Four National Records and Seven Age Group Records Set at 9th National Swimming Championships

A total of four national records and seven age group records were established at the 9th National Swimming Championships, organized by the Antigua and Barbuda Swimming Federation (ABSF). Held from February 28 to March 2, 2025, the short course meters (SCM) competition showcased outstanding performances from local swimmers.

Madison MacMillian and Ellie Shaw led the record-breaking performances, capturing four national records between them. MacMillian claimed three (3) national records in the girls’ 15–17 age group. She set new records in the 50-meter backstroke with a time of 30.97 seconds, the 200-meter backstroke clocking 2:25.48, and the 400-meter individual medley, finishing in 5:15.73. Notably, all three records also serve as new age group records.

Ellie Shaw secured a national and age group record in the girls’ 15–17 category for the 200-meter breaststroke, completing the race in 2:45.16.

Other notable age group record-breakers included:

In addition to these remarkable record-breaking performances, many of the swimmers demonstrated significant personal improvements, recording new personal best times.

The championships, saw participation from forty-five (45) swimmers that included two (2) swimmers from the British Virgin Islands (BVI and one swimmer from the USA.  Trophies were awarded to the top-performing athletes for their high-point achievements throughout the competition. The awardees for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in their age group:

8 and under Boys

1st  Eili Lewis

9 -10 Girls

1st Isabel Nicholas

2nd Lake Zreibi,

9- 10 Boys

1st Jalen Weste

2nd Major Emmanuel

3rd Zane Williams

11 – 12 Girls

1st Keziah Joseph

2nd Kaylee Warner

3rd  Willow Zreibi

11 – 12 Boys

1nd Alessandro Bazzoni

2nd Christopher Walter

3rd Tristan Nicholas,

 13 – 14 Girls

1st Anya DeGannes

2nd Paradise Carlisle

3rd  Tori S Hosam,

13 – 14 Boys

1st Reuben Edwards

2nd  Zahid Derrick

3rd  Jamie Tranter

15 – 17 Girls       

1st Madison MacMillan

2nd Ellie Shaw

3rd Aunjelique Liddie,

 15 – 17 Boys

1st  Sindhi Jai

2nd Espriit Shaw,

18 and over Girls

1st Tahesia Drew

18 and over Boys

1st  Zardad Jan

2nd Yacine Williams

The ABSF commends all athletes for their dedication and resilience, which continue to push the boundaries of swimming excellence in Antigua and Barbuda. 

As the final meet to make qualification for the upcoming CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 11-12 age group swimmers Willow Zriebe and Alyssa Watkins made the required two qualifying standards, the former at the ABSF Nationals and the other at the Barbados Nationals which were held over the same weekend.

Anisa Lewis (18 & over) who also attended the Barbados Nationals scored three LCM age group records: 200-meter breaststroke 3:29.65, 200-meter backstroke 2:58.75, 100-meter backstroke 1:23.70

Meanwhile, our overseas-based athletes have been making waves and setting new records this year. In January, Alandra Dublin set two national and age group records in the girls’ 15–17 category at the 2025 MR WEST Chris Dewey IMX Memorial Meet (short course yards) in the USA. She established records in the 200-meter backstroke with a time of 2:36.13 and in the 200-meter individual medley, clocking in at 2:22.63.

Also in January, Tivon Benjamin, representing the boys’ 15–17 age group at the NJIT vs Rider Dual Meet (SCY) in the USA, set a national and age group record in the 200-meter butterfly, finishing in 1:55.97. Benjamin continued his impressive form in February at the 2025 MAAC Men’s & Women’s Championships (SCY) in the USA, where he established three national and age group records. He clocked 48.55 in the 100-meter butterfly, 1:55.18 in the 200-meter butterfly, and 52.27 in the 100-meter backstroke.

The ABSF commends Alandra Dublin, Tivon Benjamin for their continued excellence and contributions to Antigua and Barbuda’s swimming legacy.