Managers of both the athletics and swimming teams that took part in last weekend’s CARIFTA Games have expressed delight following their historic performances.
Dave Farmer, the head coach of the swimming team in Martinique, and Angela Jackson, who was in charge of the athletic contingent in Grenada, credited hard work as being the key pillar to the teams’ success.
The swimming team returned to the island on Thursday with a table-leading 23 gold medals and its best ever tally of 47 overall.
Speaking to Barbados TODAY at the Grantley Adams International Airport, Farmer said issues with the Aquatic Centre, which forced the team to relocate its training sessions to the Ursuline Convent, may have actually helped to boost the team’s sense of togetherness.
“I think we worked really well as a team. I think we had a good combination and where possible, we were swimming in the correct entries, the correct events. All in all, I would say it was a great team effort because everybody contributed in their own small way.
“I think we need to go back and look at where we did well, things that worked for us, things that we may need to do better at, and then come up with a plan moving forward,” he said.
Farmer said during the competition the team sensed they could produce a record-breaking performance.
“When we realised we had won the most gold medals, everybody was very positive then. I mean we kind of suspected that something strange was going to happen when we hit the overall target on the third day.
“We didn’t necessarily expect the medal haul that we got. We thought maybe 41 or 42, but then we ended up at 47, so we’re happy for that,” Farmer admitted.
Meanwhile, Jackson lauded her team’s execution after they brought home 17 medals, including six golds – the most by a Barbadian team in over a decade.
That squad returned to the island on Tuesday.
“This performance has been great, the athletes have really gone out there and given of their best. In actual fact, this is our best performance since probably from around the year 2016. The team obviously is in very high spirits and we are extremely pleased,” Jackson said.
Like most Barbadians, the highlight of the Games for Jackson was the record shattering gold medal winning run by the Open boys’ 4x400m team in the final event.
“Well, what would stand out, not only for me but for the entire country of Barbados, is that record breaking relay run by those young men. They not only finished first, but they were able to set a new record. That was the most outstanding performance, but of course we compliment every single medalist on this team,” she said.
Jackson admitted that the team was unprepared for the enthusiastic welcome it received on its arrival, with scores of Barbadians lining the Arrivals Hall.
“We were not expecting it, honestly, so it was overwhelming, but of course it is much appreciated. It shows how much Barbabadians are supporting the athletes and we thank them all for their support,” she said.
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