In an inspiring display of perseverance and national pride, Haitian swimmer Alex Grand'Pierre faced formidable challenges yet delivered a commendable performance in the 100m breaststroke at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Despite a rigorous internship and limited preparation time, Alex displayed his dedication, finishing fourth in his heat and earning high praise from his coach and sister, Naomy Grand'Pierre, Haiti's first female Olympic swimmer.

His journey to Paris and his resilient spirit on the world stage highlight not only his athletic talent but also his commitment to representing Haiti with honour and distinction.

Naomy, who made history as the first woman to swim for Haiti at the Olympics in Rio 2016, explained the circumstances that affected Alex's performance.

"I think context is the most important thing," she began. "Alexander was interning in New York with the UN and the State Department, so the three months leading up to the Olympics, his training was based in New York. He was using a 25-metre pool and training every day, but when you train in a 25m pool as opposed to a long course pool for a long course race, there are some little details that you're not able to refine and endurance that you're not able to maximize."

Alex's tight schedule also played a role in his preparation. "It's also important to note that because of this internship and the very strict dates, Alexander arrived the morning of the 25th, which was one day before the opening ceremonies. So Alexander was able to get one solid day of training, had a wonderful performance at the opening ceremonies, left the opening ceremonies early, and then his race was in the morning," Naomy explained.

Despite these challenges, she expressed pride in Alex's efforts. "Considering all those outside factors and comparing it to all the other athletes that arrived two weeks before their Olympic races to perform at 100 percent best, this was Alexander's best, considering all the circumstances. So for him to only be a second shy of his best time, he still came fourth in his heat. He's the third fastest Caribbean Olympian. So from all the breaststrokers from the Caribbean islands, he is the third fastest and I think he did a phenomenal job."

Naomy (right) Alex and proud members of the Haitian delegation in Paris.

Naomy emphasized the significance of Alex's participation in the Olympics for her troubled nation. "What Alexander did well is rise to the occasion and understand the significance of his role as an athlete at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, and it was to represent Haiti at the highest possible level. Him at the opening ceremonies is a direct reflection of that, him before his race, during his race, and after his race is a direct reflection of that."

Looking ahead to the next Olympic Games, Naomy noted areas for improvement. "Under perfect circumstances, I would have loved for Alexander to participate in the pre-Olympic training camp that the head coach of Azura, John Luca, was in charge of. He would have adjusted to the time zone and done all of those things. So there's always room for improvement, and hopefully, in the next Olympic games, he will have all the ideal conditions for him to go a best time."

Alex's experience in Paris also provided valuable lessons. "As soon as he finished his race, he crossed paths with Adam Peaty and was able to take a photo with him. He's like the best breaststroker in the world. So it's moments like that; I think he knows that he's among the best. He was quite literally a symbol of Haitian excellence. And he's aware of the privilege and responsibility that comes with the position that he's in. I think he's taken a very good leadership role with all the Haitian athletes that are here; it's a delegation of seven."

Alex Grand'Pierre and Adam Peaty, who won silver in the final of the 100m breaststroke.

Naomy concluded with praise for Alex's positive influence. "Alexander has been very vocal about how important it is to bring positivity, good vibrations, and good energy for Haiti here in Paris for the world to see. And Alexander has done a beautiful, beautiful job."

Alex, a rising college senior, qualified for the Olympics after winning the 100m breaststroke at the Central American and Caribbean Swimming Championships last month. He holds Haitian records in the 50, 100, and 200-metre breaststroke and the Bowdoin College records in those distances.

Coming off a successful season in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), where he was named an All-American in the 100m breaststroke at the NCAA Division III championships, Alex has shown promise and resilience as he sets his sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Antigua and Barbuda's 15-year-old swimming sensation, Ellie Shaw, has been eliminated from the Olympic Games in the 100m breaststroke after finishing third in her opening heat on Sunday. Shaw clocked a time of 1:14.78, placing her behind 18-year-old Rouxin Tan of Malaysia, who won the heat in 1:12.50, and Imane Houda El Barodi, 23, who finished in 1:14.57. Unfortunately, none of the swimmers from this heat advanced to the semi-finals as only the top 16 swimmers overall progressed on time.

Shaw, Antigua's 2023 Junior Sportswoman of the Year, swims for the Wadadi Aquatic Racers Swim Club in St John's and is coached by Edith Clashing. Despite the early exit, her participation in the Olympics marks a significant milestone in her young career. Shaw began swimming in 2013 and has since become a prominent figure in Caribbean swimming.

Earlier this year, Shaw won gold at the 2024 Carifta Championships in the 100m breaststroke. She also set a national record and a junior area record in the 50m breaststroke with a time of 37.73 at the 2024 World Championships, demonstrating her potential and skill in the sport.

Though her journey in Paris has come to an end, Shaw's accomplishments at such a young age highlight her promising future in competitive swimming. Her dedication and achievements continue to inspire young athletes in Antigua and Barbuda and across the Caribbean.

Three-time Olympic champion Adam Peaty qualified fastest for the 100 metres breaststroke final at the World Championships in Doha.

Peaty, who was absent from the championships in 2022 with a foot injury and also missed out last year after stepping away from the sport to prioritise his mental health, clocked a time of 58.60 seconds to reach Monday’s final.

“I feel good,” the 29-year-old said.

“My objective for this meet was to progress through the rounds, progress physically and in results, but also progress mentally and see what strategies are working, what isn’t working.

“It’s more of a test event for us, but obviously we’re going to put our best foot forward and put a good fight on.

“After the heats I was like, ‘OK, I know what I’m working with and I know what I’m capable of’.

“But tonight was just about going out there, showing a little bit of Adam Peaty, getting a little bit angry with myself like I normally do. Tonight I showed that I can still get it down that back end when I really need to.”

Great Britain’s men finished fourth in the final of the 4x100m freestyle relay behind China, Italy and the United States, but the quartet of Jacob Whittle, Tom Dean, Duncan Scott and Matt Richards qualified for an Olympic quota spot with their performance in the heats.

Jamaica’s Alia Atkinson narrowly missed out on a medal in the Women’s 100m breaststroke at the FINA World Short-course Swimming Championships in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

Jamaica’s Alia Atkinson advanced to the final of the Women’s 100m Breaststroke at the FINA World Short Course Swimming Championships in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Atkinson was the third fastest qualifier into the semi-finals after Atkinson swimming 1:04.88 in Heat 6 to advance.

She then lined up in semi-final 2 where she swam 1:04.26 to finish second and advance as the fourth fastest qualifier to the final.

The final is scheduled for Monday.

Atkinson is seeking to add to her four previous medals at World Short Course Championships, including three gold and one silver.