Entertaining weekend at GASA Independence meet

As the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) hosted its Independence Swim meet at the Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal over the weekend, the usual suspects dominated the three days of action.
In an overview of the weekend’s proceedings, Ethan Gonsalves challenged Raekwon Noel in several of his favourite events; Leon Seaton exceeded the already high expectations and Aleka Persaud continued in her remarkable form smashing records.
Noel kicked off with a win in the Boys’ 11-12 50m breaststroke in 39.22s with Gonsalves following closely with 39.23s. Jaleel Anderson took third with 42.23s. Noel outswam Gonsalves again in the Boys’ 11-12 200m freestyle clocking 2:23.62s while Gonsalves clocked 2:27.03s. Vladmir Woodroffe rounded off the podium with 2:40.94s.
Gonsalves built his momentum in the 11-12 200m Butterfly, winning in 2:52.55s. The youngster finally tasted victory against Noel in the 50m freestyle event, which he won in 28.81s ahead of his rival, who clocked 29.11s. Anderson copped third with 31.59s.
Expecting no less, Seaton was unbeatable over the weekend copping a series of first places. Clocking 2:46.66s, he outswam his opponents in the 200m Butterfly on Saturday. He also took first in the 50m breaststroke (36.81s), the 200m breaststroke (3:25.29s) and the 100m back stroke (1:13.06s).
His winning streak continued on Sunday as he dominated the 50m freestyle in 25.97s and the 200m freestyle in 2:15.23s.
In the girls’ 11-12 freestyle, Persaud put on a stunning show as she became the first female Guyanese to swim under 30 seconds. She clocked 29.73s with Patrice Mahaica barely missing the accolade with 31.67s. Monique Watson placed third in 32.72s.
Ariel Rodrigues, Anthony Persaud, Amber De Goeas, Dashawna Williams, Mahaica, Shareefah Lewis, Andrew Fowler and Antonio Rodrigues also registered wins over the weekend. The annual meet served as a great preparatory exercise for those who will be representing Guyana at the Goodwill Games this August in Barbados.