During the prestigious CARIFTA Swimming Championships 2026, Stingray Swimming Team once again confirmed its position as a high-level talent development platform in the Caribbean. This competition, the largest and most elite for youth swimmers (11–18 years old), gathers the best from the Caribbean region, where only the Top 8 advance to the finals in the evening. In this demanding arena, five Stingray athletes delivered outstanding performances, achieving medals, reaching finals, and securing numerous time improvements (Personal Bests/PBs), representing Aruba and Stingray Swimming Team with pride and excellence. This international competition featured 19 countries and around 500 swimmers.
A team of 5 high-level swimmers
The following 5 athletes from Stingray Swimming Team demonstrated an exceptional level during CARIFTA 2026. Each performance reflects discipline, determination, and the ability to compete with the best youth talent in the Caribbean.
Leandro Santiesteban (13): Leandro led with an impressive championship across his 8 events: 2 silver medals (50m & 100m Breaststroke) and 1 bronze medal (200m Breaststroke), all with PBs. He also achieved 5th place in the 50m Butterfly (PB). In the relays, he competed in the 800m Free Relay (PB) and 400m Free Relay (PB), winning silver medals in both, along with a strong 50m split (PB). His reactions and finishes stood out consistently.
D-Leylah Gerrel (14): D-Leylah showed consistency and competitive strength in her 9 events, reaching 2 Top 8 finals in the 200m freestyle and 200m backstroke, and recording 4 PBs. In the 400m Free relay, she achieved a silver medal and a PB, and in the 200m Free relay, they placed just short of the podium in 4th place. D-Leylah contributed to a strong overall result for Team Aruba.
Emma Ponson (12): In her first CARIFTA, Emma delivered a solid performance in her 9 events with 4 PBs: 100m Butterfly (PB, Top 10), 200m Butterfly (PB in both prelims and finals, finishing 7th place), 200m Free, and 50m Fly, demonstrating notable and consistent progress. Through her active participation in the 11–12 relay team, she gained valuable experience at the international level.
Vitali Inocencia (12): Vitali stood out in his 9 events, with a strong performance in the 200m Breaststroke where he finished in 4th place with a PB, coming very close to the podium. His other events—5th place in the 100m breaststroke, 6th place in the 100m Free, 7th place in the 400m IM, and 8th place in the 200m Free—are proof of his quality to be positioned in the Top 8 of the Caribbean, along with his participation in the relays. His competitive attitude showed great determination and future potential.
Richmyra Hoen (11): For her first CARIFTA experience, Richmyra showed courage and commitment in her events, participating and gaining important experience on the international stage. In the relays, she was part of the 11–12 team, contributing to Aruba’s collective effort and gaining experience for the future.
Stingray Pride
The performance of these five athletes reflects the essence of Stingray: discipline, perseverance, and excellence. The entire Stingray Swimming family is proud, especially coaches Ismael Santiesteban, Valerie Eman, Paolo Inocencia, and Shameeza van Loon. The future of swimming in Aruba is in good hands.
