COLOMBIA-- Sharmar Thomas is the first elite swimmer to compete under the St. Maarten flag at the Central American and Caribbean Games.
The 2018 competition started July 19 and is in progress at Barranquilla, Colombia till August 3. The CAC Games are a qualifier for the Pan Americans which lead to the Olympics.
Thomas competed in the 50-meter butterfly and 50-meter freestyle. In the butterfly he placed sixth in his heat and finished 31st overall. In freestyle he finished eighth in his heat and placed 44th overall.
Prior to the break-up of the Netherlands Antilles St. Maarten athletes competed under the Antilles flag. It was not until 2017 that St. Maarten qualified to send athletes back to the CAC.
Thomas was one of several athletes selected by the St. Maarten Sport and Olympic Federation to participate in their Promising Athlete Programme. An intense training schedule was planned, but interrupted by Hurricane Irma.
Seven athletes were slated to go to the CAC Games. But at the last minute the CAC canceled a portion of the sailing programme.
Frits Bus was the only sailor to represent St. Maarten. He competed in Laser. He placed 13th after nine races.
Judo and cycling are ongoing.
