Three CST Swimmers Make Big Splashes at CARIFTA Games

The St. Martin team at the 2023 CARIFTA games was composed of three CST swimmers, Saphir Thomas, Joey Schvartz, and Matias Piazza. Although a relatively small team, all three swimmers managed to score some final swims, even with Joey and Matias being at the bottom of their age group.

Joey won the team’s only medal this year, gaining a silver medal in his 1500 free. He also finished 4^th in 400 IM, 5^th in 200 IM, and 4^th in the 5K open water event. In all of these, he was the highest placing 13 year old. Additionally, he broke the 13 year old boys team records in 1500 free, 200 free, 400 IM, 800 free, 200 IM, 400 free, and 200 backstroke. His 400 IM and 200 backstroke were Senior records as well.

Saphir scored three finals, with an eighth-place finish in 50 back, and a seventh-place finish in 400 free. Her most interesting event was her 100 free, where she finished tied for ninth in the morning session (one of four events in which she finished ninth). However, her tie meant a swim-off, where she swam significantly faster for the win. This still meant that she was first alternated, but she found out literally two heats prior that she was scratched into the final. She quite possibly set a world record time running to put on her tech suit, and despite all of the running around, she improved her position in the final to 7^th place. Her 50 back, 400 free, and 200 back were new 14 year old girls team records, and her 400 free is also a new Senior record. Saphir also finished fourth in the 5K open water swim.

Matias made one final, in the 200 fly. He finished in sixth place, and was the second highest placing 15 year old in his age group (15-17). His 1500 free, 200 free, 200 fly, and 400 free were all new team records, and his 1500 free, 200 free, and 400 free were also Senior records.

For those not keeping score, this made a total of 14 new age group team records, and six new Senior team records. Not bad for three swimmers!