Seventeen-year-old high school student Zuri Ferguson made her mark as the youngest member of Trinidad and Tobago’s 17-member contingent at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She kicked off her country’s participation at the games with a solid performance in the women’s 100-metre backstroke, finishing third in her heat at the Paris La Defense Arena on July 29.
Competing out of lane six in her Olympic debut, Ferguson touched the wall in a time of 1:02.75, placing behind Israel’s Aviv Barzelay and Kazakhstan’s Xeniya Ignatova. While her time didn’t advance her to the semifinals, Ferguson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete on such a grand stage.
Despite not progressing to the next round, Ferguson was proud of her efforts and optimistic about her future in swimming. She mentioned that the experience of racing against the best in the world will only help her improve and grow in her career.
Following her swim, Ferguson shared her experience of the Paris atmosphere, noting that the energy in the stands helped her stay relaxed during her race. She was overwhelmed by the support she received on social media, with messages from fans, her family, and even fellow Olympians like Akilah Lewis.
Former Sport minister Anil Roberts also commended Ferguson’s performance, predicting even greater success for her in the future. He highlighted the potential of Ferguson and Bermuda’s Emma Harvey to make history as the first Caribbean swimmers to swim the 100m backstroke in under one minute at the upcoming Olympics.
Overall, Ferguson’s Olympic debut may not have ended with a medal, but it certainly set the stage for what promises to be a bright future in swimming for the talented athlete. With unwavering support from fans, family, and fellow athletes, Ferguson is poised to achieve even greater heights in the years to come.
