With goggles on, hearts pounding, and a five-day battle in the water ahead, Jamaica’s top junior swimmers are set to dive into action at the Carifta Aquatics Championships in Trinidad and Tobago. As the heats begin Saturday morning, team manager Georgia Sinclair is confident that her swimmers are ready to make their usual splash on the regional stage.

Jamaica is fielding a balanced and motivated squad, brimming with returning stars and fresh talent, and Sinclair, a seasoned leader at these games, believes the team is primed to contend for an overall podium finish, even as they prepare to face regional powerhouses like defending champions The Bahamas, hosts Trinidad and Tobago, and a rising Cayman Islands.

"I am pleased with what I have seen to date regarding the swimmers' physical and mental preparation. The swimmers are very excited and mentally focused. This has been evident in the national team training sessions over the past three weeks," Sinclair told SportsMax.TV ahead of the opening races.

Jamaica’s roster includes a formidable mix of experience and budding talent. Among the headline acts is Kia Alert, who returns after winning the High Point Trophy in the 11–12 girls category last year. Noland Barrett, a dominant force in the 13–14 age group who claimed the Highest World Aquatics Points Award in 2023, is back to make more waves.

Jamaica's swimmers during the opening ceremony.

Other standouts include Noah Parker and Joel Sinclair in the 11–12 boys division, as well as United States-based swimmer Skyelar Richards, who brings international flair to the team. In the older age groups, Kai Radcliffe—a consistent Carifta medalist—enters his first year in the 15–17 boys bracket, while Christanya Shirley, a familiar name in regional circles, is expected to shine in the 15–17 girls division.

"This team comprises a lot of talent. They settled in well as soon as we got here, and based on what we saw from the two solid training sessions on April 17 and 18. They’re ready," Sinclair noted.

Managing a team of athletes ranging from pre-teens to near-adults is no easy feat, but Sinclair says it all comes down to understanding.

"Managing a team with varying ages and personalities can be challenging. But it becomes easier once you understand the psychology of children’s behaviour. Part of that management process is having team meetings, one-on-one check-ins, giving swimmers a listening ear, and showing empathy," she explained.

Sinclair stressed that when races do not go as planned, the focus is not on disappointment but more on resilience, as she pointed to the mental side of sport that is often overlooked, particularly in youth competition.

"It’s about giving them space to process their performances and helping them to move forward. There are always more races ahead," she shared.

Swimmers going through their paces.

Jamaica’s swimmers will have to be at their best to break into the top three, but Sinclair is optimistic.

"We have to contend with seven-time champions The Bahamas, Trinidad, who are hungry to win at home, and Cayman. But I firmly believe we can challenge for a podium finish. Our swimmers have been well prepared both physically and mentally," Sinclair declared.

"This is a fast pool, so I expect many personal best times. The swimmers are hyped up and eagerly awaiting competition. I expect them to give maximum effort," she ended.