Swimming: Hamilton Aquatics Summer Sizzler –Dubai One gold, five silver, four bronze medals for Team Seychelles |28 June 2023

The Seychelles national selection from the Hamilton Aquatics Summer Sizzler

New 800m freestyle national record for Damien Payet

Ten medals ‒ one gold, five silver and four bronze ‒ are the total harvest of Team Seychelles at the recently-held Hamilton Aquatics Summer Sizzler which took place from June 24 to 25, at the Hamdam Bin Mohamed Bin Rashid Sports Complex, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, while Damien Payet is now the new holder of the 800m freestyle national record.

Payet’s new record is 8 minutes 50.71 seconds (8:50.71), replacing Steven Mangroo’s old time which was 8:55.03.

Seychelles’ gold medal at the competition came courtesy of Aaliyah Palestrini in the 50m backstroke.

The silver medals were won by Amos Ferley in 50m and 100m backstroke, Payet in 800m freestyle, and Angelina Smyth in 50m and 200m backstroke.

As for the bronze medals, they came courtesy of Ferley in 50m freestyle (24.78 seconds), Yves Fock-Heng in 50m backstroke, Smythe in 100m backstroke, and Luca Soleil-Arnephie in 400m individual medley.

The other members of the national selection at the competition which was part of the preparations for the upcoming 11th Indian Ocean Islands Games, scheduled to take place in Madagascar from August 23 to September 3, were Abigail Labuschagne, Isabelle Labuschagne, Dorianne Bristol, Keira Berlouis, Nael Barreau, Lea Ramanantsoa, Louisiana Bacco, Nathan Nagapin Iwan Chang Lai Seng, Aiden Labrosse, Dwight Bamboche, Lihandro Pierre, Kian Rosalie and Daqurenne Servina.

They were being accompanied by head coach Barnsley who was being assisted by Robert Suzette and Shane Mangroo.

Hilda Khan was also part of the delegation in the role of chaperone.

The Adventure Sports Club was also represented at the Sizzler by swimmers Khema Elizabeth and Alain Vidot who were accompanied by coach Jude Vidot.

Roland Duval