From CBAC

12-year old Luke Higgo of Camana Bay Aquatic Club (CBAC) has broken two national age group records at the 2021 Coconut Cup, one of which has stood for 23 years.

At the meet held 3-5 December, Higgo broke CIASA national age group records in the 50m and 100m backstroke, with the 100m backstroke record set by Andrew MacKay in 1998. The record was 1:08.71 and Higgo’s new time was 1:07.42. 

“My plan was to swim as fast as I could and to try and get a personal best time,” Higgo said. “To not only get a PB but also set a national record is awesome.”

Andrew MacKay said he was happy to see Luke had taken down his long-standing record.

“It really shows the strength of swimming in Cayman when the record books continue to be rewritten. I know the work and training that goes into breaking a record, so huge congratulations to Luke and I look forward to more in the future,” he said.  

Andrew Mackay swam for the Cayman Islands at the 2004 Olympics and at the 2002 Commonwealth Games and 2006 Commonwealth Games.

Following three days of competition at the 2021 Coconut Cup, CBAC announced that six of its swimmers had achieved CARIFTA Aquatics Championships qualifying times at the meet.

In addition to Luke Higgo, CARIFTA qualifiers included Coco McGrath, Allyson Belfonte, Tate Marr, Reagan Lisle and Azania Osborne.

Grant Ferguson, CBAC Head Coach said the club’s outstanding results showed what was possible through commitment and determination.

“It’s a credit to our athletes and the hard work and training they put in that they are ready to race and are achieving personal best times and qualifying times,” he said. “With the Cayman National Swimming Championships on the horizon in March, CBAC is looking forward to solid, consistent, and fast swimming.”

“We not only produced amazing results in the pool, but igniting team spirit, participating in relays, supporting each other in the highs and lows of a meet, and having fun was just as important.”

CBAC entered a total of 92 amateur swimmers and finished the 2021 Coconut Cup with overall points of 4,859 to claim first place. Seven Mile Swimmers placed second with 3,386 points, and Stingray Swim Club third with 2,701 points.

Ninety-one CBAC swimmers swam a Personal Best Time at the meet with a total of 163 medals being presented to CBAC swimmers on the podium.

“The meet was run efficiently and was really enjoyable. Our thanks to CIASA, the officials, volunteers and sponsors,” Coach Ferguson said.