WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao proudly participated in the 38th edition of the CARIFTA Aquatic Championships, held from April 19 to 22, 2025, in Trinidad & Tobago. Two talented 14-year-old swimmers, Lia Pollit and Gabrielle Johannes Maduro, represented the island with exceptional performances. 

Both athletes reached the finals in every event they competed in—an outstanding achievement at such a high-level international competition. 

Lia Pollit, who has been training for only one year, made an impressive international debut by winning the silver medal in the 50-meter backstroke. Her success marks a remarkable milestone for such a new athlete participating in her first major international event. 

Gabrielle Johannes Maduro, who won bronze last year in the 200-meter backstroke, returned this year even stronger. She secured silver in the same event and broke two long-standing Curaçao national records dating back to 1997: 

In the 50-meter backstroke, she beat Kimberly Schoop’s record (31.99 seconds) with a new time of 31.76 seconds. 

In the 100-meter backstroke, she surpassed Soa Berenos’s record (1:10.09) with a new time of 1:09.01. 

Both athletes are trained by Coach Reginaldo Brizuela Gonzalez. 

The Curaçao Aquatic Federation has extended heartfelt congratulations to the young swimmers, their coach, and their families for their unwavering support. These achievements not only highlight the raw talent of these athletes but also point to a promising future for swimming on the island.