THIS?YEAR?is already proving to be the breakout one for young swimmer Adia Deane.
At the recently concluded 23rd annual Aquatic Centre International Swim Meet, Deane was awarded age-group champion for the eight-and-under girls’ category, thanks to her stellar performances and instruction from coach Vaman Harbin.
She won the 50 metres freestyle (34:52), 50m backstroke (41:69), 50m butterfly (38:59), 100m freestyle (1:19.05), 200m freestyle (3:05.48), 200m individual medley (3:17.89), and was second in the 50 metres breaststroke (51:93) at the May 23 to 25 meet.
A member of the Heat Wave Swim Club, her current times have been a tremendous improvement from the 15th annual RHAC Invitational Swim Meet held in St Lucia from April 10 to 14 where she competed against swimmers from Trinidad, Grenada, St Vincent, Barbados and the host country. Deane placed second overall in the eight-and-under age group.
The St Angela’s School pupil, who began swimming at four years old, is also the reigning Primary Schools swimming champion in the seven to eight age group.
She captured four gold medals and one silver medal at that meet which was held at the Aquatic Centre last November.
Adia, who learned to swim “for the sake of it”, never foresaw winning medals and dominating age groups.
In addition to training three times weekly, she also takes part in sychronised swimming. Although she is too young to compete at the CARIFTA level, this young star’s remarkable performance should not go unnoticed as she is one to watch in the coming years. (LR)