Antigua and Barbuda’s athletes delivered a commanding performance at the 52nd CARIFTA Games held in Trinidad, securing an impressive medal haul across both track and field and swimming disciplines. The Ministry of Sports has praised the national team for their dedication and excellence, hailing them as “a source of national pride.”
The track and field team brought home five medals: two gold, one silver, and two bronze.
Rising star Zonique Charles clinched gold in the Girls Under-17 Javelin with a personal best throw of 46.39 meters, marking Antigua and Barbuda’s second gold medal in the athletics competition. Earlier in the games, Tyra Fenton stormed to victory in the Girls Under-17 400m, clocking 53.93 seconds to take gold.
Geolyna “GG” Dowdie added to the medal count with a silver in the Girls Under-20 100m, while Raniqúe Richards earned bronze in the Under-17 Shot Put. Fenton also doubled her medal tally with a bronze in the 200m.
The Ministry expressed gratitude to all athletes, stating, “All of you went out and gave it your best and for that we are thankful. To the medalists, job well done.”
The momentum continued in the pool, where Antigua and Barbuda’s swimming team delivered a series of stellar performances at the CARIFTA Swimming Championships, also hosted in Trinidad.
Ellie Shaw, 2023 Junior Sportswoman of the Year, claimed silver in the Girls 15-17 200m Breaststroke. Alessandro Bazzoni emerged as a standout swimmer, winning gold in the Boys 11-12 400m Individual Medley with an Age-Group record and personal best time. He also captured silver in the 200m Freestyle and bronze in the 100m Butterfly.
Ethan Stubbs-Green added another bronze in the Boys 15-17 100m Butterfly, while Anya DeGannes earned bronze in the 400m Individual Medley with an Age-Group record and personal best.
Other notable performances included:
- Madison MacMillan placing 5th in the 400m Individual Medley and setting a new National Record;
- Tivon Benjamin finishing 6th in the 50m Butterfly and establishing a National Record in the 100m Backstroke during a relay;
- Stubbs-Green placing 4th in the 200m Freestyle with a personal best;
- DeGannes finishing 7th in the 200m Freestyle.
With remarkable achievements in both the pool and on the track, Team Antigua and Barbuda’s athletes have once again proven their talent and tenacity on the regional stage.
“We look forward to another successful CARIFTA Games,” the Ministry affirmed, already setting sights on future triumphs.
