Mangaluru: Mangaluru-born swimmer Neil Sherwin Noronha, son of Roland Nyzil Noronha and Dr Sujatha D’Costa from Siddakatte, has been chosen to represent Antigua and Barbuda at the Junior World Swimming Championships in Bucharest, Romania, from August 16 to 24.
Neil, who began swimming at just six years old, now resides in Antigua with his family and trains under Coach Wayne Mitchell at the Vipers Swim Club. While settled abroad, he continues to cherish his roots and maintain strong connections to Karnataka.
Alongside his sporting career, Neil has consistently excelled in academics, earning high honors for balancing his studies and training. His swimming journey reflects steady growth — securing two bronze medals in relay events at the 2022 OECS Championships in St Lucia, reaching finals at the 2023 CARIFTA Championships in the Bahamas, and achieving a breakthrough in 2024 with two gold and two bronze medals at the 32nd OECS Championships in St Vincent. His 2024 performance earned him the Outstanding Swimmer of the Year award from the Antigua and Barbuda Swimming Federation (ABSF).
The Junior Worlds, organised by World Aquatics, will gather elite junior swimmers worldwide, acting as a pathway to Olympic and top-tier competitions.
Neil’s parents expressed pride in his achievement, calling it the result of years of commitment. Neil thanked his family, coach, club, ABSF, teachers, and supporters in both Antigua and India. As he heads to Romania, communities in both nations celebrate his discipline, determination, and humility as an example for young athletes.