NASSAU, Bahamas, April 3, 2024 — The Bahamas has done something no other country has ever done in the history of the CARIFTA Swimming Championships, and they did it in spectacular fashion, increasing its lead significantly each day, The Nassau Guardian reported in today’s edition in an article written by Sports Editor Sheldon Longley.
The host nation won a sixth consecutive CARIFTA swimming title, and eighth in the last nine meets, at the Betty Kelly-Kenning National Swim Complex in Nassau, The Bahamas, on Tuesday.
At the end of the four days of competition, The Bahamas amassed 1,096.50 points to easily out-distance its nearest competitor, the Cayman Islands, with 660 points. Trinidad & Tobago finished third with 639 points.
In the medal standings, The Bahamas again topped the table, finishing with 34 gold, 39 silver and 28 bronze for 101 total medals. Trinidad & Tobago finished second in the medal standings with 24 gold, 15 silver and 17 bronze for 56 total medals. The Cayman Islands rounded out the top three nations in the medal standings with 18 gold, 13 silver and 19 bronze for 50 total medals.
The order of finish at CARIFTA swimming is based on points as opposed to gold medal count for CARIFTA track and field.
“This is our house and we were able to hold it down. I couldn’t have done it without these amazing swimmers and the great coaches on the staff and I’m grateful to all of them. This was a complete team effort,” said Team Bahamas Head Coach Travano McPhee. “The support from the crowd was amazing. I’ve never felt this kind of energy in the stadium before. We want to thank the Bahamian people for that — we couldn’t have done this without their support. I’m proud to be a part of this team and I’m very proud of everyone who contributed and assisted in this sixth straight win. We’re not done yet… next year, we’re going for seven straight.”
Back from Grenada where he showed support to The Bahamas’ CARIFTA Games track and field team, Prime Minister (PM) Philip Brave Davis addressed the crowd and expressed warm sentiments on behalf of the Bahamian people to the visiting guests. He also spoke of the tragic loss of the fathers of Donald Saunders Jr. and Sara Dowden, of Grenada, and saluted their courageous efforts in continuing with competition.
The order of finish at CARIFTA swimming is based on points as opposed to gold medal count for CARIFTA track and field.
“This is our house and we were able to hold it down. I couldn’t have done it without these amazing swimmers and the great coaches on the staff and I’m grateful to all of them. This was a complete team effort,” said Team Bahamas Head Coach Travano McPhee. “The support from the crowd was amazing. I’ve never felt this kind of energy in the stadium before. We want to thank the Bahamian people for that — we couldn’t have done this without their support. I’m proud to be a part of this team and I’m very proud of everyone who contributed and assisted in this sixth straight win. We’re not done yet… next year, we’re going for seven straight.”
“Your countries are proud of you and we salute you,” said the prime minister to the two young swimmers.
PM Davis went on to speak about the spirit and camaraderie of the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships and congratulated all of the swimmers for tremendous efforts.
“This CARIFTA Aquatics Championships embodies the spirit of excellence that defines our great nation,” said the PM. “This is a victory not just for the swimmers but for every coach who has held a stop watch and every parent who is always there for their kids. On behalf of the people of The Bahamas, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this exciting championships. From the dedicated organizers to the enthusiastic fans in the stands, we are grateful. This is far more than just a competition. It is a jubilant festival about unity and friendship and the Caribbean spirit that refuses to be dampened. I’m swollen with pride for Team Bahamas in going after a sixth consecutive championship but I also want to congratulate all of the athletes for outstanding performances at this CARIFTA Aquatics Championships.”
See complete article in The Nassau Guardian at https://www.thenassauguardian.com/sports/six-straight-for-the-bahamas/article_ac7b33de-f11b-11ee-a2fa-37f1ebf86ca7.html
