Raekwon Noel powered to gold in the men’s 100m butterfly on Monday night at the inaugural PanAm Aquatics Championships in Colombia, setting a new national record in the process.
The 21-year-old clocked 54.00 seconds in the 19–22 age category, slicing 1.75 seconds off his previous national mark of 56.35, set in February 2023 at the National Aquatic Centre in Liliendaal, Guyana.
Competing at altitude in MedellĂn, Noel edged out a competitive field to take the top step of the podium. Venezuela’s Manuel Diaz claimed silver in 54.27 seconds, with Puerto Rico’s AndrĂ©s Brooks taking bronze in 54.52.
The PanAm Aquatics Championships, which opened on May 13, bring together top swimmers from 31 nations across the Americas and the Caribbean. The long-term goal is qualification for the 2027 Pan American Games, as well as upcoming World Aquatics Championships and the Olympic Games.
Shareefah Lewis produced a strong performance in the Women’s 16-18 50m backstroke, but finished eighth overall, clocking a personal best of 33.47 seconds in a competitive field.
Guyana’s presence in Colombia forms part of a wider strategy by the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) to provide international exposure and competitive experience to its top athletes.
Noel is still to be featured in the 200m butterfly, 100m backstroke, and 400m freestyle. The PanAm Aquatics Championships are set to conclude on May 25.
