Team Saint Lucia achieved a remarkable second-place finish at the 33rd Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Swimming Championships, held from November 7-9 in St. Vincent & The Grenadines. This marked a significant improvement from their fourth-place standing in the previous year. The event, hosted at the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre in Kingstown, saw participation from eight nations, with Saint Lucia emerging as a standout performer. The team secured an impressive tally of 66 podium finishes, including 32 gold, 16 silver, and 18 bronze medals, narrowly trailing behind Team Grenada, who claimed the top spot with a mere 24.5-point lead. The host nation, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, rounded out the top three. Among the highlights were the extraordinary achievements of 17-year-old Antoine Destang, who clinched nine gold medals out of 11 events and set multiple OECS records. Olympian Mikaili Charlemagne also shone brightly, dominating the 18+ girls’ category with eight gold medals. Additionally, young talents like 11-year-old Sapphire Parks, who won 10 of her 11 races, and 8-year-old Keyanno Elibox, who secured six gold medals, showcased the depth of Saint Lucia’s swimming prowess. Liza Verneuil, PRO for the Saint Lucia Aquatics Federation, praised the team’s resilience and dedication, emphasizing their alignment with the federation’s 2025 motto, ‘Rise Up.’ She highlighted the team’s consistent performance, record-breaking swims, and the collective effort of athletes, coaches, and support staff as key factors in their success. The championships not only celebrated individual achievements but also underscored the growing strength of Saint Lucia’s swimming program on the regional stage.
