The St. Kitts and Nevis National Swim Team received a heroes’ welcome home on Monday (Nov. 09) at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport, following an outstanding performance at the 34th Annual Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Swimming Championships in Saint Lucia.
Leading the welcome-home reception was Minister of Sports, the Honourable Samal Duggins, alongside other government officials, family members, supporters and well-wishers who gathered at the airport to celebrate and congratulate the young athletes on their remarkable achievements.
The 17-member delegation returned home with a historic haul of 11 medals — three gold, four silver and four bronze — establishing a new medal record for St. Kitts and Nevis at the regional championships.
At the centre of the team’s success was an exceptional performance by Skyla Connor, who dominated the Girls 13–14 category, capturing nine individual medals, comprising three gold, four silver and two bronze. Her outstanding versatility across freestyle, backstroke, butterfly and breaststroke was a major highlight of the championship.
The team’s medal-winning performances were further strengthened by Gaj Leonce, who captured bronze in the 50m Butterfly, and the 10 & Under Boys Medley Relay quartet of Akimba Cornelius, Rhaejaan Jacobs, Gaj Leonce and Clijae Christmas, who secured bronze through an impressive display of teamwork.
Beyond the medals, the team also recorded numerous personal bests, reflecting the athletes’ dedication, discipline and commitment to improving their performances.
The warm reception at the airport was a fitting tribute to the swimmers, whose accomplishments have brought pride and recognition to the Federation. Their historic performance represents not only a significant milestone for national swimming but also a promising indication of the talent and potential emerging within the country’s sporting community.
