Nine of Barbados’ top and upcoming swimmers leave the island today on a trip to Mexico which could splash the way to the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games and the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Those swimmers, Zabrina Holder, Kimberley Willoughby, Inayah Sherry, Deandre Small, Vanessa Keaney, Jonathan Manning, Alex Sobers, Akeem Nurse and Matthew Courtis will be taking part in the first ever Pan American Olympic Festival, which is being staged in Mexico City. Keaney will be competing in the open water event.
The sports festival, which was organised by the Pan American Sports Organisation and the Pan American Sports Confederation, was launched in early July and will be completed at the end of September. An estimated 4 500 athletes and officials have been taking part in 20 Olympic sporting disciplines at various venues in Mexico.
In addition to the competition, technical clinics have been organised for the coaches and educational clinics are being held for the athletes.
The Barbados team will be coached by Antonio Petralando and Aisha Norville. Stefan Sherry is the team manager. (KB)
