Grenada's Only Olympic Swimmer Says He Feels at Home in the Water

By Chris Clark/NBC Miami

Dozens of swimmers living and training in South Florida will head to the London 2012 Olympic Games later this month – competing not for the U.S. but for other countries.

The year-round warm weather makes this region an ideal venue for high-level swimmers from South America to Central America to the Middle East. One swim club in Davie has 17 Olympians from 13 different countries.

Nova Southeastern University has an international Olympian of its own – Esau Simpson, who hails from a tiny island in the Caribbean.

"Being in the water, I feel at home. I feel relaxed. I feel settled,” he said.

Settled is an interesting word choice for a swimmer who sprints in the water, 100 meters as fast as he can against the best in the world. That’s the task at hand for Simpson, who is a sophomore at Nova.

"I love racing. I mean, everyone loves racing,” he said.

Simpson was born in Brooklyn and raised in Grenada, which he will represent at the XXX Olympic Summer Games later this month, as part of a very small aquatics team.

"I'm sad to say, it's only me,” he said.

His home country is growing, but it’s pretty small compared to the other islands, he noted.

"We focus a bit more on our athletics and boxing. We have great track athletes. So having to rise to the occasion and put my name in the books just as they've done, it's kind of intimidating, but it is a challenge nonetheless,” Simpson said.

Nicknamed "The Saw," Simpson raced in the 100-meter freestyle in the Shanghai world championships last year, so the 21-year-old is familiar with the international stage. But even though his college coach will travel with him, nothing quite compares to what he'll experience in London.

"There's always that moment when you step onto the blocks and you're still shaking no matter what,” he said. “I don't care if you are me, a 12-year-old, or Michael Phelps, once you get up to the blocks, you're confident but you're nervous."

Simpson said his goal is to swim a personal best in London. He also hopes to coach swimming in Grenada and grow the sport for the future.

Nova Southeastern swimming coach Hollie Bonewit-Cron said she thinks Simpson is so excited because he’s never been at the Olympic level.

“I would be surprised if he came in with 100 percent confidence. I think he has 99 percent confidence and 1 percent nervousness,” she said.

Said Simpson, “The best of the best of the world go to the Olympics, so I'm just trying to keep a level head, go out there and perform my best, and when the time comes to celebrate and enjoy it, I'll enjoy it."

Grenada's Kerry Ollivierre smashes CISC record

Kerry Ollivierre

By Michael Bascombe

SAVANETA, Aruba, June 26, 2012 –Grenadian swimmers were in fine form on Tuesday evening as they picked up three medals including one record-breaking performance at the 19^th Caribbean Islands Swimming Championships (CISC) in Aruba.

Kerry Ollivierre smashed a championship record in winning the 50 metres breaststroke in the Boys’ 11-12 age category. His winning time of 33.37 seconds bettered the previous record of 33.43 set by Jamaica’s Kevaughn Campbell in 2010.

“He worked on his mistakes in the preliminary because he was ranked number one going in so he knew that he could do it,” said team manager Pamela Cherebin, who is accompanied by Carlton Simon (coach) and Susanne Paparo (chaperone) as team officials.

Also splashing unto the medals stand were Oreoluwa Cherebin and Corey Ollivierre. Cherebin picked up her third medal with a victory in the girls’ 13-14 50m breaststroke in a new national record of 35.90. Her previous personal best was 36.25 seconds.

Oreoluwa Cherebin (centre)

Corey Ollivierre took silver when he tied with Alexander Rodriquez of the Dominican Republic in the Boys’ 13-14 50m breaststroke in 32.22 seconds.

“Corey went in ranking 6^th and Ore 2^nd, so they were pleasant surprises,” said Cherebin. “Corey went into the meet with a good attitude and was not in medal position.”

Kerry and Oreoluwa were ranked 4^th and 5^th places respectfully but both came out second in the 200m breaststroke.

The manager said that the team’s performance has exceeded expectations including Gabrielle Paparo and Delron Felix who had personal best times.

The national team goes into the final day of competition on Wednesday with a total of six medals including one gold and two silver medals from Oreoluwa Cherebin and one gold and one silver from Kerry Ollivierre.

Kerry, Delron and Gabrielle swim in the 50m freestyle and Oreoluwa and Corey compete in the 200m IM. Kerry will also contest the 100m breaststroke.

Esau Simpson attempting to "swim" his way to London Olympics

Esau Simpson is one of Grenada’s young talented swimmers who is attempting to achieve qualification for the London Olympic Games.

Here is a brief profile of the former Grenfin Swim Club member who is splashing in South Florida, United States.

Ø  Born on October 6, 1990 in Brooklyn, New York to Grenadians Stephanie Lewis and Emmanuel Walter Simpson.

Ø  Part of a family of five including his brother Amhose Simpson and the late Nefertiti Simpson who were also competitive swimmers in their earlier years.

Ø  Schools

o   Attended Alpha Junior School.

o   Attended Presentation Brothers’ College (PBC).

o   Graduated PBC with an award for the most outstanding student in Chemistry.

o   Began studies at St. Georges University and transferred to Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Ø  Career

o   Studies Biology as an undergraduate student at NSU.

o   Wants to pursue Dentistry or Physical Therapy.

o   Would like to give back to the sport that gave so much to him, and become a national coach for Grenada’s swimmers.

Ø  Accomplishments

o   Most Outstanding Swimmer award at the end of High School at PBC.

o   Two-time finalist at the Carifta Swimming Championships.

o   Multiple OECS age-group title wins.

o   Captain of the 2009 OECS Swimming Championship Team.

o   Represented Grenada at 2007 and 2009 CISC Swimming Championships in which he was a finalist in most of his events.

o   Selected to represent Grenada at the 2009 and 2011 FINA Swimming World Championships.

o   Record breaker of all the freestyle events at the 2011 OECS Swimming Championships.

Ø  Current Progress

o   Currently one of the top sprint swimmers on the NSU swim team.

o   One of the top 50 athletes in the United States NCAA Division 2 swimming in his best events: 50m & 100m freestyle.

o   High potential to final in the 50m freestyle at the 2012 NCAA Division 2 Swimming Championships.

GASA: 2012 Independence open water swim meet a success

ST GEORGE’S (GASA) - Spectators at the Sailing Festival were treated to a breathtaking evening Open Water Swim competition on beautiful Grand Anse Beach on 4th February.

An enthusiastic group of swimmers in different age group competed in the 200m and 1500m Open Water Swim. The races began around 4pm with the 200m swim in which the little ones swam their heart out in the choppy seas, with parents and spectators running along the beach cheering them on.

The race ended with excellent swims from D'Andre Stephen first for the boys and Lily Sylvester first for the girls.

The 1500m distance Open Water was quite nerve racking with a few speed boats speeding in the path of the swimmers although they were informed about the race.

The swimmers braved the rough seas and gave the spectators an electrifying swim, which ended with Richard Regis placing first overall for the boys and Oreoluwa Cherebin first overall for the girls.

GASA wants to congratulate Coach Nataly Sihera for organizing the swim and thank all those who helped to make this possible.

 200m Results                

7-8 Girls                                                                            
1st Ifeoma Cherebin                                                   
2nd Luna Bartucci
3rd Arianna Walter                                                                           

7-8 Boys

Coby Sylvester

9-10 Girls                                                                                
1st Lily Sylvester
2nd Shemona Francois
3rd Sabrina Laqua

9-10 Boys
1st D'Andre Stephen

Girls 11-12                                                                                
1st Gabriel Paparo                                                                   
2nd Simone La Qua                                                             
3rd Mia Benjamin

11-12 Boys

1st Kerry Ollivierre

2nd Delron Felix

13-14 Girls                                                                              
1st Oreoluwa Cherebin                                                           
2nd Nixie Ogilvie                                                                   
                                                                                                 
13-14 Boys
1st Corey Ollivierre

2nd Shawn Gabriel

3rd Jason Newton

15-17 Boys
1st Kahalil John
2nd Jamal Regis

18 and over Male
1st Richard Regis
2nd Kane Clarke

25 and Over Female
1st Inga Karasek
2nd 'Kristine Deacon
  

25 and Over Male
1st Marc Decaul
2nd Danny Donalan

 40 and 0ver
 1st Wendy Bartucci
 2nd Deb Eastwood
 2nd Anna Benjamin


PHOTOS

Sports Personalities show appreciation for support

NEW YORK - Two of Grenada’s young sports competitors have expressed appreciation to those who have supported them during 2011.

Swimming sensation Oreoluwa Cherebin and figure skater Oliya Clarkson have joined with national cricket coach Dwain Gill in conveying appreciation for the support this year and best wishes in 2012.

Cherebin, who will turn 14 this month, represented Grenada at regional and international swimming championships including the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and Commonwealth Youth Games while Clarkson, 14, has been impressive at competitions in Italy and Turkey.

Oreoluwa Cherebin: Swimmer

In this season of goodwill and peace, I will like to take time out to say special thanks to all those who supported me during the year. This year has been very busy and challenging for me as a swimmer adjusting to school, traveling to several Championships and training. Without the help of God, my parents, coaches, family, the Ministry of Sports, Grenada Olympic Committee and supporters I would not have been able to make it. Thanks also to the Media for supporting me and all athletes. Merry Christmas and have a Christ filled New Year.

Oliya Clarkson: Figure Skater

As the year comes to an end, I would like to thank the Prime Minister, the Grenada Olympic Committee, Minister of Sports, Mr. Derrick James and Michael Bascombe, my parents, family and friends, coaches and Grenadians all over the world for their support and encouragement. To all, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. God bless you all.  

Dwain Gill: Cricket Coach

Happy Christmas and a productive New Year to all cricketers in particular and sports people in general.  Looking forward to helping you achieve your goals in 2012.

Grenadian swimmers ready to retain OECS Title

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, October 25, 2011 – The Grenada Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) has announced a 34-member team to defend its title at the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Championship scheduled for St Lucia, November 4-6.

Grenada won the sub-regional championship for the fifth consecutive year when it was hosted in St George’s last year.

The national team comprises a number of experienced swimmers including medallists and participants from regional and international meets such as the Carifta Swimming Championships, Caribbean Islands Swimming Championships (CISC), Central American and Caribbean Swimming Championships (CCCAN), and the Commonwealth Youth Games 2011.

GASA said that the team has been training regularly and is confident of retaining the OECS title in St Lucia next month.

GRENADA NATIONAL OECS SWIM TEAM 2011

FEMALE                                      MALE  

8 & Under                                   8 & Under
Ifeoma Cherebin                         Kris Regis
Idania Hopkin                              Nicholas John
Breann Alexander                       Jenebi Benoit
Meeka Ollivierre 


9-10                                               9-10
Kattie Lillie                                    Marco Bagnasco
Angelique Minors                         DelronFelix
Lily Sylvester                                 De' Andre Stephen
Enya Noel                                                                                     

11-12                                             11-12
Gabrielle Paparo                          Justin Steele
Simone La Qua                             Kerry Ollivierre                                                              
                                                                                                         
13-14                                              13-14
Oreoluwa Cherebin                      Corey Ollivierre
Valorie Andrews                          Shawn Gabriel                         
Kendra Moore                              Calum Noel                    
                                                        Patrick Postl

15-17                                              15-17
Kevlian Andrews                           Andrew Hopkin
Ayesha Noel                                  Kahlil John                       
                                               
                                   
18 & Over                                     18 & Over
Claire Morall                                 Esau Simpson
Inga Karasek                                  Martin Renwick
                                                         Chris Regis   

Coaches: Nataly Sihera and Michael Davidson
Officials:  Michellle Steele
                 Diana Hopkin   
PRO:        Pamela Cherebin 

Six to represent Grenada at Pan American Games

File Photo: Allison George

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, October 5, 2011 – Six competitors will represent Grenada at the Pan American Games starting this month in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The competitors will represent track and field, swimming and taekwondo at the Games which begin on October 14.

The track and field team will include Allison George, Kanika Beckles, Keron Toussaint and Joel Redhead while Florida-based Esau Simpson will represent swimming and Andrea St Bernard in Taekwondo.

On the track, George will compete in the women’s 200 metres; Beckles in the women’s 400 metres; Toussaint in the men’s 400 metres while Redhead competes in the men’s 200 metres.

Simpson, who attends Nova Southeastern University in South Florida, will compete in the 50 metres freestyle.

The Opening Ceremony takes place on Friday October 14, with Grenadian competitors in swimming and taekwondo beginning their quest the following day.

Track competitors will see action from October 24.

The officials accompanying the team are Albert Joseph (track); Nataly Regis-Sihera (swimming); Master Paul Beard (Taekwondo) and Abrel Patrick (chef de mission).

The team leaves Grenada on Wednesday for Guadalajara.

Grenada sends four to Commonwealth Youth Games

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, September 6, 2011 - A four-member team leaves here on Tuesday to represent Grenada at the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games in the Isle of Man.

The team consisting of athletes Nerena Aberdeen and Judd Cadet and swimmers Oreoluwa Cherebin and Andrew Hopkin will compete in the September 7-13 Games.

Aberdeen will compete in the Girls’ 800 and 1500m while Cadet will race in the Boys’ 200 and 400m. In swimming, Cherebin and Hopkin will splash in the 50m Freestyle, 50m Breaststroke, and 100m Breaststroke. Cherebin will also compete in the 200m Breaststroke and Hopkin in the 50m Backstroke.

Competition for the athletes and swimmers begin on Friday and Saturday. The participating team is accompanied by athletics coach Kwame Hypolite, swimming coach Nataly Regis-Sihera and team official Diana Hopkin.

Co-incidentally, Kirani James is the lone Grenadian medallist at the CYG when he won the 400m in Pune, India in 2008. Rondell Bartholomew was also a finalist but finished sixth.

The team departs the Maurice Bishop International Airport on British Airways flight 2152 at 7:04 p.m. for the Isle of Man via Gatwick.

2011 Commonwealth Youth Games

Isle of Man

Participants-

Nerena Aberdeen

Age: 16

800 and 1500m

St. David’s Catholic Secondary School

Judd Cadet

Age:17

200 and 400m

Grenville Secondary School

Oreoluwa Cherebin

Age: 13

50m Freestyle, 50m Breaststroke, 100m Breaststroke and 200m Breaststroke

St. Joseph’s Convent (St. George’s)

Andrew Hopkin

Age: 16

50m Freestyle, 50m Breaststroke, 100m Breaststroke and 50m Backstroke

Westmorland School

Officials

Diana Hopkin- Team Official

Kwame Hypolite- Athletics Coach

Nataly Regis-Sihera- Swimming Coach

2010 National Sports Awards this weekend

by Michael Bascombe

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, January 26, 2011 – Grenada’s sports personalities for 2010 will be announced at a ceremony at the Grenada Trade Centre on Saturday.

Twenty-three nominees from 14 national associations will be vying for the prestigious awards of sportsman and woman of the year.

The ceremony, beginning at 7:00 p.m., will be held under the patronage of the Governor General, His Excellency Sir Carlyle Glean and Lady Glean.

The nominees include World Junior 400m champion, Kirani James; West Indies cricketer Devon Smith and national footballer Kithson Bain in the male category while the female nominees will be highlighted by the performances of CARIFTA and Caribbean Island Swimming Championships gold medallist, Oreoluwa Cherebin; track athlete, Kanika Beckles and netballer Lottysha Cato.

The junior sportsman and woman, selected by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Sports, will also be announced on the night.

Two special awards will also be presented as well as tributes to stalwarts who passed on and contributed immensely towards the development of sports in Grenada.

The guest speaker will be the President of the St Lucia Olympic Committee, Richard Peterkin.

The full list of nominees:

Athletics – Kanika Beckles & Kirani James

Basketball – Christa Stephens & Michael Bonaparte

Bodybuilding – Damion Daniel

Boxing – Chloe Toussaaint & Kandel Dowden

Cricket – Devon Smith

Cycling – Sydney George Walters

Football – Rockel Hood & Kithson Bain

Netball – Lottysha Cato

Swimming – Oreoluwa Cherebin & Nicholas Coard

Taekwondo – Aakeem Whiteman

Table Tennis – Giselle Chetram & Agbi Harford

Tennis – Lois Alexis & Yannik James

Triathlon – Aislinn Noel & Ric Hallam

Volleyball – Latisha Collymore & Adam La Feuille

Grenadian swimmer sets targets

Like Kirani James, Rondell Bartholomew and others who are blazing the trails of international stardom at a very young age, we must keep tabs on this little swimming sensation, who only turned 13 last month, but is already ‘’splashing’’ her way to major achievements.

Oreoluwa Zoe Cherebin

Grenada Amateur Swimming Association has announced Oréoluwa Zoe Cherebin as their top female swimmer of 2010.

Twelve year-old Oréoluwa was born 24th December 1997 and is currently a form two student of St. Joseph's Convent St. George's. She is described as a brilliant student who is among the top students of her class. Oréoluwa is a passionate swimmer, who has a fun loving personality and is very active in her school life. She participates in Girl Guides, Dancing, Debate Club and Chess Club. She also hopes to join pan.

When not training for competition she participates in netball and the Jason Roberts Football Camp.

Oré oluwa grew up around the Good Hope Pool and at the tender age of two made her debut in swimming when she fell into the pool and was immediately enrolled with a Club. She is a disciplined swimmer who juggles home assignments at nights, after training at the Pool for about three hours after school, five to six days a week.

Oréoluwa dreams for the future are to keep improving on times, to always do her personal best, to be an honour student, to represent her country at the Olympics one day and finally to attain a scholarship to become a successful Dental Surgeon.

Achievements:
2006: Oreoluwa first represented her country in St. Lucia at the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Championships in the eight and under girls’ category with a brilliant performance in the 25m breaststroke.

2007: Represented her Club Grenfin at St. Lucia and Barbados Invitational Meets, again performing well in the 25m and 50m breaststroke.

2008: Local age group Champion in these various Meets, Alpha Junior School Meet, National Inter-Primary School Swim Meet and Grenfin's Invitational Meet. Gold medallist in the 400m and 800m cycle race at Alpha Junior annual Sports Meet and also medalled in the 200m and 400m races. She accomplished her first Cross Harbour Swim placing third in her age group. She ended the year in St. Lucia at OECS bringing home gold in all her breaststroke taking second place overall.

2009-2010 was a fantastic period for Oreoluwa.

2009 started with her being the age group and overall champion at her school annual Swim Meet taking all gold in every stroke.  In March 2009 she placed second in her age group in the annual Cross Harbour Swim. In March 2010 at Annual Cross Harbour she placed 1st in her age group and fifth overall in the women's finishing under one hour. She travelled to Gouyave and came first in the Gouyave Open Water Swim.

In April 2009 she travelled to RACH Meet in St. Lucia and placed third overall trophy with medals in the followings, 2gold in the 50m and 100m breaststroke, one silver and five bronze medals in the other strokes. She did all this, while preparing for Common Entrance examination.

In May 2009 and 2010 she again took part in the Grenada Annual Triathlon spearheading her team to first place in their age group for a third year.  She placed second in the 800m open, water swim female. She wrote the 2009 Common entrance placing first in her school and seventh place nationally. After this she participated in her school's annual sports, running the 100m, 200m 400m and 800m successfully ending up with two gold medals in the 400m and 800m cycle races with some exciting rides.

In June 2009 she represented her school, in the First Caribbean Inter - Primary National Swim meet, taking gold in all strokes, age group trophy and overall female champion. The month ended with Ore `oluwa, helping her school Alpha Junior to victory in the annual in the National inter Primary Private School Sports.

She completed her primary school year in August 2009, by representing Grenada at the Goodwill Swim Championship in Barbados. She was the only Grenadian to medalled achieving silver in the 50m breaststroke 38.02 and bronze in the 100m breaststroke 1.27.09. Oreoluwa started the new term with gold and silver medals in Grenfin's Invitational Meet, again being the age group champion. In November at the OECS Championship in Grenada, she helped the national team in by placing second overall in her age group with 10 medals, three gold, four silver and three bronze and a national record.

In December 2009, she swam for her new school St. Joseph's Convent at the Inter- Secondary School Meet and place first in her age group with gold and silver medals.  Later that month she travelled to Trinidad for their annual Invitational Meet and medalled with gold and silver in the 50m breast and 100m respectively and placed 5th in the 200m breast.

After qualifying for CARIFTA, she attended the Barbados Long Course in February 2010, to bring home gold and silver in the 50m and 100m breaststroke and finished with an amazing CARIFTA qualifying time in the 200m breaststroke dropping 20 seconds.

She went off to CARIFTA in Jamaica and did an outstanding performance in the 50m breast getting gold for Grenada with 38.25 and placing 5th in the 100m breast with 1.27.61 and 7th in the 200m breast 3.11.86. National pride was felt when Grenada's national anthem was played.

In May 2010, she attended Barbados Invitational with another stunning performance, gold in the 50m breast silver in the 100mbreast 4th in the 400 freestyle two 5th places in the 50m back and 50m fly strokes.

In June, the Caribbean Islands Swimming Championships (CISC) in Cuba was another exciting event for Oreoluwa, winning against Cuba with a golden time in the 50m breast of 37.42  and silver in 100m breast  1.23.65  another personal best and finishing this off with fifth place in the 200m breast 3.07 setting personal best times and national records.

At the Grenfin's invitational she set three national records in the 50m breast, 100m breast and the 200m IM, rounding this off with ten gold medals and her age group trophy.

Oreoluwa has set her mind on qualifying for CARIFTA, Central American and Caribbean Amateur Swimming Confederation (CCCAN) and any other Meets she can qualify for while still being among the top students in her grade. Her dream for summer 2011 is to be able to train at a Swim Camp in Florida, to enhance her performance.

Grenada selects strong team for OECS Swim Champs

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, January 10, 2011 – Grenada will be fielding a 34-member team to defend its title at the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Swimming Championships in St Lucia this weekend.

The Grenada Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) on Monday announced the team which is seeking to retain the sub-regional championship for a fifth consecutive year.

“Grenada has a very strong team with experienced swimmers, some who participated in the Commonwealth Games in India last October and others who broke and set national records with gold, silver and bronze medals at the Caribbean Islands Swimming Championships (CISC) 2010, CARIFTA 2010 and the OECS Swimming Championships in 2009,” according to a statement from GASA.

The association said that the national swimmers have undergone intensive training for the January 13-16 Championships. “GASA has high expectations for this meet and hopes to retain the age group trophies”.

Grenada and St Lucia have battled for the championships over the past few years but recently Antigua has joined the medals hunt.

The national team will be led by double medallist Oreoluwa Cherebin and bronze medallist Chris Regis from the CISC in Cuba last July. Also included are the experienced Nicholas Coard and Esau Simpson – two swimmers from the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, as well as Samantha La Qua, Sophia and Ayesha Noel and veteran Nataly Regis-Sihera.

      GRENADA NATIONAL SWIM TEAM

FEMALE                                      MALE                             
8 & under                                    8 & Under
Kattie Lillie                                  Christian Warner
Angelique Minors                        De' Andre Stephen
Enya Noel                                                                                     

 
9-10                                            9-10
Gabrielle Paparo                         Kerry Ollivierre
Simone La Qua                           Delron Felix                                                               
Lily Sylvester                               Matteo Bagnasco
                                                    Marco Bagnasco  
                          
11-12                                           11-12
Oreoluwa Cherebin                      Corey Ollivierre
Deleon Felix                                 Calum Noel
                                                     Adrian Andall
                                                     Justin Steele
                                                 
13-14                                         13-14

Chinwe Oluonye                         Khalil John
Valorie Andrews                          Andrew Hopkin
Kendra Moore                                                    

 
15-17                                         15-17
Sophia Noel                               Corey Latouche
Kevlian Andrews                        Richard Regis
Ayesha Noel                              Nicholas Coard              
 
18 & Over                                  18 & Over
Samantha La Qua                      Esau Simpson
Nataly Regis Sihera                   Chris Regis
                                                   Martin Renwick

Head Coach:        Michael Davidson
Assistant Coach: Nataly Sihera
Manager/PRO:      Pamela Cherebin