Local swimmers gain a wealth experience at CARIFTA Games

April 19, 2018

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DPI, GUYANA, Thursday, April 19, 2018

Swimmers Leon Seaton, Raekwon Noel, Nathan Jackson and Ethan Gonsalves all represented Guyana well, at the recently concluded CARIFTA Games (March 30- April 2) in the Bahamas.

Raekwon Noel.

Sharing the experience with the Department of Public Information (DPI), the young swimmers said despite not medaling, they took away a wealth of experience and were able to improve their individual times. The knowledge gained, they added, will play a vital role as they advance and participate in future events.

Leon Seaton who swam the 50, 100 and 200 metres freestyle, 50 and 100 metres butterfly and 50 metres backstroke explained that “The experience at this CARIFTA was very good. It was not my first year, it was my second which in I knew what was coming, so I programmed myself to swim the events.” Seaton added due to excellent preparation he was able to better his times in every event with the exception of the 50 metres freestyle.

Young Raekwon Noel competed in the 50, 100, 200 and 400 meters freestyle, 50 and 100 meters butterfly and the 200 meters individual medley. Even though this was his first time at the CARIFTA Games, Noel said he enjoyed every moment. “It was like turning over a new leaf. You are finding your own path that will possibly lead to the Olympics. I got the motivation to swim faster and the courage to work harder,” he explained.

Nathan Jackson specialises in the 50 and 100 metres breaststroke. He found adjusting to the climate, the most difficult part of the games. Nevertheless, he did not regret the experienced gained. “The place was very hot and most of us were tired but, we still went through. I went mostly for the experience and exposure but still came home improving on my times”, Jackson stated.

The swimmers are hoping to use the experience gained at the CARIFTA Games as momentum for their next big event which is the Central American and Caribbean Swimming Confederation (CCCAN) to be held in Aruba this July.