Butler and Courtis set for one last hurrah at CARIFTA Games

2013 marks the end of the road for two Stingray Swimmers who have competed in every CARIFTA Games for the past 7 years. Geoffrey Butler (Cayman) and Matthew Courtis (Barbados) will both be making the trip to Jamaica to represent their countries at the Games for one last time next week. I was able to catch up with each of them this past weekend to get their take on the ocassion and what they're feeling going into the competition...

"Yeah I'm very excited," commented Geoffrey. "It's a bid sad how it is my last one, as it's my 7th year at CARIFTA, but I mean to make my last one also my best one."

Matthew shared Geoff's sentiments. "Absolutely buzzing about CARIFTA! It's my favorite meet of the year and I've been working hard in the pool and the gym to prepare. 200 Fly is my main race as I got bronze in it last year, so this time around I'm looking to make it a gold."

Butler has also been hitting the gym this past season. "Been going a lot to get stronger, and we're just now starting to taper for the meet. Definitely looking to medal in the 1500, but I don't know what the competition will look like in the 400 and 200 free so I'm unsure about those races.

I asked each of them if they had any pre-race rituals they would be partaking in at the games... "It's pretty simple. I like listening to music and zoning in, mentally preparing for my races," said Geoff.

Courtis mentioned he'd be doing, "Three 'good-luck' jumps, and then some fast swimming!" Something I'm sure Coach Ian is very pleased to hear.

Good luck to both boys! You have made Stingray and your countries proud over the past seven years. Here's looking toward one more great CARIFTA!