Swim team back with 53 medals

“WE HAVE done above what was expected of us consistently, so give us our due rewards!”That was the call made by the president of the Barbados Amateur Swimming Association Sonia O’Neal when the national team landed at the Grantley Adams International Airport on Saturday night with a whopping 53 medals captured at the Caribbean Islands Swimming Championships (CISC) in Cuba.  That was almost twice the number of medals won at the previous championships in Jamaica in 2008.For the second time this year, the Barbados team returned home to loud cheers and blowing of horns and were greeted with hugs, kisses, and flowers.O’Neal said that the increased training and the commitment of the coaches and swimmers saw the significantly improved performances which she expects will be carried over into the CAC Games later this month in Puerto Rico.  Barbados will be represented at those games by Zabrina Holder, Lee-Ann Rose, Deandra Small, and Amara Gibbs. Rose will also be going off to the Junior Olympics this year.The 16-member squad broke ten national records, set a women’s open record and matched five national standards in another stellar performance.Standout swimmer Holder snared an incredible nine golds and one silver while helping her country to a total of 21 golds, 17 silvers and 15 bronze.  Aniyah Sherry captured four golds, two silvers and two bronze, while Rose won two golds and Christian Selby added one gold to the pile.  Rose was proud to take on the name of “The Fox”, which she picked up after she sneaked past the favourite in lane four in the 200 freestyle to touch the wall first. (KB)