By Prior Beharry
AT 86 years old Gordon Borde is one of the oldest competitive swimmers in the world.
He will be among the Trinidad and Tobago contingent at the IX Pan American Aquatics Masters Championships taking place at the Aquatic Centre in Couva from Thursday. Registration takes place on July 16, with competition kicking off on July 18 and ending on July 29.
Events include pool swimming, open water swimming, diving and artistic swimming. The water polo events have been cancelled due to lower than expected registration.
There is also an open water competition that takes place at Five Islands in Chaguaramas on July 26.
Borde is among over 400 swimmers who will participate in the international event. He swims in the 50m, 100m 200m free style events in addition to the 3000m open water.
He has been swimming for close to 60 years and started when he attended Fatima College in the 1 st Fatima Sea Scouts.
Borde, the president of the Trinity Masters Swim Club, swims during the week at the St Mary’s pool in St James. He also does open water swimming with club members on Sunday at either Maracas or Chaguaramas.
He has done 119 cross harbour events during his lifetime and won the first three open water races put on by the then Amateur Swimming Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ASATT) in 1962, 1963 and 1964. This was a 2,300-metre event from Five Islands to the Carenage Jetty.
Borde joins a cadre of swimmers from around the world who are in Trinidad for this international event.
In welcoming participants, President of the Aquatics Sports Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ASATT) Lindsay Gillette said, “Trinidad and Tobago, with its rich cultural tapestry and stunning natural beauty, offers a unique backdrop for this prestigious event.
“From our world-renowned Carnival to our idyllic beaches, we invite you to experience the warmth and vibrancy of our nation.
“We are committed to providing an event that not only meets but exceeds international standards. Our dedicated team has worked tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the championships, from the competition venues to the cultural events, will leave a lasting impression.”
Other TTO swimmers to watch include Danielle Cozier and Anton Gopaulsingh who attained eight top ten placings in the World Aquatics Masters Championships – Kyushu 2023 in Japan. Both are also expected to participate.
Danielle and Anton got top ten placings in the 50 metre butterfly, the 50 metre breaststroke, the 50 metre freestyle, the 100 metre freestyle and 100 metre backstroke events.
In Japan, T&T had eight swimmers who had qualified and registered to represent team TTO. They were Gopaulsingh, Cozier, Patrick Lee Loy, Mervyn Campbell, Curtis Harper, Teheli Sealey, Wendy Ammon and Khrystanne George.
Lee Loy and Trinity Masters swimmers William Carr and Roger Watts attempted to swim from Tobago to Trinidad in September 2022. Carr and Watts have also registered for the PanAm Masters.
Some participants have created an unofficial Facebook page for the IX Pan American Aquatics Masters Championships to provide information about the event and Trinidad and Tobago. Click here to join.
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