NSC commends Raekwon Noel after record-breaking performance at Pan Am Championships

Guyanese swimmer Raekwon Noel has secured a stunning gold medal in the Men’s 19-22 100m butterfly at the inaugural Pan Aquatics Championships in Medellín, Colombia.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) congratulated the Indiana University freshman, who clocked a blistering 54.00 seconds to clinch victory in a tightly contested race. Venezuela’s Manuel Diaz (54.27s) took silver, with Puerto Rico’s Andrés Brooks (54.52s) claiming bronze.

Noel’s golden swim earned him the top spot on the podium and shattered his national record of 56.35 seconds, which he set in February 2023.

Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, speaking on behalf of the Guyanese government and people, hailed Noel’s achievement as “historic.”

“On behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, I would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to Raekwon Noel for his historic achievement in Colombia,” Ninvalle said.

He commended Noel’s dedication and progress, adding, “Swimming in Guyana needed a resurgence, and Raekwon has become that beacon of hope. We remain committed to supporting him and other promising athletes as they continue to raise the Golden Arrowhead on the global stage.”

Shareefah Lewis also represents Guyana at the prestigious event, which has drawn athletes from 31 nations across the Americas. Lewis impressed in the Women’s 16-18 50m backstroke, finishing eighth overall with a personal best time of 33.47 seconds.

Ninvalle acknowledged Lewis’s performance, stating, “We also want to commend Shareefah on her performance. Every race is a step forward. It’s not always about medals; sometimes it’s about growth, and she’s on the right path.”

Noel’s campaign in Medellín is not yet over. The 200m butterfly, 100m backstroke, and 400m freestyle events are still to come.

Lewis will also compete in the 50m freestyle and 50m butterfly.