By Neto Baptiste
Coach of the Antigua and Barbuda swim team to the Commonwealth Games Youth Games, J’air Smith, said the aim is to register personal bests and national records at the August 4-11 games in Trinidad.
Speaking with Observer media, Smith said that although medals are always the ultimate goal, the level of competition will be much higher than what the athletes are accustomed to.
“Most importantly, I want them to drop times. I know they have been working hard and I want them to get scholarships, I want them to achieve their goals and it will be a good experience for them. I want them to get as much benefits and experience from this event as they can. It’s going to be a lot tougher so I am not really expecting anybody to medal here and like I said, we’re just going for times. It’s an international meet where they will be going up against countries who they haven’t been going up against before so mostly, the times are what we are looking for,” he said.
Reigning Junior Sportsman and Junior Sportswoman of the Year, Ethan Stubbs-Green and Ellie Shaw will lead the swimmers’ charge. Joining Shaw and Stubbs-Green on the swim team is Aunjelique Liddie who will swim in the female division and Tivon Benjamin in the male division.
Smith said the trick is keeping the athletes focused on the goal.
“Most importantly, I tell them it’s me, you and the clock; that’s what’s most important. If you understand that then you will always be looking for the time. Don’t worry about anybody else, it’s between me, them and the clock with no nervousness or nothing like that,” he said.
The delegation, which will also include a number of track and field athletes, will be led by former world number two ranked netball goal shoot Karen Joseph who will travel as Chef de Mission, while Eric Henry will serve as Assistant Team Leader and Administrator.
Commonwealth Games Association President, EP Chet Greene and Secretary General, Cliff Williams will also be in attendance.
