Jamaica's Brad Hamilton on his way to winning the boys 15-17 100m breaststroke in 1:07.30 during the Carifta Championships at the National Stadium pool on Tuesday night. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer

JACKIE WALTER, the technical director of the national swimming programme, said she was pleased with the country's performance at this year's Carifta Championships, which ended at the National Stadium pool on Tuesday night.

Jamaica finished fourth in the medals standings with 47 medals, which included 11 gold, 19 silver and 17 bronze. The Bahamas topped the table with 42 gold, 17 silver and 20 bronze. The French Antilles were second with 28 gold, 27 silver and 23 bronze, while Trinidad and Tobago finished third with 22 gold, 28 silver and 24 bronze.

"I am definitely satisfied with team's performance over the last four days," said Walter. "There are still some areas which we still to need to work on. However, we had a lot of our swimmers recording personal bests in the championships. Brad Hamilton and Kendese Nangle were definitely two of our outstanding swimmers.

"I would like to let people know that swimming is on the up. We had more swimmers making a lot of the finals this year than we did last year," said Walter. "What we missed out on is Alia Atkinson's nine gold medals last year, which could have made a big difference in this championship." Hamilton, who won four gold and three silver medals, said he was happy with his efforts. "I am satisfied with my performance," said the strongly built Hamilton. "I had few hiccups but I think I did well and now I just have to go back and work on a few things."

Nangle, who captured 10 medals at the championships, which included six gold, two silver and two bronze, was delighted with her performance. "I am very happy," said the 12-year-old. "I am overwhelmed with joy. Iwasn't really expecting to win so many medals but I knew I had the potential to do it."

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