The St. Kitts & Nevis Aquatics Federation (SKNAF) proudly celebrates a historic milestone following the participation of swimmers Skyla Connor and Jonathan Essien at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
The Games, held from 23 July to 2 August 2026, marked the first time that the St. Kitts & Nevis Aquatics Federation sent swimmers to compete at the Commonwealth Games, representing a significant milestone in the continued development and growth of aquatics in St. Kitts & Nevis.
Skyla Connor competed in the 50m Freestyle and 50m Breaststroke, while Jonathan Essien contested the 50m Butterfly and 100m Butterfly. Both athletes delivered strong performances and recorded personal best times during the competition, representing an important achievement in their swimming careers.
The Commonwealth Games also provided a memorable opportunity for both athletes to take on special ceremonial roles in representing St. Kitts & Nevis. Skyla Connor proudly served as the flag bearer for St. Kitts & Nevis at the Opening Ceremony, while Jonathan Essien was selected as the nation’s baton bearer, carrying the Commonwealth Games baton as part of the Opening Ceremony celebrations.
Swimming competition took place at the renowned Tollcross International Swimming Centre, bringing together many of the Commonwealth’s leading swimmers on one of the sport’s biggest international stages.
SKNAF President Eldon Thomas accompanied the athletes as Team Manager and Coach, supporting Skyla and Jonathan throughout their Commonwealth Games experience.
“This is a truly historic moment for aquatics in St. Kitts & Nevis,” said Eldon Thomas. “To have Skyla and Jonathan represent our Federation at the Commonwealth Games for the first time is something everyone involved in our sport can be extremely proud of. Their personal best performances, together with the honour of representing our country in the Opening Ceremony, made this a truly memorable experience.”
He continued, “Both athletes have demonstrated tremendous dedication, discipline and resilience throughout their swimming careers. They have embraced every opportunity to develop as athletes and ambassadors for St. Kitts & Nevis, and we are proud of the way they represented our Federation and our country on the international stage.”
SKNAF extends its sincere appreciation to the St. Kitts & Nevis Olympic Committee (SKNOC) for its continued investment in athlete development and its support of the delegation throughout the Commonwealth Games journey. This partnership has provided invaluable opportunities for St. Kitts & Nevis athletes to gain international experience and continue raising the profile of aquatics on the world stage.
The participation of Skyla Connor and Jonathan Essien marks an important chapter in the history of swimming in St. Kitts & Nevis. Their performances, personal bests and roles in the Opening Ceremony have created lasting memories and serve as an inspiration to the next generation of swimmers who dream of representing their country at the highest level.
SKNAF congratulates Skyla and Jonathan on this historic achievement and thanks them for proudly representing St. Kitts & Nevis at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.