Marlins swimmers dominate Long Course

Over 280 swimmers registered for the competition which marks the last opportunity for athletes to qualify for the CARIFTA Swimming Championships in the Bahamas from April 15-18.

On the first night of action at the Aquatic Centre, Zoe Anthony of Marlins Swim Club won gold in the 11-12 female 200m breaststroke (3:05.65) in a CARIFTA qualifying time (CQT).

Anthony was also the fastest qualifier to the 50m butterfly final (32.96) and won gold in the 400m freestyle in 5:06.28.

Luke Gillette, also of Marlins, achieved gold in the 15-17 200 breaststroke in a CQT (2:31.89). Gillette’s time also qualified him for the CCCAN Championships (CCAQT) which will be held in Trinidad and Tobago from June.

Marlins athletes dominated the night as Jada Chatoor won the 13-14 400m freestyle female in a CQT and CCAQT of 4:36.46 while Nikoli Blackman (Marlins) won the 11-12 male 400m free in a CQT and CCAQT of 4:44.91.

Teammates Graham Chatoor won the 15-17 male version (4:44.91) with two qualifing times as well, and Marlins had another gold medallist in Kyle West who won the 11-12 200m breast in a CQT and CCAQT of 2:57.59.

Canada-based Open record holder Tariq Lashley of Areios registered a CCAQT and won the 18 and Over 200 breaststroke (2:24.38), just missing his own record of 2:23.42.

Preliminary round swimmers in the 50m butterfly did not wait until finals to register their qualifying marks, with Kadon Williams of Point Fortin Aqua Darts the fastest qualifier in the 11-12 male event in 29.89, achieving CQT and CCAQT on the night. The top five swimmers in this event all achieved CQTs, making it a keenly contested final as they aim to make the top two for Bahamas.

The 13-14 male 50 fly prelims was topped by Aqeel Joseph of Sea Hawks in a time of 27.68 and had the top four swimmers achieving QTs.

Amira Pilgrim of UTT was the fastest qualifier in the 15-17 females (29.81) in a CQT and CCAQT, while Kael Yorke of Tidal Wave (26.49) was the fastest in the male equivalent in a CCAQT.

In the 18 and Over category, Christian Awah of Blue Dolphins (24.97) qualified for CCCAN in the prelims.

The meet continues today in Couva as action starts from 6pm.