In June 2019, just under four (4) years ago, as an eleven (11) year old – Grade 6 student of the Montessori Centre, in Rodney Bay, Gros Islet, after returning home from an Invitational Championship, hosted by the Barbados Swimming Association, Antoine Destang declared to the Voice Newspaper’s Anthony Debeauville that he was looking at representing Saint Lucia, at the 2024 Olympics, in France.  

In December 2021, Antoine broke the Canadian 100 fly record, in the 13-14 age group, with a time of 55.22 seconds, eclipsing the previous record of 55.84 seconds, set by Emil Goin, since 1999, 22 years earlier.  

In November 2022, out of twenty-six (26) records set at the OECS Swimming Championships, Antoine Destang set seven (7) OECS records and one (1) national record, being the single swimmer with the most records set at the Championships.  

And last weekend, just over one (1) year away from his Olympic goal, Antoine Destang blew away his competition in the 13-14 age group, and captured seven (7) gold and three (3) silver medals, at the 36th CARIFTA Swimming Championship, in Curacao.  

Antoine returned to Canada last evening, and was received at the airport, by Consul General Henry Mangal, and Diaspora Affairs Officer Arletta Walcott-Peter.  

The Consulate General of Saint Lucia in Toronto would like to officially congratulate Antoine, on his outstanding achievements, and for the remarkable progress that he has made thus far, and we wish him continued success in all his future endeavours.  

 Congrats Antoine! We celebrate with you, your parents Sanovnik and Julie Destang, and the rest of your family.