Bermuda’s swimmers made an immediate splash at the XXXIX Carifta Aquatics Championships in Martinique, securing two podium finishes on a high-octane opening night.
Teagan Mewett provided the island’s breakthrough moment at the Pierre Samot Community Aquatic Centre. Competing in the 15-17 Girls 200m Breaststroke, Mewett delivered a composed tactical performance to touch the wall in 2:45.80, claiming a well-deserved bronze and Bermuda’s first medal of the 2026 championships.
The momentum surged in the sprint lanes as Rory Shepherd excelled in the 13-14 Boys 50m Backstroke. After qualifying strongly, Shepherd found an extra gear in the final, clocking a blistering 29.19 to secure the silver medal, narrowly beaten to the wall by Barbados’ Michael Sobers.
In the relay events, Bermuda’s depth was on full display. The 15-17 Boys quartet of Connor Hupman, Noah Maranzana, Gabriel Maranzana, and Logan Jones battled to a sixth-place finish in the 4x100m freestyle, stopping the clock in 3:39.32.
The 15-17 Girls team of Gabriella Cechini, Katherine Wheddon, Elanna Fulton, and Marleigh Howes mirrored that result, also finishing sixth in their 4x100m freestyle relay with a time of 4:09.67. With two medals already in the bag, the Bermuda delegation heads into day two with significant wind in their sails.
