Cayman synchronised swimmers are gearing up for competition at this year’s CARIFTA Championships, scheduled to begin on Thursday, 6 April.
Team Cayman arrived in Curaçao Tuesday afternoon, with 53 athletes taking part in the aquatic competition, including 19 representing in the artistic swimming events.
It’s the first time since 2019 that the Cayman Islands Aquatic Sports Association has assembled a synchro squad for one of the region’s biggest youth sporting events.
Coach Megan Palmer and her team took advantage of the hotel pool after they arrived in Curaçao this week – resuming preparation for the competition, all while treating guests staying at the resort to the sight of impressive flips and tricks from the Cayman athletes.
“Our priority is getting the athletes into the water, getting them comfortable, having them go through their routine, all their hybrids, which is where their legs are in the air and doing all their crazy movements,” Palmer told the Compass.
She added, “We would typically have practice right now and so, we just want things to feel normal.”
For Palmer, a former synchronised swimmer, this will be her first time coaching at a CARIFTA meet and the timing could prove perfect, as team Cayman hopes to win the event for the first time ever.
“I feel really confident that we can get some medals,” Palmer said regarding her athletes. “They are super hard-working and I’m just really excited, but I think regardless of what happens, they will make their country proud.”
Cayman swimmers will begin their preliminary rounds on Thursday.
Check back at the Compass for daily reports from our reporter who is attending the CARIFTA games in Curacao.
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