The warm August breeze at the Blowing Point Terminal on Tuesday, 5th August 2025, carried with it more than just the scent of the sea — it brought home Anguilla’s pride. Jonathan Irizarry, the island’s sole representative at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, stepped off the ferry to the applause and congratulations of family, supporters, and members of the swimming community.
Jonathan was accompanied by his travelling team — National Coach Joseph Williams, Head of Delegation Tyrone Hughes, and chaperone Laurie Connor — each of them carrying the glow of accomplishment after their journey to one of the world’s most competitive aquatic arenas.
Just days earlier, Jonathan had made his debut in the 50m breaststroke, clocking a personal best of 45.70 seconds, a notable leap from his previous 48.28.
It’s been a remarkable climb for a young man who only joined the All Nations United Swim Club (ANUSC) in 2022 after a summer programme sparked his interest. Since then, he has trained year-round under Coach Richard Stephens, who, along with the Anguilla Amateur Swimming Association, prepared Jonathan for this year’s Championships. Coach Williams took the reins for Jonathan’s final push of intensive training ahead of the trip to Singapore.
Speaking about stepping into the high-pressure atmosphere of the competition, Jonathan admitted, “At first, I was a bit nervous. But when I hit the water, all the nervousness went away. The experience was quite good.” Looking ahead, he’s already set on the next challenge: “I have to work more on building muscles so I can get better times in the competition. I have to do a lot of strength training.”
For Head of Delegation Tyrone Hughes, Jonathan’s participation is more than a personal achievement — it’s a sign of what’s possible for Anguilla. “Swimming is very competitive around the world, but Anguilla is actually up there with those other countries,” he said, stressing that conditioning, fitness, and nutrition are just as vital as time in the water. He also reiterated a long-standing plea from the swimming community: “We hope the government will [assist with] funds for us to have an international swimming pool soon.”
Coach Stephens reflected on the club’s humble beginnings during the pandemic: “The club started really for helping people during the COVID pandemic… and out of it, you see where we are now.” He continued, beaming with pride, “We sent an athlete all the way to Singapore. Jonathan is here as a result of the kindness and the true Anguillian spirit. I am feeling really good and very proud of him.”
Jonathan’s mother, Mayelin Irizarry, shared her own sense of surprise and pride. “To be honest, I didn’t know that he was going to go so far. It’s only been about two and a half years since he started to learn to swim. This is a big and rewarding experience for us, especially me as his mother,” she said, promising to support Jonathan in building up his exercise regime.
Fellow ANUSC members were just as proud. Demi Proctor remarked: “I am very proud of Jonathan for making it to the World Aquatic Championships. It’s quite an accomplishment.” She also highlighted the challenge of training in open water: “We practise in the sea but have to swim in a pool at the World Games… If we get that swimming pool in Anguilla, it will be a huge help to making sure that the athletes in Anguilla are ready and prepared for the World Stage.”
Shirlene Stephens added, “We are extremely proud of Jonathan… We hope to see more swimmers get involved so they too can be part of that competition one day.”
Jonathan’s journey from a summer programme novice to an athlete on the world stage is proof that with dedication, opportunity, and community support, Anguillians can compete with the best.
His closing remarks and advice to other young athletes was simple but fitting: “Keep working hard and don’t give up.”
Article by Janissa Fleming
