Proud Grandfather reflects on SWIMMING accomplishments, 15 medals for LJ

Turks and Caicos – I don’t know if you are aware of what your student LENIN MARX ENGELS HAMILTON JR achieved back to back internationally in swimming lately.

To get straight to the point : LJ participated in the 37th March/April 2024 CARIFTA AQUATICS CHAMPIONSHIPS held in Nassau Bahamas in their newly renovated $5,000,000.00 FINA APPROVED 50 METRE POOL.

Over 25 countries and 600 plus athletes competed. He made FINALS in 5 of his INDIVIDUAL EVENTS but was not able to ascend the medal podium. However he also participated in four team relays and was able to ascend the medal podium by capturing ONE gold and THREE bronze medals.

All this with NO FINA APPROVED POOL TO TRAIN IN.

Then several weeks later, under the coaching of his CERTIFIED ASCA SWIM COACH FATHER Lenin Marx Engels Hamilton Sr. & Founder of the Turks & Caicos Aquatics Swim Club, LJ returned to The Bahamas and participated in the 52nd Bahamas National Swimming Championships from June 20 to June 23 in their 50 meter FINA Approved Pool at the Betty Kelly Kenning Aquatics Centre.

This time LJ participated in SEVEN individual events & FOUR team relays. Not only did LJ make finals in all SEVEN of his events but he also ascended the medal podium SIX times, capturing ONE gold, FOUR silver and ONE bronze.

As if that wasn’t sufficient LJ went on to capture FOUR team relay gold medals making a total of TEN medals. The inclement weather cancelled one of the team relays.

LJ and his father have achieved all this without a proper swim pool to train in and LJ, at only 15 years old is demonstrating indisputable ability and he continues to dream of a having a proper pool at home in the Turks and Caicos Islands to enhance training.