ALEX SOBERS
Alex started competitive swimming in 2007 at the annual Aquatic Center International at the age of eight. He was still a novice swimmer, as a couple weeks before he was still enrolled in the “learn to swim” program; however Alex adapted very quickly and made his presence felt from then on. In 2008 he made the 9-10 boys Goodwill Team to represent Barbados, which was held in Guyana. He found the competition a bit challenging as he was up against more seasoned swimmers, but this all fueled him to train harder as he was determined to win an individual race in upcoming competitions. He won his first medal at the BASA SC Nationals in December 2008, and this set a thirst for more and to be better and improve his times. Alex first major trophy came at the 18th Annual Aquatic Center International in 2009 where he was awarded 9-10 age group Champion. He also won that award again in 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
In 2011 he qualified to be part of the Carfita Swim Team held in Barbados, winning gold in the 200 butterfly, and hearing the National Anthem playing in front of your home crowd for the first time was a special moment. Along the way there were many other age group titles, and medals. 2014 was Alex’s first taste of international competition at the Short Course World Championships held in Qatar. This was an eye opener, as the best swimmers in the world were there and he was able to meet his idol, Ryan Lochte. In 2015 once he realized he had a realistic chance of qualifying for the Rio Olympics his training scheduled increased to a high and demanding level, at times with him wanting to give up. However with motivation from his coaches and parents he continued. At one point he thought that swimming under the four minute barrier was beyond him. When it finally came at the CISC championships in Bahamas he was relieved to say the least.
Alex will compete in the 400m Freestyle at the 2016 Olympic Games.