Sapphire Parks, Antoine Destang, and the Saint Lucia swim team are gearing up to make a splash over the Easter weekend in Martinique. The Saint Lucia Aquatics Federation on Tuesday, March 24, named a 12-member squad to represent the nation at the XXXIX CARIFTA Aquatics Championships, April 3-8 at Pierre Samot Community Aquatic Centre, Le Lamentin, and in the Anses d’Arlet coastal area.
The core of last year’s team, one of the most successful ever at this level in Saint Lucia’s history, is back in the pool for 2026, but half are newcomers. Parks made her debut in the 11-12 category last year and won the high points trophy for her division. She is back this year, joined by debutante Maya Andrew.
Jayce Daniel, Tyler Dantes, and Dylan Corcoran debut in the 11-12 boys, with Caden Calderon and Henri-Christian Theobalds in the 13-14 boys.
Competing in the 15-17 boys will be Destang, Junior Sportsman of the Year and a student at the University of Michigan. One of the most accomplished Saint Lucian swimmers at CARIFTA, he will be joined by Pan Am Aquatics 2025 medallist Jayden Xu and Noah Dorville, both of whom move up from the 13-14 age group.
US-based Fayth Jeffrey returns for the 15-17 girls. She will be accompanied by the returning Fayth Lubrun in that division.
The team, most of whom will have had some experience in the Pierre Samot pool over the past year, will be led by coach Peter James, manager Denise Parks and chaperone Tamara Foster. Saint Lucia is also expected to update the CARIFTA Congress on progress towards its bid to host next year’s meet at the National Aquatic Centre, currently under construction in Gros Islet.
Team Saint Lucia
11-12 girls: Sapphire Parks, Maya Andrew (D)
11-12 boys: Jayce Daniel (D), Tyler Dantes (D), Dylan Corcoran (D)
13-14 boys: Caden Calderon (D), Henri-Christian Theobalds (D)
15-17 girls: Fayth Jeffrey, Fayth Lubrun
15-17 boys: Noah Dorville, Jayden Xu, Antoine Destang
