By MVA Sports
Four Montverde Academy student-athletes recently competed in the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) Games, including Nia Norville Smith from girls swimming, Pablo de Fabrique from boys swimming, Michelle Smith from girls track & field, and Miles Outerbridge from boys track & field. The swimming competitions were held in The Bahamas from March 29 to April 3, while the track & field events were held in Grenada from March 30 to April 1.
On the swimming side of things, Nia Norville Smith, representing The Bahamas, won a bronze medal in the 100-meter butterfly in a personal best time of 1:05.86. She also won three more medals, including two silvers and a bronze after competing in three different relay teams . She helped The Bahamas to silver medals in the 400 meter free relay and 400 meter medley relay, as well as a bronze medal in the 800 meter free relay.
de Fabrique represented his native country Guadalupe. He swam personal best times in six events, including a fourth place finish in the 200 meter individual medley in 2:15.22 and a fifth place finish in the 100 meter backstroke in 1:01.12.
“Nia represented The Bahamas which makes the occasion even more special because that’s where the games were held. She had a lot of obstacles during the preparation, but she gave it her all. It was not easy, but it was totally worth it,” said Montverde Academy Director of Aquatics and high school swim coach Gui Ferreira Goncalves. “Paolo put a lot of dedication into the preparation for CARIFTA and it paid off tremendously as he had breakout performances. We are so proud of Nia and Paolo, and we are excited to see them furthering the progress they showed this spring.”
In track & field, Smith represented the Virgin Islands and earned gold for the third year in a row. Her 2024 gold medals included a first place finish in the 400 meter hurdles in 56.28, and the other in the 800 meter hurdles in 2:06.18.
Outerbridge represented Bermuda, competed in the 200 meters, qualified for the finals, and finished a respectable seventh in 22.63.
“If it was ever a doubt before, Michelle proved herself to be the queen of CARIFTA. Winning the 400 meter and 800 meter double is difficult in itself; it is a very rarely attempted feat at any track meet. To do so three years in a row against fierce competition from Jamaica and other powerhouses is simply superb. I am elated for Michelle and her historic feat, more so grateful that she is stamping Montverde Academy’s presence on the global radar,” said Montverde Academy Director of Track & Field Gerald Phiri. “International experience is invaluable for an aspiring young athlete like Miles. I was pleased with his efforts at the CARIFTA Games. We were not one hundred percent healthy going into the championship, but Miles stepped up and made the most of it. To make a final of an international caliber meet is always an awesome feat and I’m really proud of him. I hope it has whet his appetite for greater glory next time.”