Walker, Denoon Shine at ASATT Open National Championships 2025

May 16, 2025 – Two outstanding athletes from the Tobago YMCA Aqua Warriors made waves at the ASATT National Open Long Course Championships, held from May 15th to 18th, 2025, at the National Aquatic Centre in Balmain, Couva, Trinidad. Representing Tobago with pride, Ornella Walker and Mosi Denoon delivered exceptional performances, returning home with a combined total of seven medals, one national record, and one overall trophy.

Competing in the Open age group category, Ornella Walker emerged as a double gold medallist and new national record holder. She captured her first gold in the 50-meter Backstroke, clocking a seasonal best time of 29.23 seconds, ahead of Jahmia Harley of Tidal Wave Aquatics (30.46) and Kaylee France of Flying Fish Swim Club (31.90). Walker then made history in the 100-meter Backstroke, smashing her own previous 18 & Over national record of 1:04.18 set in 2022. She lowered the mark to 1:03.81, securing another gold medal and cementing her place among the nation’s elite swimmers.

Mosi Denoon, who acted in the capacity of coach and competitor, emerged as a five-time medallist and clinched the 2nd Place Overall Trophy in the 25 & Over Masters category. Denoon struck double gold in the 50-meter and 100-meter Breaststroke, earned double silver in the 50-meter Backstroke and 50-meter Freestyle, and added a bronze in the 50-meter Butterfly to complete his medal haul.

The stellar performances of Walker and Denoon are a testament to the talent, discipline, and determination cultivated within the Tobago YMCA Aqua Warriors program. Their success on the national stage reflects the club’s unwavering commitment to excellence in swimming. As the team basks in the glory of their recent accomplishments, they now shift focus to their next major event: the Tobago YMCA Invitational Swimming Championships, where teams from across the nation will converge on the island to compete for supremacy. With their sights set high, the Tobago YMCA Aqua Warriors continue to inspire and lead the way for aquatic sports in Tobago.