A 14-member team of swimmers from the Virgin Islands is currently in Antigua for the 6th Annual Vipers Invitational Swim Meet. Photo: Facebook

A 14-member team of swimmers from the Virgin Islands is currently in Antigua for the 6th Annual Vipers Invitational Swim Meet. Photo: Facebook

A 14-member team of swimmers from the Virgin Islands is currently in Antigua for the 6th Annual Vipers Invitational Swim Meet. Photo: Facebook

A 14-member team of swimmers from the Virgin Islands is currently in Antigua for the 6th Annual Vipers Invitational Swim Meet. Photo: Facebook

Coach Rebecca M. Nockolds spoke to Virgin Islands News online on Thursday, June 25, 2026, reflecting on the team’s performance. She noted that the swimmers had a great start to the meet, delivering outstanding performances all around.

Athletes recorded personal best 

She said, "On night one, we saw several personal best times, and many athletes achieved new motivational time standards, which is always exciting. This reflects the hard work they’ve been putting in during training.

“I’m extremely proud of the effort the athletes are putting in. They are demonstrating strength and confidence in the pool while meeting and exceeding their goals for the meet. After the first night of competition, the team earned three second-place finishes and six third-place finishes,” she emphasised.

Top 3 Finishes – Day 1 (June 25):

- Harry Payne (Boys 11–12) – ???? 400m Freestyle (5:32.57) and ???? 50m Breaststroke (40.29)

- Gavril Copaceanu (Boys 9–10) – ???? 400m Freestyle (6:35.59)

- William Vergel (Boys 9–10) – ???? 400m Freestyle (6:47.67)

- Skylar Steer (Girls 9–10) – ???? 50m Breaststroke (47.37)

- Evelyn Freeman (Girls 11–12) – ???? 50m Breaststroke (42.74)

- Lily Carey (Girls 13–14) – ???? 50m Breaststroke (43.62)

- Arun Bissoondutt (Boys 11–12) – ???? 400m Freestyle (6:33.07)

- Toby Freeman (Boys 8 & Under) – ???? 100m Freestyle (1:46.57)

Coach Nockolds added, “This is our first time attending the Vipers Invitational Swim Meet, and it is a fantastic opportunity for the swimmers to gain racing experience, build their confidence, and compete against strong competition.” 

She further stated, “With two more days of racing on Friday and Saturday and many events still to come, we’re excited to see what the rest of the meet brings. Our goal for the meet is for the athletes to continue enjoying the experience and to keep pushing for new personal bests. After this competition, we want to carry the momentum into next season as the athletes work toward qualifying for the OECS Swimming Championships in November.”

Swimmers competing at the meet are:
8 &Under:
Female:
- Kamilah George
Male:
- Toby Freeman
9 - 10:
Female:
- Naya Bissoondutt
- ⁠Skylar Steer
Male:
- William Vergel
- ⁠Gavril Copaceanu
11 - 12:
Female:
- Hannah Kazembe
- ⁠Evelyn Freeman
- ⁠Orla Turner
Male:
- Harry Payne
- ⁠Arun Bisssoondutt
13 - 14:
Female:
- Lily Carey
- ⁠Sophia Payne
Male:
- Kyrique Matthew