• NSC and GASA congratulate swimmer

THE country’s two-member swim team has already delivered hardware on the second day of the Panam Aquatics Championships in Colombia on Wednesday.

Guyanese Olympic swimmer Raekwon Noel captured gold in the men’s 100 metres butterfly in 54 seconds flat to clinch the new national record in the event to go with the top-of-the podium finish.

The old national record was set by Noel of 56.35 in 2023 at the local Mashramani meet.

Noel entered the 100 butterfly event with a Personal Best (PB) time of 55.76, but touched the wall in 54 seconds flat, improving on his 54.50 seconds done in the preliminary round.

The young swimmer will continue seeking more hardware when he competes in the 200m butterfly, 100m backstroke, and 400m freestyle in the regional championships which run until May 25 in the South American country.

Meanwhile, the other local swimmer at the event, Shareefah Lewis, placed eighth in the women’s 16-18 50m backstroke final, finishing in a time of 33.47 seconds.

The coach said she had some challenges at the event and was far from her best in the event, but will aim to improve going forward in the remaining classes.

She entered the race with a PB of 33.34 seconds done at the CARFITA championships a few weeks ago and will return to action in the 50m freestyle and 50m butterfly events.

Guyana Amateur Swimming Association President Yolema Phillips says the athletes delivered: “Performances advancing to the final in their respective categories,’ Noel made a splash by capturing gold marking a significant achievement for Guyana on the international stage, Noel had to compete in three more events while Lewis has two more events to go. The team remains focused and motivated as they continue to represent Guyana with pride and determination.”

Meanwhile, Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, extended congratulations to Guyanese swimmer Raekwon Noel following his gold-medal performance.

He said “On behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, I would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to Raekwon Noel for his historic achievement in Colombia.”

Ninvalle commended Noel’s discipline, steady progression and unwavering commitment to excellence, noting that the NSC is proud to support athletes that embody both national pride and international promise.

“Swimming in Guyana needed a resurgence, and Raekwon has become that beacon of hope,” Ninvalle added. “We remain committed to supporting him and other promising athletes as they continue to raise the Golden Arrowhead on the global stage.”

“We also want to commend Shareefah on her performance,” Ninvalle said.

“Every race is a step forward. It’s not always about medals; sometimes it’s about growth and she’s certainly on the right path.”

The two swimmers are  accompanied by Coach Mary Chung and GASA representative Abigail Gittens