Saint Lucia is poised for an impressive showing at the upcoming XXXIX CARIFTA Aquatics Championships, with a dynamic 12-member squad blending seasoned champions and promising newcomers. The competition, scheduled for April 3-8 at Martinique’s Pierre Samot Community Aquatic Centre and Anses d’Arlet coastal area, will showcase the Caribbean’s finest young aquatic talent.
Leading the charge is Antoine Destang, the reigning Junior Sportsman of the Year and University of Michigan student, who returns with an impressive track record including two medals and two records from CARIFTA 2025. He headlines the 15-17 boys division alongside Pan Am Aquatics medalist Jayden Xu and Noah Dorville, both moving up from the 13-14 age category.
The team features an exciting mix of experience and fresh talent, with exactly half being debutantes. Among the standout newcomers is 12-year-old sensation Sapphire Parks, who dominated her 11-12 category debut last year by claiming the high points trophy. She returns accompanied by fellow debutante Maya Andrew in the same division.
The boys’ teams introduce several first-time competitors: Jayce Daniel, Tyler Dantes, and Dylan Corcoran in the 11-12 category, plus Caden Calderon and Henri-Christian Theobalds in the 13-14 division. The 15-17 girls’ team sees the return of US-based Fayth Jeffrey alongside teammate Fayth Lubrun.
Under the guidance of coach Peter James, manager Denise Parks, and chaperone Tamara Foster, the squad brings valuable experience from previous competitions at the Pierre Samot facility. Simultaneously, Saint Lucia will present updates to the CARIFTA Congress regarding their bid to host next year’s championships at the soon-to-be-completed National Aquatic Centre in Gros Islet.