Bridgetown, Barbados – April 1, 2025 – Following their first official team practice and a crucial mental preparation seminar, the Barbados CARIFTA swim and open water team is setting its sights on the XXXVIII CARIFTA Swimming Championships, which will be held in Couva, Trinidad and Tobago in 2025. The team’s initial gathering took place on Sunday, March 30th, at the Aquatic Centre in Wildey, St. Michael, and was followed by a session led by Mr. Michael Jules focused on mental fortitude.
Team Manager Kay Chandler, a veteran in this role, expressed her optimism about the team’s prospects for the upcoming competition. Speaking to News On the Go, she stated, “I’m looking forward to some great performances from the team overall. We have a very strong team.” Chandler, who is serving as team manager for a Barbados national team for the fourth time, added, “My first was the 2022 Goodwill Games in Trinidad, followed by CARIFTA Bahamas in 2024, and CCCAN in Mexico last year.” She further elaborated on the team’s composition, noting the diverse talent representing Barbados: “We have 26 pool swimmers and 5 open water athletes, with two of the pool swimmers also competing in the open water competition.” The team comprises a total of 29 athletes.
Barbados is aiming to build on their performance from the XXXVII CARIFTA Swimming Championships held in Nassau, Bahamas in 2024, where they secured an impressive haul of 37 medals (15 silver, 15 gold, and 7 bronze), placing 5th overall. The XXXVI edition of the games was held in Willemstad, Curacao in 2023. “We are hoping for a better showing this year,” Chandler added, underscoring the team’s determination to climb the medal standings in Trinidad and Tobago.
Leading the charge in preparing the athletes is Head Coach Tony Petronlanda, who is supported by Assistant Coach Darny Olalde Hernandez, and Tamara Patrick. The coaching staff’s guidance will be crucial in honing the swimmers’ skills and race strategies for the regional meet.
The team also benefits from the experience of several returning swimmers, including captains Heidi Stoute and Joshua Ross, along with Jaiya Simmons, Toria Alleyne, Kaija Eastmond, Aliyah Greaves, Victor Ashby, Saniya Minnis and Mihael Sobers. Their leadership is expected to be invaluable in mentoring newer team members as they prepare for the championships in Couva.
Team Manager Kay Chandler conveyed her confidence in the team’s ability to represent Barbados with distinction at the XXXVIII CARIFTA Swimming Championships in Trinidad and Tobago. She said the team is expected to perform well and represent Barbados to the best of their ability.
With their initial team practice and mental preparation session successfully completed in Bridgetown, Barbados, the Barbados CARIFTA swim and open water team is now focused on the journey ahead to Couva, in the Twin Island Republic, with high hopes for success at the 2025 championships.
