Damani David, Swimmer/Track & Field athlete aiming to represent Guyana

Jun 28, 2018 Sports

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By Franklin Wilson
Thirteen year-old Guyanese, Damani David, who resides in the Bahamas along with his parents, Marvis and Calantha Holder-David has been growing in stature as a multi-talented athlete who runs middle distance and is also a swimmer.
David would have already been on the Bahamas Developmental Team if he had made himself available but is looking forward to representing the Golden Arrowhead one day; as a matter of fact, the youngster would have already been to two Goodwill games.
The 13-year-old started swimming about four years ago and according to his Dad, Damani’s club, Dolphin Swim Club (DSW) which has as its Head Coach Geoffrey Eneas and David Del Cueto (Coach) is a club that focuses on real development of the athlete on a long term basis.
”The structure at the club is geared towards long term growth and development. I am really happy with Damani’s current progress when we look back at where he used to be, it’s wonderful. He has really improved a great lot.”
Such has been the improvement of David that he has been sought by a number of other swimming coaches to join their club.
”A lot of coaches have approached us to move him from the club he is presently in to be with them so that they can push him faster but we are looking at not being a star at this early age and burning out by the time he reaches age 15, 16 or 17. These are the years he would be developing more. We are going step by step, his coaches are doing a great deal and strategically so.”
Damani, is aiming to be back in Guyana in November to contest the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) National Championships for his local club, Dolphin Speed Swim Club (DSSC), his dad informed.
At the REV National Swimming Championships held from July 16 – 19, last, Damani contesting the Boys 11-12 50m Butterfly placed 4th (30.69), 3rd 200m Butterfly (2.50.41);
5th 100m Backstroke (1.21.75); 6th 50m Freestyle (29.41), 10th 100m Freestyle (1.09.38), 6th 200m Freestyle (2.31.28); 7th 200m Backstroke (2.50.98).
In track and field, Damani’s Head Coach is his father, Marvis at the Kingsway Academy.
”The programme at the school is specifically designed for the students to be able to peak by age 16 – 17, that’s when the coaches from various colleges have their eyes on the athletes,” Marvis explained.
”We are looking forward for our athletes to blossom then, so certain work we do not do, we leave that for when they get to college.”
Young David, the father said, has been improving at the 400m and 800m distances consistently after displaying a desire at the shorter distances earlier in his career. Damani he stated would be aiming to represent Guyana in another two years time at the Under-17 level.
”In the 1500m and 3000m because distance racing is something that comes natural to him, you can judge that from his record breaking time in the 5K that he won overall and he would be defending that title in November of this year.”
As a proud father, Marvis also explained that he ensures Damani is able to have that balance when it comes to managing his athletics and swimming careers with his school work.
”So far we are happy with the adjustments he is making in high school. This is his second year and he is going to grade 9 in the next school year. There is room of course for improvement. He came to this level with a 4.0 GPA but fell back a bit to 3.77 but has promised to take it back to 4.0 in the next school year.”
The talented David is already being monitored by one of the top universities in the USA so it is important his dad explained that he remains consistent with his GPA.
Damani was the top Junior and first Overall out of 53 male finishers in Bahamas Road Masters 5K in a time of 21 Minutes 33 Seconds and would be defending that title in November this year.
Competing at the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools Track and field Championships this year, he placed 2nd in the 1500m (4:50.58) and 5th in the 800m (2:23.66) while at the National High School Championships; he was 2nd in the 1500m in 4:56.07.
Young Damani shared his thoughts on the opportunity to represent the Golden Arrowhead: “If given the opportunity to represent Guyana, I would be elated and proud; it has always been my dream to represent the country of my birth and also the people, especially my family and friends in this great land.”
He also shared on how he is able to balance his school work with his sporting careers: “I balance my school work and sporting activities by using my spare time to study in school, on the way to school and while going to practice. I do not wait until the last minute to prepare for my tests; I consistently review my notes, thus, always being prepared ahead of time.”
Good advice for other young athletes to follow.

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