Antigua and Barbuda’s swimming prowess is built on top-notch coaching and a fiercely competitive environment. But it’s the dedication, fortitude, and determination of local youngsters that have propelled the sport to new heights. That winning formula was on full display in November when the national team swept to victory in the 31st edition of the OECS Swimming Championships.
Adding to their achievement, nearly a dozen of the 34-strong team were battling a tough bout of influenza A with accompanying respiratory symptoms, making their triumph even more remarkable. The team tied with Grenada to claim the title for the second year in a row, sparking jubilant celebrations back home. Days later, a judging error was revealed, awarding Antigua and Barbuda five extra points and securing an unassailable win.
A Record-Breaking Start
Held in St Lucia, the event started on a high note, says coach Wayne Mitchell, as he reflected on the team’s performance for Luxury Locations Magazine.
“We got off to a really good start. Right from day one, we were breaking records like crazy,” Wayne recalls. “The very first day was the 400m freestyle—a grueling event—and we were breaking the OECS record right there.”
Throughout the competition, several team members smashed both national and regional records, cementing Antigua and Barbuda’s reputation as a swimming powerhouse. While winning the prestigious event two years in a row is no small feat, Coach Wayne believes a third consecutive victory next year could make history
The Future Looks Bright
With some of the country’s finest swimmers currently abroad on sporting scholarships, Wayne believes their return to the team could make them indomitable. Recent years have seen Antigua and Barbuda rise to prominence, defeating traditional powerhouses like St Lucia and Grenada. The country now boasts the fastest male swimmer in the Eastern Caribbean, along with the fastest breaststroker and freestyler.
Coach Wayne credits the team’s success to the tireless dedication of local coaches.
“They have not rested,” he says. “They’ve educated themselves on the sport and continue to do so. We also have highly competitive swim clubs. We compete in a friendly and fair way, but we work hard to beat each other.”
Beyond the Trophies
Beyond trophies and bragging rights, swimming brings a host of benefits to young athletes. “Swimming builds confidence,” Wayne explains. “We’ve seen kids go from shy and sheltered to hearing people cheering them on, shouting out their names. They handle it well—they’re great kids and don’t get cocky.”
Wayne emphasizes the discipline it takes to excel in the sport. “Because it’s so tough, they respect it. They also do well academically and manage their time effectively, which helps them later when they go off to university.”
Back to Work
Far from resting on their laurels, the team returned to the pool soon after arriving from St Lucia to prepare for their next meet.
“I could not be more proud of our team,” Wayne says. “I caught the flu myself and it really knocked me down. I can’t imagine having to pull myself up on the block to dive in and swim while feeling like that. They did it, and they kept going. It was amazing to watch—they really wanted it.”
The victory was truly a team effort, with every single member contributing to the win. “They all put their soul into it and swam with everything they had,” Wayne adds. “It took every single one of them to bring home the cup.”
By Gemma Handy
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