2025 Americas Triathlon CARIFTA Championships Tobago
On August 23, 2025, Courland Heritage Park in Trinidad and Tobago hosted the 2025 Americas Triathlon CARIFTA Championships. This milestone event marked the 7th edition of the CARIFTA Triathlon, and for the first time, included World Triathlon ranking points for athletes in the 16–19 age group—a significant step forward for the region’s development.
A Long-Awaited Dream Realised
The road to Tobago 2025 began several years ago. Following discussions at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, World Triathlon Head of Development Zita Csovelyak sat down with key leaders from the Caribbean federations - Karen Araujo (Trinidad and Tobago), Darren Treasure (Barbados), and Alan Beckford (Jamaica) - to explore how to bring the CARIFTA Championships into the official World Triathlon calendar.
Since then, through persistence, collaboration, and the shared vision of National Federations across the region, this dream has become a reality. The Championships now serve as a cornerstone for youth and junior triathlon development, complementing the long-standing prestige of the CARIFTA swimming and athletics competitions.
The 2025 CARIFTA Championships
This year’s event brought together athletes aged 11 to 19 across triathlon, aquathlon, and mixed team relay formats. It was also the first time the athletes aged 16-19 were racing for World Triathlon points. The Championships are designed not only to showcase athletic talent but also to build community, foster friendships, and inspire the next generation of Caribbean triathletes.
Despite challenges in recent years, including cancellations in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CARIFTA Triathlon continues to grow in strength. In 2025, 13 countries participated: Aruba, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Grenada, Guyana (a first-time participant), Martinique, Guadeloupe, St. Kitts and Nevis, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad & Tobago.
2025 Results
The Championships delivered thrilling races, with athletes showing endurance, determination, and regional pride.
Boys Podium
🥇 Luke McIntyre (Barbados)
🥈 Christian Jensen (Aruba)
🥉 Dylan Giel (Aruba)
Girls Podium
🥇 Louna Cariou (Martinique)
🥈 Nina James (Grenada)
🥉 Ashleigh Thomas (Trinidad & Tobago)
In the overall country rankings, Bermuda dominated the competition, finishing well ahead of the field. Barbados secured second place, Aruba placed third, and the host nation, Trinidad and Tobago, proudly finished fourth.
World Triathlon President Antonio F Arimany has been a strong supporter in establishing the event and expressed its importance in the region:
'I am very pleased to see the CARIFTA Triathlon Championships recognised by World Triathlon and the Americas Triathlon. When I attended the 2023 event in the Bahamas, I was amazed by the strength of the Caribbean community and their dedication, passion, and devotion to this unique championship. It unites the entire region and serves as the primary race and event for nations, athletes, coaches, and the wider community, while driving the growth and development of the sport across the Caribbean. The future is here.'
Trinidad and Tobago former NF President Karen Araujo and Americas Triathlon Vice-President reflected on the significance of the weekend, capturing the pride of hosting and highlighting the collective achievement of Triathlon federations across the Caribbean:
'Having a Regional Championships be part of CARIFTA for the 16- to 21-year-old age group, held in Trinidad and Tobago, was truly a proud moment for me.'
Full event results can be found here.
A Key to Future Development in the Region
The 2025 Americas Triathlon CARIFTA Championships showcased more than just racing, it demonstrated the power of grassroots development. With growing participation, new nations joining, and the addition of World Triathlon points, the event is cementing its role as a launchpad for the region’s young athletes.
The World Triathlon, in conjunction with the Americas Triathlon, remains committed to supporting the CARIFTA Championships, with the long-term goal of seeing it recognised alongside swimming and athletics as one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious sporting events.
