Media Release

Bucharest, Aug 11: Mangaluru-born swimmer Neil Sherwin Noronha, son of Roland Nyzil Noronha and Dr Sujatha D’Costa from Siddakatte, has been selected to represent Antigua and Barbuda at the Junior World Swimming Championships in Bucharest, Romania, from August 16 to 24.

Neil began swimming at the age of six and now lives with his family in Antigua, where he trains under Coach Wayne Mitchell at the Vipers Swim Club. Despite living overseas, he maintains strong ties to his Indian roots and family heritage in Karnataka.

Alongside his sporting pursuits, Neil has excelled academically, earning consistent high honors for his dedication to both studies and sport.

His competitive career has shown steady progress. In 2022, he won two bronze medals in relay events at the OECS Swimming Championships in St Lucia. The following year, he reached the finals at the CARIFTA Swimming Championships in the Bahamas. His breakthrough came in 2024 at the 32nd OECS Championships in St Vincent, where he clinched two gold and two bronze medals in individual events, earning the title of Outstanding Swimmer of the Year from the Antigua and Barbuda Swimming Federation (ABSF).

The Junior Worlds, organised by World Aquatics (formerly FINA), will bring together top junior swimmers from around the globe, serving as a stepping stone to Olympic and elite international competition.

“We are thrilled by Neil’s achievement,” his parents said in a joint statement. “This is the result of years of hard work and perseverance. We hope the people of Mangalore, Siddakatte, and beyond will join us in cheering him on as he represents Antigua and Barbuda while honoring his Indian heritage.”

Neil expressed gratitude to his parents, coach, Vipers Swim Club, the ABSF, and his extended network of teachers, mentors, and well-wishers in both India and Antigua.

As he heads to Romania, communities in Antigua and India stand proudly behind him, hailing his discipline, determination, and humility as an inspiration to young athletes.