Bahamas Aquatics Federation President Algernon Cargill is brimming with confidence that his team will secure a seventh consecutive Carifta Swimming Championships title, and their ninth in the past 10 editions, as they prepare for the 38th staging of the event, set for April 19-23 at the National Aquatics Centre in Couva, Trinidad and Tobago.
Cargill shared his excitement after his administration ratified a strong 36-member squad following a highly competitive Last Chance Meet at the Betty Kelly-Kenning National Aquatics Centre this past weekend.
"We are very excited about this team, particularly with all of the team members achieving the Carifta qualifying times. We made the times more challenging this year, and the athletes rose to the occasion. We are very excited and hope that we retain our Carifta title. That is the plan," Cargill said.
The Bahamas has been the dominant force at the Carifta Swimming Championships in recent years, claiming victory in eight of the past nine editions. This year’s team features a blend of seasoned swimmers and rising stars across various age groups, all eager to keep the title in Bahamian hands.
However, Cargill acknowledged that one of their biggest challenges will be the logistics of getting athletes to and from the competition venue each day.
"We will be spending about four hours each day in the bus. The swimming complex is quite a distance from the hotel. We will just have to condition the athletes for the long ride and keep them loose so they could be ready to compete,” he explained.
The swimming complex in Couva lies roughly 26 miles south of Port of Spain, where the team will be based during the competition. Despite the travel concerns, Cargill remained optimistic.
“Based on the team that was named, as long as they are able to swim to their potential, we are very confident that they will retain their title. They are aware of the task that is in front of them and the challenges they will face. We’re looking forward to a successful defense of our Carifta swimming title,” he declared.
The Bahamas’ roster features standout swimmers across multiple age groups, with notable names such as Sienna Campbell, Taylen Nicolls, Saleste Gibson, Zoe Williamson, and Dexter Russell among those selected to represent the nation.
The open water team also boasts a talented lineup, with Gillian Albury, Madison Fox, Lauchlan Menzies, and Kevin Johnson Jr. expected to make waves in the April 23 competition at Five Islands Amusement Park in Chaguaramas.
Travano McPhee will lead the coaching staff, supported by assistants Camron Bruney and Jasmine Gibson, while Allan Murray heads the open water team. Team manager Celestial Darville, along with chaperones Therell Smith and Melvin Rolle, will help ensure the athletes remain focused and prepared throughout the championships.
Bahamas team: 11-12—Sienna Campbell, Skarlette Donaldson, Isabella Munroe, Taylen Nicolls, Semaiah Rolle, Kai Bastian, Logan Comarcho, Da’Kari Cooper, Nitayo Knowles, Dexter Russell
13-14—Isabella Cuccurullo, Alissa Ferguson, Saleste Gibson, Siann Isaacs, DNDN McKenzie, Violet Saralegui, Kimaya Saunders, Skyler Smith, Christon Joseph, Alexander Murray, Trace Russell, David Singh, Kaylan Williams, Issac Wright
15-17—Tia-Isabella Adderley, Lelah Lewis, Mia Patton, Elle Theberge, Zoe Williamson, Elyse Wood, Tristen Hepburn, William Farrington, Ellie Gibson, Ayrton Moncur, Donald Saunders, Caden Wells
Open Water—Gillian Albury, Samirah Donaldson, Madison Fox, Madison Gilbert, Alanna Murray, Erin Pritchard, Lauchlan Menzies, Trace Russell, Kaylan Williams, Kevin Johnson Jr., Malcolm Menzies, Myles Saunders