Virgin athletes Lily A. Carey and Kyla M. Potter recorded strong performances on day 2 of competition at the PanAm Aquatics Swimming Championships, with both athletes registering new personal bests. Photo: Facebook

Lily A. Carey touched in 40.37, lowering her entry time by 3.26 seconds in the 50m Backstroke. Photo: Facebook

Kyla M. Potter finished in 36.35, improving her entry time by 2.72 seconds in the 50m Backstroke. Photo: Facebook

VI athletes had strong performances on the opening day of the PanAm Aquatics Swimming Championships 2026. Photo: VINO

Lily A. Carey achieved a new personal best time of 1:36.97, improving by 2.44 seconds from her entry time. Photo: VINO

Carey and Potter competed in Heat 1 of the Girls 13–15 100m Breaststroke, where they demonstrated excellent race execution, composure, and determination.. Photo: VINO

After the morning session, both the coach and the athletes attended an educational PanAm Aquatics clinic focused on nutrition and appropriate fueling strategies for training and competition. Photo: VINO

Both athletes from the Virgin Islands finished Day 1 on a high note at the event taking place in Ibagué, Colombia, from July 8-12, Colombia. Photo: VINO

Kyla M. Potter, left, and Lily A. Carey will represent the Virgin Islands at the 5th PanAm Aquatics Swimming Championships, taking place from July 8-12, 2026, in Ibagué, Colombia. Photo: Facebook

The 5th PanAm Aquatics Swimming Championships are expected to draw top junior and senior swimmers from across North, Central, and South America. Photo: asaj.com

Carey and Potter competed in the Girls 13–15 50m Backstroke and the 200m Freestyle. 

Both athletes produced excellent swims and recorded new Personal Bests in the 50m Backstroke. Potter finished in 36.35, improving her entry time by 2.72 seconds, while Carey touched in 40.37, lowering her entry time by 3.26 seconds.

Carey and Potter, after quick recoveries, stayed focused heading into the 200m Freestyle and produced another pair of strong performances. 

Potter recorded a time of 2:40.24, an impressive 10.48-second improvement over her entry time, while Carey achieved a new Personal Best, finishing in 2:43.08, improving by 5.46 seconds. 

Following the final competition on Day Two, Coach Rebecca M. Nockolds stated, “Overall, it was a very successful day for Team BVI, with both athletes achieving great time improvements in both events. Today, their ability to perform consistently despite the demands of the back-to-back races shows their preparation and determination throughout the meet.”

See previously published article

Lily A. Carey achieved a new personal best time of 1:36.97, improving by 2.44 seconds from her entry time. Kyla M. Potter also had a strong performance on the opening day of the PanAm Aquatics Swimming Championships 2026, recording a time of 1:39.87.

Both athletes from the Virgin Islands finished Day 1 on a high note at the event taking place in Ibagué, Colombia, from July 8-12, Colombia.

Carey and Potter competed in Heat 1 of the Girls 13–15 100m Breaststroke, where they demonstrated excellent race execution, composure, and determination.

Coach report 

According to the coach's report at the end of Day 1, the athletes were faced with the challenge of competing at altitude. However, the two days of training prior to the meet helped them acclimate to the conditions and prepare for the competition.

Coach Rebecca M. Nockolds noted that both swimmers handled the environment well and performed with confidence, marking a great start to the championship and providing them with valuable experience against some of the top age-group swimmers from across the Americas.

After the morning session, both Coach Nockolds and the athletes attended an educational PanAm Aquatics clinic focused on nutrition and appropriate fueling strategies for training and competition."

Coach Nockolds said, "The session provided valuable information to support athlete performance and recovery throughout the championships."

See previous article published June 26, 2026

The Virgin Islands will be represented by two athletes at the 5th PanAm Aquatics Swimming Championships, taking place from July 8-12, 2026, in Ibagué, Colombia.

Kyla M. Potter and Lily A. Carey will compete in the Girls 13–15 age group. Coach Rebecca M. Nockolds will accompany the duo.