The Cayman Islands artistic swim team already made history this year when it stepped up to host the synchronised swimming segment of CARIFTA for the first time, despite not having the on-island facilities to host such an event.
Organisers arranged to hold it at the recently renovated International Swimming Hall of Fame in Florida this weekend, and the host team athletes did not disappoint.
The 23-member team secured the high point trophy for the second year in a row, narrowly beating out Aruba 182 to 180 — the difference of one routine. A total of six countries participated. CARIFTA Artistic Swimming Committee Chair Alissa Moberg, who is also the Cayman Islands’ head coach, said strategic planning to maintain a strong but broad presence led to their success. Swimmers took home a total of 14 medals — seven medals on day two — many coming from young athletes.
“We’re really pleased with the results and how the meet went,” Moberg told the Compass. “The athletes all performed beautifully. They did what they came to do.” The CARIFTA aquatics championships continue in the Bahamas, and track and field continues in Grenada.
Across the board
In figures, Marisa Miller took silver in U12; Nicole Kazakova took bronze in youth; and Victoria Sleutz took bronze in the junior free solo.
Not to be outdone, the duet teams earned another four medals.
Sleutz and Maureen Kohler got silver in the junior free duet; Ava Crane and Megan Lastrina got silver in the U12 duet; and Kate Galatopoulos and Valentina Campbell-Gutierrez got silver in the youth duet.
Rayne Euvrard and Jesse Propas secured the team’s gold medal in the mixed duet. Moberg said the 14-year-olds focused on putting together a routine that showcased clean, strong execution more than artistic impression.
Moberg said the team is particularly proud to be a regional leader when it comes to boys’ participation in the sport, and they look forward to seeing more participation.
“We’re just really excited and thankful that we had this opportunity and felt incredibly proud of the strength that we brought to the meet,” Moberg added.
Over the next two days, the synchronised swimmers and coaches have the opportunity to participate in clinics, reviewing their performances and preparing for the upcoming Pan-American games.
Judging expertise
Moberg thanked the event judges and officials for contributing their time to make the event a success. She noted that two officials will be overseeing the upcoming Paris Olympics. She especially credited Erika Lindner, a member of the Pan-Am aquatics technical committee, for serving as the meet referee.
“We’re passionate about growth of the sport and opportunities for athletes within our region,” she said. “We called in every favour we could.”
Eventually, she said she would love for the Cayman Islands to have the facilities to host the games at home, potentially in 2027.
“We know that we can do a lot more using our local resources, energy and talent to pull off a really fantastic event,” she said.
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