attracted swimmers from Grenada and St Lucia.{{more}} Shane Cadogan, Dillon Gooding, Cruz Halbich, Alexander Joachim, Chavez Joseph and Justin and Nikolas Sylvester took up the challenge, accompanied by Black Sands head coach Kyle Dougan. It was however, St Vincent’s newly crowned Junior Sports Person of the Year, Nikolas Sylvester, who led the way against the stiff competition. Sylvester brought home one gold, two silvers and one bronze medal after competing in a total of eight events, proving he is still one of the region’s top swimmers. Fourteen-year-old Cruz Halbich stepped up to the challenge of competing in the longest event raced in a pool, the 1500 meters. This was Cruz’s first time racing at this distance and with his nerves set to one side, Cruz complete the 30 lengths in pole position winning gold in his age group.

Swimmers Alex Joachim and Shane Cadogan found the Bajan competition a real challenge because both swimmers have moved up an age group this year, meaning they are the youngest in their age group by a two year difference. 11-12yrs age grouper Alex put aside his age disadvantage and battled to claim three Bronze medals at the event and Cadogan followed his example and also swam himself to three Bronze medals.

Personal best times were achieved by Chavez Joseph, Dillon Gooding and Justin Sylvester, though they were unable to make the medal podium this time.

Coach Kyle Dougan commented, “The results of this event were very positive on all accounts. It’s extremely satisfying to see our swimmers clinch medals at an event of such high standards and it is also a great indicator to myself and all of our swimmers of the levels of hard work they need to put in for the rest of the year to be able to stay medal contenders at future regional and international competitions.”

He went on to say “This was a great start to 2015 for Black Sands and St Vincent. The sport of swimming has made waves in St Vincent and it’s proving that we are an island gifted with some fantastic natural talent. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage more people to get involved in the sport. You can do so by contacting me on 532 9462.”