Enith Brigitha, who is the legendary first Olympic medallist, shined brightly in the CARIFTA regional age group Championships, which are being held in Curaçao.
Lifespan 007 open water swim stated that this year’s edition of the annual regional age group Championships is being held in Curaçao. The pool is named after the great lady of swimming from that nation and the CARIFTA, the legendary first Olympic medallist from the region Enith Brigitha. Swimming in a pool named after a lady who pursued and attained historical excellence could only be a great motivator for the youngsters competing there over the next few days. One such rising talent who made his mark in history was Guyana’s Raekwon Noel.
On the first day of action he created history by winning Guyana’s first Gold medal in the 1500 metre freestyle. He stopped the clock in a new 15-17 and senior national record of16:17.92.It is the third fastest swim in CARIFTA history only Cayman Islands Olympian Shaune Fraser 16:10.71(2004) and record holder Joris Bouchaut at 15:45.04 (2012) have ever swum faster. He will be also looking to get under the PAN AM Games A standard of 15:49.02.
Silver went to last year’s winner Kimani Bellanger of Martinique in 16:24.48 and the Bronze to Trinidad and Tobago’s Nikoli Blackman , the 2022 Silver medallist in 16:46.46.
This is a big upward movement for Noel whose previous best showing was fifth in the 13-14 age group in a time of 18:18.88.This performance has really announced presence regionally as one of the elite youngsters. The rising star has also committed to swim swim in the NCAA Division I for the Indiana University-Bloomington. He will follow in the steps of great Champions at the CARIFTA Championships who had success at that institution. Those names include Trinidad and Tobago’s Joshua Romany and Bahamian Laura Morley. Look for Noel to achieve more success for Guyana in Curaçao and the rest of the Championship season as he looks to book his ticket to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
