Team Bahamas Hits The Pool In Barbados For First Training Session

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BARBADOS – Team Bahamas wrapped up their first practice at Barbados’ Aquatics Center Wednesday afternoon in preparation for the 2025 Goodwill Games.

The 40-member swim team had a quick turnaround after landing at Grantley Adams International Airport just after noon, then hitting the pool shortly after 4pm for an hour long session.

Team Bahamas swimmer, Nyla Beneby described how the water felt on during her first swim:

“The pool felt very shallow, it felt very cool in the water and it felt very low…,” she said.

Additionally, Beneby also has an interesting story. At last year’s games, she swam with Team Barbados.

“I feel a little bit nervous competing against my friends but other than that I feel very happy being with my other team,” she said.

Team Bahamas Swimmer Ayriel Moncur, competing in the boys 13–14 age group says the first practice was just okay, but he’s looking forward to the meet:

“Currently in the 50 and 100 breast I’m ranked second [in] both, hoping to go for the gold and the 100 fly and 2 free, not too far from bronze, so maybe [I’ll] try get that,” she said.

Barbados placed third last year with 892 points.

We caught up with their head coach, Russell Walton whose swimmers were training right next to Team Bahamas.

“We been practicing well; the team is very enthusiastic and we’re looking forward to the competition especially because the games are in Barbados”

“The strategy is for the children to go out there and swim; we cant do it on paper, we cant do it with the watches, they have to do it in the water,” he said.

Team Bahamas comes into the games as the two time defending champions having won in Jamaica and St. Lucia in 2023 and 2024 respectively. They’re hoping to take home a third title once competition begins on Friday.