Nine to represent Guyana at Junior South American Swim Championships

Olympian Aleka Persaud and the promising Leon Seaton Jr., headline the nine swimmers set to represent Guyana at the Junior South American Championships from November 8 – 14 in Peru.

They departed these shores Wednesday morning and are joined by coaches Sean Baksh and Shyka Gonsalves while Loren Mahaica will act as a Chaperone.

According to a release, Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) Secretary, Yalema Phillips, will join at a later date to “expand her portfolio by attending the Administrative Congress offered by CONSANAT, the South American governing swim body.”

The release further indicated the contingent was given financial support by the National Sports Commission and the Guyana Olympic Association.

GASA President Dwayne Scott related to News Room Sport that three members of the team – Nathan Jackson, Shareffah Lewis, and Amber Degoeas – have voluntarily self-funded their trip, and Jackson will leave next week for Peru.

Scott had told News Room Sport that GASA has high medal expectations for the team, but apart from podium finishes, another objective is keeping an eye on the future with Paris 2024 being a top priority.

Additionally, the Championships will also hold as solid preparation for the trio of Persaud, Seaton Jr., and Patrice Mahaica, who along with Paul Mahaica, will compete at the inaugural Junior Pan American Games in Cali, Colombia, from November 25 – December 5.

Team Guyana: Aleka Persaud, Leon Seaton Jr., Elliot Gonsalves, Patrice Mahaica, Daniel Claxton, Ariel Rodrigues, Amber Degoeas, Shareffah Lewis and Nathan Jackson.

Coaches: Sean Baksh and Shyka Gonsalves 

Chaperone: Loren Mahaica