A total of 18 swimmers from the Vipers and Wadadli Aquatic Racers (WAR) swim clubs, participated in the recently concluded Aquatic Centre International Invitational meet hosted by the Barbados Aquatic Sports Association from May 26-28 in Barbados.
Collectively, both teams won a total of 44 medals which comprised 12 gold, 14 silver and 18 bronze medals.
The Antigua and Barbuda Swimming Federation (ABSF) has extended congratulations to all the participating swimmers who all achieved personal best times in different stroke categories and distances.
During the meet, Madison MacMilan qualified to participate in the upcoming CCCAN Championship in August in El Salvador, while Zardad Jan acquired two AA times to qualify for the World Aquatic Junior Championship in September in Israel.
There was success as well for Keziah Joseph, Alexandro Bazzoni, and Anya DeGannes who also obtained quadruple A times which qualifies them for a meet in Atlanta, Georgia later this year. Zane Williams set a new national record in the 100 meters backstroke, boys 8 and under category. He also placed second overall in the boys’ 7-8 age category.
Also, Anya DeGannes placed second overall in the 11-12 age category, Alexandro Bazzoni placed second overall in the 9-10 age category, while Keziah Joseph achieved two age group records in the 400 and 200 meters freestyle category in the girls 9-10 age group. Bianca Mitchell who achieved a national record in the 200 meters as well as age group record in 100 meters breaststroke category, girls 18 and over age group.
There were creditable performances as well from Tivon Benjamin, moreso in the 50 meters back stroke category where he narrowly missed gold, settling for silver in the end. Aunjelique Liddie gained a B qualifier for the Pan American games to be held in Santiago, Chile in October. She came second in the 50 freestyle category in the 15 to 17 age group.
Benjamin also had improved time performances in the 100 meters freestyle, and in the 50 meters fly which resulted in his advancement in the World Aquatics points standing to fourth place behind another excellent War swimmer, Noah Mascoll Gomes.