One of the region’s emerging competitive swimming programs, the H2O Lions Swim Club, has turned in an impressive performance at the 2024 SVG Gallagher National Swim Championships, held from August 27 to 30 at the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre. The club’s young athletes not only secured a top-three finish in the team standings but also posted a dramatic jump in total medals across all age divisions, marking a major milestone for the program.
Over four days of tightly contested racing against some of the country’s top swimming talent, every H2O Lions competitor walked away with a new personal best time, with a large number of the club’s athletes earning spots on the championship podium. The performance highlighted the depth of skill and steady progress the club has fostered among its rising young competitors.
Standout individual results from the event underscore the promise of the club’s youth development pipeline: In the boys’ 9–10 age group, Calique Grant captured a bronze medal, while 11–12 age category competitor Ezron Quashie took home top honors in the 800m freestyle event, clinching the gold.
In a statement released after the competition, club leadership attributed the strong team showing to more than just improved speed and refined technique. The surge in medals and faster personal bests, the organization noted, also reflects clear growth in on-race confidence and strategic tactical awareness among all participating swimmers.
The club’s coaching duo, Josel Williams and Elise Quashie, emphasized that the program’s core mission extends far beyond racking up championship titles or team rankings. The club’s primary focus remains on holistic development, building every member both as a competitive swimmer and as a well-rounded individual.
“Our goal from the start has been to develop athletes who are stronger, smarter, and more confident both in and out of the pool,” the coaching pair explained. “When we center individual progress — focusing on perfecting core skills like starts, turns, and pacing, while also building mental toughness — strong team results come naturally. This championship performance proved that our approach is delivering real results. We are building a culture where every single swimmer has the opportunity to improve, regardless of their starting skill level.”
Currently, the H2O Lions Swim Club conducts regular training sessions at Questelles Beach. Local community members and aspiring swimmers can reach the organization directly by phone at 784-432-8701 for more information on membership and training schedules. To follow more local sports coverage from the region, readers can subscribe to the iWitness News WhatsApp Channel.