PHILIPSBURG--Adaya Bourne, 19, and Holdson Jean-Fort, 17, have qualified to represent St Maarten at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships scheduled for December 1–6, 2026, in Beijing, China, the Sint Maarten Aquatic Federation (SMAF) announced.
According to the federation, both swimmers achieved the AAA USA Swimming Age Group Standard Times, securing their places at the international competition.
Jean-Fort, who represents the Dolphin Swim Team (DST), has qualified for the world championships following his international debut at the 2026 CARIFTA Swimming Championships in Martinique earlier this year.
The 17-year-old's qualification comes only months after his first appearance at the regional competition. According to SMAF, his achievement marks a significant step in his swimming career, taking him from his CARIFTA debut to qualification for the world stage within the same year.
Bourne, a member of the Carib Swim Team (CST), will make her third appearance at the World Aquatics Championships, having previously represented Sint Maarten at the events in Budapest, Hungary, in 2024, and Singapore in 2025. Her qualification for the Beijing championships marks another international appearance in her swimming career. SMAF described Bourne as one of St Maarten's leading female swimmers and noted her continued presence at the world championships as an inspiration to younger swimmers on the island.
The federation identified both qualifications as an important milestone in the continued development of aquatic sports in St Maarten.
SMAF President Dwight Vermeer will also travel to Beijing, where he will attend the World Aquatics General Assembly on behalf of the federation.
In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Vermeer will serve as coach of Team St Maarten during the championships, providing technical guidance and support to both athletes.
The federation said the swimmers' achievements demonstrate the potential of athletes from Sint Maarten to meet qualifying standards for high-level international competition. It also highlighted the importance of dedication, structured training, coaching and support in helping local swimmers reach that level.
SMAF extended its congratulations to Bourne and Jean-Fort, their coaches, their respective swim clubs and their families, acknowledging their hard work, commitment and sacrifices in contributing to the athletes' achievements. The federation has called on the St Maarten community to support the two swimmers as they prepare for the competition.
Under its motto, “Developing People, Building Champions,” SMAF continues to promote swimming and athlete development through its guiding principles: Swim, Develop, Unite and Excel.
