The Turks and Caicos Islands’ Aquatics and Track and Field teams showcased significant progress and determination at the 2025 CARIFTA Games in Trinidad and Tobago. While the teams did not return with medals, they delivered milestone performances—setting national records, achieving personal bests, and marking historic firsts. Their efforts reflect a growing strength in TCI athletics and a promising future on the regional stage.
Held from 19–22 April the Games brought together the Caribbean’s most talented young athletes. Representing the TCI with pride, both teams demonstrated unity and resilience throughout the competition.
Hon Rachel Taylor shares, “I extend heartfelt congratulations to all our athletes who represented the Turks and Caicos Islands at the 2025 CARIFTA Games. Your record-breaking performances, personal bests, and unwavering determination are a source of national pride. While we did not secure medals this year, your achievements signal the tremendous growth of our sports programs and the promise of a bright future. As Minister of Sports, I reaffirm our government’s commitment to investing in youth development and athlete performance. This is only the beginning, and we stand behind you as you continue to rise.”
Aquatics (April 19–22 – Couva, Trinidad)
Despite fielding a compact nine-member team, TCI swimmers delivered standout performances at the National Aquatics Centre.
Isaac Farley set a new national record in the 11–12 Boys 200m Breaststroke with a time of 3:18.28, surpassing the 2020 record.
11-12 Boys 200m Breaststroke National Record Holder Isaac Farle
- Danielle Burgess broke the 13–14 Girls 50m Freestyle national record, clocking 30.84.
13-14 Girls 50m Freestyle National Record Holder Danielle Burgess
Gabrielle Martin improved her 15–17 Girls 100m Backstroke time from 1:48.20 to 1:43.52, competing in three events in one day.
Gabrielle Martin improved her 15–17 Girls 100m Backstroke time from 1:48.20 to 1:43.52, competing in three events in one day. Gabrielle Martin in competition mode
The Mixed 11–12 400m Freestyle Relay team—Anaiah Alleyne, Kian Jules, Isaac Farley, and Annabella Albert—made history with TCI’s first appearance in the event, finishing in 5:14.00.
Rishith Gururaja delivered a personal best in the Boys 13–14 50m Freestyle, dropping from 36.18 to 31.12.
Strong swimmer Rishith Gururaja after completing a swim
Kian Jules shaved nearly six seconds off his previous best in the Boys 11–12 50m Butterfly, finishing in 38.00.
Swimmer Kian Jules
Track & Field (April 19–21 – Hasely Crawford Stadium)
TCI’s track and field athletes competed with heart and consistency, achieving several personal bests and advancing to multiple event finals.
Melique Evans reached the finals in the U20 Boys Long Jump, recording a personal best of 6.95m to secure 8th place.
Melique Evans in flight during the Under 20 Boys Long Jump
Love Joseph, a former CARIFTA 3000m bronze medalist, made a strong debut in the U20 Boys 1500m with a significant personal best of 4:23.13.
Love Joseph running during in the Under 20 Boys 1500m
Xavier Joseph improved his time in the U20 Boys 400m to 51.68.
Xavier Joseph after the 400m heat
Markey Zephirin, representing Excelsior Community College in Jamaica, ran a personal best of 11.01s in the U20 Boys 100m.
Eunice Missick clocked 5:33.96 in the U20 Girls 1500m, improving on her seed time of 5:36.00.
The U17 Boys 4x100m Relay team—Daens Saint Hilaire, Kimani Deane, Dylan Gardiner, and Rayvon Black—qualified for the final, finishing with a time of 43.21.
L-R: Rayvon Black, Dylan Gardiner, Daens St. Hilaire and Kimani Deane
Sendia Marcel reached the final in the U17 Girls Long Jump, setting a personal best of 5.14m to place 8th overall.
Rayvon Black, known for his sprinting, delivered an impressive personal best of 42.56m in the U17 Boys Discus Throw (1.5kg), earning 7th place.
The athletes representing the Turks and Caicos Islands at this year’s CARIFTA Games gained invaluable experience and demonstrated meaningful progress. With continued training and the implementation of our newly introduced Long-Term Athlete Development Framework, we are laying a strong foundation for sustained improvement and future success in regional competition.
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