The 33rd OECS Swimming Championships have witnessed remarkable achievements from Team Antigua & Barbuda, as they continue to make waves in the competition. With multiple medals and record-breaking swims, the team has secured fourth place in the standings, showcasing their resilience and national pride. Despite facing challenges, including swimmers competing while unwell, Antigua & Barbuda has demonstrated exceptional determination. As of the second day, the team has amassed 732 points, trailing behind Grenada (836), St. Lucia (803), and St. Vincent (747.5).
Ethan Stubbs-Greene and Jadon Wuilliez emerged as standout performers, setting new OECS records. Stubbs-Greene shattered the 200-metre freestyle record with a time of 1:51.24, while Wuilliez achieved dual records in the 50-metre breaststroke (27.89) and 50-metre freestyle. Wuilliez also clinched silver in the 200-metre freestyle (1:56.27), with teammate Stefano Mitchell securing bronze (1:56.37).
The young swimmers of Antigua & Barbuda also made their mark, with nine-year-old Isabel Nicholas claiming gold in both the 200-metre freestyle (2:29.34) and 50-metre backstroke (37.14). Charlotte Gold and Anna Sukumaran joined her on the podium, earning silver and bronze in the 200-metre freestyle, respectively. Among the boys, Akasion Shepard took bronze in the 8-and-under 25-metre backstroke (21.56), while Alessandro Bazzoni earned silver in the 11–12 100-metre backstroke (1:09.51).
In the Development Pathway Division, 13-year-old Anya DeGannes secured silver in the 13–14 100-metre backstroke (1:11.54), adding to her earlier gold medals in the 200-metre freestyle and 100-metre butterfly. Team officials lauded the swimmers’ perseverance, highlighting their ability to achieve personal bests despite illness. Coaches emphasized the performances as a testament to the nation’s growing talent pool across age groups.
The OECS Championships continue through the weekend, with Team Antigua & Barbuda aiming to build on their momentum in the final sessions.