Barbados made a powerful start to the 39th CARIFTA Aquatic Championships capturing seven gold medals, one silver, and two bronze medals on the opening day of competition on Saturday at the Stade Georges Gratiant in Lamentin, Martinique.
Leading the charge was distance specialist Heidi Stoute, who delivered an outstanding performance to win gold in the Girls’ 15-17 800 metres freestyle in 9:27.49 minutes, giving Barbados an early boost in the medal standings.
Another standout performer was Mihael Sobers, brother of Olympian Alex Sobers, who secured two gold medals on the day.
He first dominated the Boys’ 13-14 1500 metres freestyle, touching the wall in 17:29.23 minutes, before returning later to claim victory in the 50 metres backstroke in 28.97 seconds, showcasing his versatility and endurance in the pool.
Barbados also struck gold through Christian Vanderpool, who powered to victory in the Boys’ 11-12 200 metres breaststroke with a winning time of 2:46.27, while Keniel Ledgister added another top podium finish in the Boys’ 11-12 100 metres butterfly, stopping the clock at 1:05.78.
Relay teams were equally impressive, contributing significantly to the medal tally. The Boys’ 11-12 400 metres freestyle relay Zachary Ladipo, Keniel Ledgister, Joshua Parris and Christian Vanderpool gave a strong collective performance to capture gold in 4:12.26, while the Girls’ 15-17 400 metres freestyle relay team of Toria Alleyne, Ayoka Martin, Jaiya Simmons and Heidi Stoute produced a superb swim to also secure gold in 3:56.85 minutes.
Barbados also collected silver through Kaija Eastmond, who finished second in the Girls’ 13-14 100 metres butterfly in 1:07.34, adding to Barbados’ growing medal haul.
Bronze medals were earned by Gabriella Babb, who placed third in the Girls’ 11-12 100 metres butterfly in 1:13.45, and Kaija Eastmond, who added another podium finish with third place in the Girls’ 13-14 50 metres backstroke in 31.70 seconds. (ML)
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