CST Swimmers Produce Saint Martin's Highest Finish Ever at CARIFTA

A small but mighty contingent of four swimmers from St. Martin earned it’s highest score ever with 76 points, and produced the island’s first medals, at the 2022 CARIFTA Games in Barbados on April 16 – 20.

As the smallest team at the meet, and with no relays, Saint Martin still managed 13^th place of 18 teams. This is the highest place ever for the team.

Joey Schvartz (12 years) was a highlight, as he earned four gold medals (200 free, 400 free, 200 IM, and 400 IM), and a silver medal (200 breaststroke). He was also a finalist in 100 breaststroke, 100 butterfly, and 100 freestyle. He won the trophy for being top point earner in his age group, and was also presented the Landon Von Kanel memorial award by the Cayman Islands for winning both the 200 and 400 freestyles. He swam one new AAA time (200 free), and four new AAAA times (200 breast, 200 IM, and 400 IM). Joey qualified for the French National Junior Championships later this year.

Matias Piazza (14 years) won a bronze medal in the 5K open water swim. He also swam to a 4^th place 200 IM, 5^th place 1500 freestyle, 5^th place 100 butterfly, 7^th place 100 free, and 7^th place 400 free. Matias earned six new AAA times (50 free, 100 free, 200 free, 400 free, 1500 free, and 200 IM), and one new AAAA time (100 fly).

Saphir Thomas (13 years) made finals in all three of her backstroke swims, with a 5^th place finish in her 50 backstroke, 8^th place finish in 100 backstroke, and 6^th place finish in 200 backstroke. Saphir is at the bottom of her age group, which bodes well for next year.

Also joining the Saint Martin National Team from Spain was Sacha Gibbs. Unfortunately, Sacha was only able to compete two days due to illness.

Next up for the swimmers is a local meet on May 15^th at the Carib Swim Team pool in Cole Bay.