Trinidad and Tobago's junior swimmers said they exceeded their expectations at the 2023 Carifta Aquatic Championships held at the Korsou Sports Centre and Pool in Curacao over the Easter weekend.
TT finished third in the medal standings with 54 medals – 22 gold, 16 silver and 16 bronze. In the open water swimming, TT added three more medals – two gold and one silver.
[caption id="attachment_1010566" align="alignnone" width="683"] Nikoli Blackman with his medals and trophies. - JORDON BRIGGS[/caption]
The TT swimmers and coaching staff were welcomed home on Tuesday night by parents, siblings and family members at the Piarco International Airport.
Some family members made posters congratulating the athletes and held red balloons.
Nikoli Blackman, one of the stars for TT at Carifta, was proud of the team’s performance. He won over ten medals in the boys 15-17 age group, including five gold medals.
“It was amazing to be quite honest. Some of those kids really exceeded my expectations,” Blackman said.
Blackman made special mention of Aaron Siewlal, one of TT’s gold medallists. “You have the 11-12 (age group swimmer) Aaron Siewlal. When I was (in the) 11-12 I never got a gold medal…I was very happy for him.”
[caption id="attachment_1010565" align="alignnone" width="683"] Liam Carrington, left, takes a picture with his mother Alana. - JORDON BRIGGS[/caption]
Blackman, 17, is one of the more experienced swimmers on the team. “(I see myself as a) role model, yes, but the leader of the team, not really. I would say Zoe (Anthony) was. I am more like the engines for the boat and Zoe is the captain.”
The Fatima College student will be heading to university in September. “A week after I finish Commonwealth (Youth) Games I am leaving to apply for the University of Tennessee.”
[caption id="attachment_1010564" align="alignnone" width="683"] Aaron Siewlal won two medals at the Carifta Games - JORDON BRIGGS[/caption]
Blackman and other junior swimmers will be hoping to impress at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games in TT in August. Swimming will be held at the National Aquatic Centre in Balmain, Couva.
Zachary Anthony copped seven medals in the boys 15-17 age group. “For my first time in the 15-17 (bracket) I found I did very well, going against older, stronger boys that were beating me last year. I beat them this year which means I am improving,” Zachary said.
Zachary said the 200m butterfly was one race he did not expect to medal (bronze). He said it was a competitive line-up and he was doubting himself. “I did not expect a medal...Behind the blocks I was like, ‘Oh gosh, I have Zarek Wilson, I have (Bahamian Nigel) Forbes and those big swimmers. I will take a fourth place, but I will try to get a third place. I went in thinking of the third place and I got it.”
[caption id="attachment_1010563" align="alignnone" width="683"] Zoe Anthony was proud of all her team-mates. - JORDON BRIGGS[/caption]
Zachary’s older sist
