Blackman 4th overall at Barbados Open Water

On November 5, Blackman, along with more than 250 other competitors, faced rain and unusually rough seas as they challenged themselves over the 1.5 km course at Carlisle Bay. Among the competitors was former World Champion over 25 km, American Alex Meyer, who was the class of the competition. Meyer completed the course in 18 minutes, 8.40 seconds.

Blackman,meanwhile, dominated the 12 and under competition, finishing first in 18 minutes 35 seconds. This time was good enough for fourth place overall.

Other Marlins swimmers, Dominique Nurse-Allen placed 3rd in the girls 9-12 while Joshua Mohammed placed 6th in boys 9-12.

Earlier this year, Blackman handily won the 12 and under portion of the Maracas Open Water Swim. In October he also set the first record at the National Aquatic Centre, when he lowered the standard in the 200 metre freestyle for boys aged 9- 10.

Blackman and the entire swimming fraternity are in action at the National Aquatic Centre for the National Open Short Course Championships which concludes on Sunday.