TECHNICAL Director Olga Novokshchenova described Team Jamaica’s showing at the 2026 Coral Springs Worldwide Invitational as a major step forward for the programme.

The tournament ran May 1 to 3 at the Coral Springs Aquatic Complex in Florida and marked a decade of participation and growth for Jamaica’s artistic swimming programme.

It brought together approximately 256 athletes from 16 clubs and national teams across Jamaica, Panama, the Cayman Islands, Mexico, Guadeloupe, Ecuador, Turkey, and the United States.

Competing as JAMUNITED, Jamaica sent 36 swimmers from five clubs in Kingston, Montego Bay, and Portland. The team entered athletes in the Novice, Intermediate, Age Group, and Youth divisions across Figures, Solos, Duets, Trios, and Team routines.

Jamaica finished with 21 medals in total: seven gold, eight silver, and six bronze. The youth team added to the haul by capturing the High Point Trophy in their category, underscoring the programme’s growing technical depth and international competitiveness.

“The 2026 Coral Springs Worldwide Invitational was a strong and positive experience for Team Jamaica (JAMUNITED). The athletes performed well, the team achieved strong medal results, and the overall performance demonstrated the continued growth of artistic swimming in Jamaica while highlighting the potential for future regional success,” Novokshchenova said.

The delegation was managed by Team Manager Ronnie-Dane Renford, whose coordination and support were key to the team’s operations throughout the competition.

ASAJ Vice-President of Artistic Swimming Carolene Brown-Thomas also commended the athletes, coaches, and support teams for their dedication and commitment to advancing artistic swimming in Jamaica and representing the nation with pride. She extended sincere appreciation to the athletes, coaches, parents, volunteers, liaisons, medical support teams, sponsors, media partners, Diaspora community, and supporters whose collective efforts contributed to the success of the Jamaican delegation.

Special acknowledgment was given to the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), and JOA President Christopher Samuda for their backing of the programme and Team Jamaica’s participation.

The programme also recognised support from community leaders, government representatives, international partners, volunteers, and the Jamaican Diaspora community. Honoued guests included Consul General of Jamaica to Miami Oliver Mair, Broward County commissioners Alexandra P Davis (District 7) and Hazel Rogers (District 9), Vice Mayor Joy B Smith of the City of West Park, and Coral Springs Commissioner Joshua Simmons.

Further appreciation is extended to partners, private sponsors, and Diaspora supporters, including VM Group, Dutch Pot, Donna’s Caribbean Restaurant, and Rennalls International LLC, along with community stakeholders locally and internationally who assisted in welcoming and supporting the delegation throughout the competition period.

Rennalls International LLC noted that the continued growth and success of Jamaica’s artistic swimming programme demonstrate the power of vision, perseverance, and national pride. The organisation emphasised that these athletes are helping redefine what is possible for Jamaica in aquatic sports while inspiring young people across the island to dream bigger, pursue excellence, and proudly represent their country on the international stage.