Tuesday afternoon there was a grand welcome at the airport for the six youth athletes who returned victoriously from their recent CARIFTA competition in Bermuda. The 11-year old children returned with a total of 7 medals, which include individual ones as well as relay for the Triathlon and Aquathlon.
Trainer Nicolaas Robert informed us that they participated in three categories with both female and male athletes. Last Saturday, they participated in the Triathlon in which Christian and Rebecca Jansen won the gold medal and Jeon Fernandez and Emma Gobert took home the bronze medal.
The relay teams were made up by Richard Sotelo, Rebecca Jansen, Cristiaan Jansen, and Emma Gobert. They received bronze medals. As for the Aquathlon, Aruba managed to win two more medals. One bronze for Christian Jansen and the other one silver for Jeon Fernandez.
These athletes have been training for more than 6 months. They have dedicated their time to this event, and it shows, as they were rewarded beautifully for all their hard work.
The next goal is in the year 2023 in the Bahamas, where everyone is sure to have their eye on Aruba, after they won so many medals this year. Because of this, they are sure to be fully prepared for next year as well.
Their trainer mentioned that these athletes have a huge amount of discipline and support from their families to have reached this level. “Without that, they would not have accomplished anything. With this support system, nothing would be possible. It is not easy. We are working slowly but steadily to go abroad with our athletes.” He thanked the Minister for Sport for the financial support they were given, as well as the “Comite Olimpico Arubano” for their cooperation.
