Cayman: CBAC swimmers break 15 meet records at international swim meet
Seventeen amateur swimmers representing the Camana Bay Aquatic Club (CBAC) dominated against a strong regional presence at the recent Karl Dalhouse Memorial Invitational Swim Meet 2020 held at the National Aquatic Centre in Kingston, Jamaica, January 31 – February 2.
CBAC swimmers set a total of 15 meet records, with siblings 13-year old Jillian Crooks and 17-year old Jordan Crooks each setting five meet records, and 12-year old Lila Higgo setting four meet records. Ten-year old Luke Higgo broke a meet record in the 50 backstroke.
Overall, against the 18 participating clubs, CBAC placed third in the meet behind swim meet hosts and winners ‘y’ Speedos Swim Club, and second place Tornadeos Swim Club of Jamaica.
“Having our athletes race at a large meet like the Karl Dalhouse and against swimmers of such a high calibre is great race experience which will set them up for the upcoming CARIFTA Swimming Championship and the CCCAN Championship,”
Hayley Palmer, CBAC Head Coach said.
“We not only produced amazing results in the pool, but the experience, having fun as a team, participating in relays, and supporting each other in the highs and lows of a meet is an important driver in travelling for international competition.”
Cayman Islands Aquatic Sports Association (CIASA) records were broken in the 50 freestyle (26.83), and 100 backstroke (1:05.74) for Girls 13-14 by Jillian Crooks, in the 200 individual medley (2:33.25) for Girls 11-12 by Lila Higgo, and in the 50 backstroke (37.25) for Boys 9-10 by Luke Higgo.
Jillian Crooks was first place in the High Point Awards for Girls 13-14, participating in 8 events, and taking the podium for 7 of them.
Phin Ellison, Sofia Bonati, Tate Marr and Gabriella Royston also produced strong performances, and will be looking to improve on those at the upcoming CIASA National Championships February 27th-March 1st.
The meet, in its 25th edition, hosted international teams from the Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos, Florida USA and Bolivia.
“The meet was run efficiently and was really enjoyable. Our thanks to the meet hosts ‘y’ Speedos Swim Club as well as all the officials, volunteers and sponsors,” Coach Palmer said.