A total of four national records and seven age group records were established at the 9th National Swimming Championships, organized by the Antigua and Barbuda Swimming Federation (ABSF).
Held from February 28 to March 2, 2025, the short course meters (SCM) competition showcased outstanding performances from local swimmers.
Madison MacMillian and Ellie Shaw led the record-breaking performances, capturing four national records between them.
MacMillian claimed three (3) national records in the girls’ 15–17 age group. She set new records in the 50-meter backstroke with a time of 30.97 seconds, the 200-meter backstroke clocking 2:25.48, and the 400-meter individual medley, finishing in 5:15.73. Notably, all three records also serve as new age group records.
Ellie Shaw secured a national and age group record in the girls’ 15–17 category for the 200-meter breaststroke, completing the race in 2:45.16.
Other notable age group record-breakers included:
- Bianca Mitchell – New age group record in the 200-meter freestyle in the girls’ 18 and over category.
- Anya DeGannes – New age group record in the 13–14 category for the 400-meter individual medley
- Alessandro Bazzoni – New age group record in the boys’ 11–12 category for the 200-meter freestyle
In addition to these remarkable record-breaking performances, many of the swimmers demonstrated significant personal improvements, recording new personal best times.
The championships, saw participation from forty-five (45) swimmers that included two (2) swimmers from the British Virgin Islands (BVI and one swimmer from the USA. Trophies were awarded to the top-performing athletes for their high-point achievements throughout the competition. The awardees for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in their age group:
8 and under Boys
1st Eili Lewis
9 -10 Girls
1st Isabel Nicholas
2nd Lake Zreibi,
9- 10 Boys
1st Jalen Weste
2nd Major Emmanuel
3rd Zane Williams
11 – 12 Girls
1st Keziah Joseph
2nd Kaylee Warner
3rd Willow Zreibi
11 – 12 Boys
1nd Alessandro Bazzoni
2nd Christopher Walter
3rd Tristan Nicholas,
13 – 14 Girls
1st Anya DeGannes
2nd Paradise Carlisle
3rd Tori S Hosam,
13 – 14 Boys
1st Reuben Edwards
2nd Zahid Derrick
3rd Jamie Tranter
15 – 17 Girls t
1st Madison MacMillan
2nd Ellie Shaw
3rd Aunjelique Liddie,
15 – 17 Boys
1st Sindhi Jai
2nd Espriit Shaw,
18 and over Girls
1st Tahesia Drew
18 and over Boys
1st Zardad Jan
2nd Yacine Williams
The ABSF commends all athletes for their dedication and resilience, which continue to push the boundaries of swimming excellence in Antigua and Barbuda.
As the final meet to make qualification for the upcoming CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 11-12 age group swimmers Willow Zriebe and Alyssa Watkins made the required two qualifying standards, the former at the ABSF Nationals and the other at the Barbados Nationals which were held over the same weekend.
Anisa Lewis (18 & over) who also attended the Barbados Nationals scored three LCM age group records: 200 meter breaststroke 3:29.65, 200 meter backstroke 2:58.75, 100 meter backstroke 1:23.70
Meanwhile, our overseas-based athletes have been making waves and setting new records this year. In January, Alandra Dublin set two national and age group records in the girls’ 15–17 category at the 2025 MR WEST Chris Dewey IMX Memorial Meet (short course yards) in the USA. She established records in the 200-meter backstroke with a time of 2:36.13 and in the 200-meter individual medley, clocking in at 2:22.63.
Also in January, Tivon Benjamin, representing the boys’ 15–17 age group at the NJIT vs Rider Dual Meet (SCY) in the USA, set a national and age group record in the 200-meter butterfly, finishing in 1:55.97.
Benjamin continued his impressive form in February at the 2025 MAAC Men’s & Women’s Championships (SCY) in the USA, where he established three national and age group records.
He clocked 48.55 in the 100-meter butterfly, 1:55.18 in the 200-meter butterfly, and 52.27 in the 100-meter backstroke.
The ABSF commends Alandra Dublin, Tivon Benjamin for their continued excellence and contributions to Antigua and Barbuda’s swimming legacy.