Cassidy Coles relished opportunity to compete for Cayman Islands
TFS sophomore recounts CARIFTA Aquatic Championships experience
Tallulah Falls sophomore and state champion Cassidy Coles spent her Spring Break in the pool, representing her home country of Cayman Islands. Coles competed in the 2026 CARIFTA Aquatic Championships in Martinique.
"It was a fun event to be a part of; it is the fourth year I have been able to go to the CARIFTA championships and it is always exciting when I get to represent my country," says Coles.
She swam in the 50 Fly, 100 Fly, 200 Fly, and 50 Free, setting a PR in two of those events.
"Unfortunately, I just missed the opportunity to make the finals in my main event of the 200 Butterfly by .02 of a second. I have learned that so much of sports is mental and you have to remember that your performance is ultimately about trying to improve yourself, therefore you shouldn't compare and let other peoples' performances bring you down."
Coles has high expectations for herself and her TFS teammates the rest of her high school career.
"At TFS I hope to continue swimming competitively and win many more state championships. After my time here, I would like to swim in college or a club team so I can continue pursuing my sport."