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Three members of the 30-member Jamaica swim staff, which can compete on the 2025 CARIFTA Aquatics Championships in Trinidad and Tobago from April 19 to April 23. They’re (from left) Kia Alert (women 13-14); Emanuelle Spence (women 11–12; and Benjamin Davis (boys 15-17). The swimmers stopped on the Jamaica Info Service (JIS) head workplace in Kingston on Tuesday (April 15), the place they acquired a donation of paper Jamaican flags to take to the video games.
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The island’s elite youth swimmers are eagerly trying ahead to representing staff Jamaica on the thirty eighth Carifta Aquatics Championships in Trinidad and Tobago from April 19 to 23.
The 30-strong swim squad, accompanied by a seven-member administration unit, left the island on Wednesday, April 16 for the video games.
They are going to interact in age-group competitors with different athletes from throughout the Caribbean in numerous aquatic disciplines.
Forward of their departure, three of the athletes, together with their dad and mom, stopped on the Jamaica Info Service (JIS) headquarters in Kingston, the place they acquired a donation of paper flags to take with them to the competitors.
Director of Analysis, Print and Manufacturing, Andrine Davidson, who handed over the flags, expressed finest needs to the athletes.
“We hope that you’ll fly them very extremely to symbolise Jamaica’s dominance. We want you all the perfect within the competitors,” she mentioned.
With 45 medals from final yr’s video games in Nassau, The Bahamas, inclusive of 18 gold, 12 silver and 15 bronze and putting fourth on the medal desk, expectations are excessive among the many swimmers for an additional robust displaying this yr.
Kia Alert, essentially the most excellent athlete within the women’ division from final yr’s Carifta Video games, with eight medals, is trying ahead to a different spectacular medal haul.
The younger swimming sensation, who was named the 2024 Aquatics Athlete of the 12 months on the current RJR Gleaner Nationwide Sportsman and Sportswoman of the 12 months Awards, has damaged age-group nationwide information within the 50-metre freestyle, 50-metre breaststroke and 100-metre breaststroke.
“Final yr I did good. I gained the high-point trophy and [the Highest Aqua Point] trophy. I gained 5 gold medals, two silver and one bronze,” she shared.
“It was a enjoyable expertise… I simply felt so pleased with myself,” mentioned Kia, who will compete within the 13-14 age group.
Benjamin Davis, who gained two bronze medals final yr, mentioned the expertise was “very onerous however it was good”.
The 15–17 age-group competitor feels that he’s higher ready this yr after present process months of intense coaching.
“I believe that it’s in all probability the most effective coaching that I’ve ever carried out in my complete life, so I’m undoubtedly prepared,” Benjamin mentioned.
He’s urging Jamaicans to assist the staff. “Simply tune in and assist, as a result of we shall be performing, and we shall be profitable a number of medals,” he mentioned.
Emanuelle Spence, who competes within the 11–12 age group, shared that “it’s been very onerous at occasions coaching, generally six days per week… however it’s making ready us for the competitors that’s not going to be simple”.
Because the swimmers put together to don the nationwide colors in competitors, their sights are set on victory, and their hearts are filled with Jamaican pleasure.
“I’m very proud and I’m able to signify my nation to the most effective of my means,” Emanuelle declared.
They’re buoyed by a powerful assist staff, together with their dad and mom.
“Go in and don’t assume limits. You’re ready; belief your coaching. You’re going to do effectively,” inspired Kia’s mom, Dahlia Alert.
Past Carifta, staff members may even be competing on the UANA (Panama) Aquatics Championship in Might and the Goodwill Video games in Barbados in August.
— JIS
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