MEMBERS of the swimming fraternity will gather to compete at the annual Karl Dalhouse Memorial Invitational Swim Meet from February 3-5.

The event, which is now in its 27th staging, will be hosted by the highly decorated Y Speedos Swim Club Jamaica at the National Aquatics Centre in St Andrew.

The meet will highlight and celebrate the lives of Y Speedos founders Karl Dalhouse and the late Sarah Newland-Martin, YMCA’s former associate general secretary and administrator.

Newland-Martin was well known for her lifetime of advocacy for people with disabilities and worked tirelessly with vulnerable and marginalised individuals.

Over 380 swimmers from eight local and three overseas clubs from Turks & Caicos & Florida are set to participate in the three-day meet and contest the coveted Karl Dalhouse trophies in their respective age group and masters divisions.

The meet will also award the Matthew Hylton Trophy for the winner of the Boys’ 13-14 200m breaststroke, in memory of the beloved Jamaican national and Y Speedos swimmer who suddenly passed in 2008; and this year the newly added Sarah Newland-Martin Trophy will be presented to the winner of the Girls’ 15-17 100m breaststroke.

“We look forward to fast swims, breaking of records, personal bests, and exciting finishes. Above all, we encourage all of our athletes participating over the three days to do their best and forget the rest,” said Lisa Adelle-Jondeau, president of Y Speedos.

Top Jamaican swimmers to participate include Kia Alert, Alexandria Cogle, Morgan Cogle, Kokolo Foster, Giani Francis, Aliyah Heaven, Kai Lawson, Alyssa Jefferson, Christanya Shirley, Leanna Wainright, Zachary Jackson-Blaine, Zack-Andre Johnson, Richard Martin Jr, Charles McIntosh, Waldon McIntosh, Kai Radcliffe and Nathaniel Thomas.

Francis is looking forward to bringing down her times in an effort to make the Jamaican Carifta swim team later this year.

“I am looking forward to it very much because I am looking forward to lowering my time and my placement in events like the 100m butterfly and the 200m butterfly so that I can make the swim team for the Carifta 2023 Games.”

Derrick Harrison, male captain of Y Speedos, is looking forward to competing against overseas swimmers.

“I am looking forward to swimming against international swimmers. I think it provides a new sense of competition, especially against people that we are not used to. It’s a new factor of excitement and an unexpected spin on the meet so it will be interesting and enjoyable for all of us.”

This is the first FINA-approved meet in 2023 in which swimmers can achieve qualifying standard times for the Summer 2023 World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, in July.