The dual-island Caribbean nation of St. Kitts and Nevis is marking a historic milestone in its sailing history, after local athlete Elijah Walters claimed a silver medal at the 2026 World Sailing Inclusive Championships hosted in Portimão, Portugal. The international tournament, which ran from October 1 to 10, brought together elite adaptive sailors from across the globe, with Walters competing in the Intellectual Impairment division of the ILCA 6 class.
Over six days of intense competition, Walters completed 15 qualifying and final races, steadily improving his performance across the event to secure his spot on the podium. He was officially awarded his silver medal during the tournament’s closing awards ceremony on the evening of October 10, marking a first for inclusive sailing in the St. Kitts and Nevis sailing community.
With 15 years of training experience under the Nevis Aquatic and Sailing Center (NASC), Walters’ achievement is far more than a personal victory: it is a powerful testament to the impact of accessible competitive opportunities for athletes of all abilities. Throughout the championship, the sailor demonstrated unwavering commitment, relentless perseverance, and a constant drive to refine his craft, gaining invaluable international competition experience that will shape his future career.
### Coach Nickhail Rogers Highlights Walters’ Exceptional Growth
Nickhail Rogers, Walters’ long-time coach, shared his pride in the athlete’s performance, emphasizing his standout ability to integrate coaching feedback and adapt his strategy mid-race.
“What impressed me most is how quickly Elijah can take on board coaching cues and adjust his approach out on the water,” Rogers explained. “He improved dramatically over the course of the championship week, a result of consecutive days of high-level competition, his own internal motivation to succeed, and our targeted work to strengthen his strategic and tactical racing skills.”
Rogers added that Walters’ win breaks down harmful stereotypes about athletes with impairments, proving that all people can achieve extraordinary feats that make their home nation proud. “This result is an inspiration for other athletes to believe in themselves and their goals. Too often, the biggest barrier we face is our own self-doubt, but achievements like this show that the strongest motivation comes from within. That’s what got Elijah this far, and I have no doubt he will keep growing in the sport,” Rogers said.
### Walters Calls Championship a Transformative Learning Experience
For Walters, the opportunity to compete at the World Sailing Inclusive Championships was about far more than earning a medal. The tournament provided a rare chance to train alongside top international sailors, access elite coaching, and compete in a purpose-built supportive environment that centered inclusion for adaptive athletes.
Across all 15 races, Walters actively sought feedback, identified areas for growth, and applied adjustments to his technique in real time. He entered the tournament confident in his ability to earn a podium spot, and his steady determination paid off. Walters expressed deep gratitude to World Sailing and the Portuguese organizing committee for the high-quality racing equipment, dedicated coaching support, and warm hospitality extended throughout his stay, noting that the well-resourced event made the experience particularly valuable for his development as an athlete.
### A Victory For The Entire St. Kitts and Nevis Sailing Community
The St. Kitts and Nevis Sailing Association (SKNSA) emphasized that Walters’ silver medal is a true community achievement, made possible by coordinated support from dozens of public and private stakeholders. The association extended special thanks first to Coach Rogers for his years of dedicated guidance and unwavering support to both Walters and all emerging sailors in the federation. Additional gratitude went to Walters’ parents and grandparents, whose constant encouragement has shaped his athletic journey from its earliest days.
Critical financial support that made Walters’ trip to Portugal possible came from two key partners: World Sailing, through its Emerging Nations Grant program, and the Nevis Island Administration’s Department of Sports, which provided a direct financial contribution to cover travel and competition costs. SKNSA also recognized the St. Kitts Department of Sports, noting that it looks forward to continued collaboration to create more international opportunities for local sailors. Additional funding and in-kind support came from the Nevis Aquatic and Sailing Center, affiliated club members of SKNSA, and independent private supporters, all of whom stepped up to make the trip a reality.
“This medal proves what we can accomplish when community organizations, families, donors, and sports governing bodies come together to lift up athletes and open doors to global competition,” said SKNSA representatives. “We are deeply grateful to every person and group that contributed to this journey, and that helped Elijah carry the flag of St. Kitts and Nevis onto the international stage.”
### Homecoming Planned For October 13
Walters and Coach Rogers are scheduled to return to the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis on Tuesday, October 13, bringing home the historic silver medal and a wealth of experience that will support Walters’ continued growth in competitive sailing.
SKNSA closed its announcement with a formal celebration of Walters’ groundbreaking achievement. “Elijah’s success is a celebration of raw talent, relentless determination, inclusive sport, and the unmatched power of community support,” the organization said. “Congratulations, Elijah! The entire Federation is proud of you.”