In a remarkable display of talent and dedication, 14 members of the BVI Barracudas Swim Team showcased exceptional performances at their first swim meet of the year in St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands (USVI) over the weekend.
The team not only achieved an impressive 23 top-3 finishes but also clocked an astounding 36 personal best times, marking a resounding success for the club.
The news was confirmed by the club on Sunday, highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of four swimmers who attained B times in their respective races on Saturday, February 17. B times are the first national time standards for age group swimmers aged 18 and younger, indicating that these swimmers are ranked in the top 55 percent of their age group, gender, stroke, and distance.
The talented swimmers who achieved B times are 9-year-old Arun Bissoondutt (10 & Under Boys 50-metre Freestyle – 40.48), 9-year-old Evelyn Freeman (10 & Under Girls 100-metre Breaststroke – 2:04.37), 14-year-old Charlie Potgieter (13-14 Boys 50-metre Freestyle – 31.09), and Jack Morris (15-17 Boys 50-metre Freestyle – 31.48).
The races at the meet were categorized into 8 and under (25m races), 10 and under, and 11 and over, with some swimmers competing against older opponents. The club expressed pride and admiration for all the swimmers’ performances, emphasizing the significance of the 36 personal best times achieved.
Coaches Rebecca and Kyle were commended for their role in the team’s success and the club highlighted the improvement in the team’s technique and skill, despite training challenges in the absence of a dedicated facility.
Looking ahead, the BVI Barracudas Swim Team is gearing up for BB times followed by A times, which will bring them closer to qualifying for larger regional swim meets. This achievement is a significant step forward for the team, especially considering the challenges they faced post-Hurricane Irma.
The club also reached out to the community, encouraging residents to support the BVI swimmers by sharing their progress, congratulating their success, and contributing towards the team’s funding needs for upcoming meets.
The 23 top 3 results are as follows:
1st Place:
-Naya Bissoondutt (8&Under Girls 25m Breaststroke; 32.08
-Skylar Steer (8&Under Girls 25m Freestyle; 21.94
-William Vergel (7) 8&Under Boys 25m Backstroke; 32.19
-Evelyn Freeman (9) 10 & Under Girls 50m Breaststroke; 1:00.03 and 100m Breaststroke; 2:04.37
-Hannah Kazembe (10) 10 & Under Girls 50m Freestyle; 45.27 and 50m Backstroke; 1:01.27
-Rylee Hustins (11) 11 & Over Girls 50m Butterfly; 56.20
-Lily Carey (11) 11 & Over Girls 100m Breaststroke; 1:54.84
2nd Place:
-William Vergel (7) 8&Under Boys 25m Breaststroke; 31.65
-Michael Flax (6) 8&Under Boys 25m Freestyle; 30.62
-Laila Flax (9) 10 & Under Girls 100m Breaststroke; 2:57.57
-Evelyn Freeman (9) 10 & Under Girls 50m Freestyle; 49.10
-Arun Bissoondutt (9) 10 & Under Boys 50m Backstroke; 54.18
-Lily Carey (11) 11&Over Girls 50m Breaststroke; 50.73
-Charlie Potgieter (14) 11 & Over Boys 50m Breaststroke; 42.49
-Eljay Scatliffe (15) 11& Over Boys 100m Breaststroke; 1:54.75
3rd Place:
-Naya Bissoondutt (10&Under Girls 50m Breaststroke; 1:15.41
-Skylar Steer (8&Under Girls 25m Backstroke; 29.28 and 10&Under Girls 50m Freestyle; 49.72
-Michael Flax (6) 8&Under Boys 25m Breaststroke; 36.56
-Arun Bissoondutt (9) 10&Under Boys 50m Freestyle; 40.48