Young Jamaican swimmer Zahra Howe-Baxter returned from the 2026 Goodwill Swimming Championships with three relay medals and four new personal-best times after representing Jamaica in Couva, Trinidad and Tobago.

The championships, held from August 14 to 17, marked Howe-Baxter’s second appearance on Jamaica’s national team at the regional level. She helped Jamaica secure gold in the 4×50-metre freestyle relay, along with bronze medals in the 4×50-metre medley relay and the 4×100-metre medley relay.

Howe-Baxter also improved her times across four individual events. She lowered her 50-metre breaststroke time from 41.93 seconds to 40.80 seconds and completed the 100-metre backstroke in 1:30.00, improving on her previous time of 1:31.24. She also moved below the three-minute mark in the 200-metre individual medley, improving from 3:00.57 to 2:59.18, and lowered her 50-metre freestyle time from 32.56 seconds to 31.78 seconds.

Her participation was supported by WATA and MPOWA, which provided financial assistance to help offset the costs of travel, accommodation, team fees, uniforms, meals and other expenses associated with competing at the championships.

“Representing Jamaica for a second time made me really proud, but winning gold was one of the biggest moments for me. I didn’t earn a gold medal at my first Goodwill Championships, so coming back and achieving that this time made the experience even more special,” Howe-Baxter said.

“I’m happy with the good races I had, but I also know there are areas in which I could have done better. My next goal is to keep improving and make the CARIFTA team next year,” she added.

Her mother, Ashlee Howe, said watching Zahra compete was a source of joy and excitement, particularly after seeing the growth she has made in her focus and approach to training.

“It is a very special feeling to see Zahra represent Jamaica for a second time. She has become more focused and continues to put greater effort into her training, and I am extremely proud of the athlete she is becoming,” Howe said.

“We are grateful to WATA and MPOWA for helping to make this opportunity possible. Zahra had the chance to represent her country, compete alongside swimmers from across the Caribbean and create memories that she will carry with her for years to come,” she added.