compiled by Spectator Sports Desk
At 18, Aunjeliqué Liddie has emerged as one of Antigua and Barbuda’s most exceptional swimmers, combining speed, skill, and relentless determination to make history both nationally and internationally. Representing Wadadli Aquatic Racers and training at Tongji University in Shanghai, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of what was previously thought possible for Antiguan swimmers.
Domestically, Aunjeliqué had an outstanding 2025. At the Vipers’ 4th Annual Swim Meet, she captured first place in the 50m free, 100m free, 100m fly, 50m fly, and 200m free, and second place in the 50m backstroke. At the Antigua and Barbuda Swim Federation’s 9th National Swimming Championship, she won first place in multiple events, including the 50m free, 100m free, 100m fly, 200m free, and 50m fly and placed second in the 50m back and 100m backstroke.
At the CARIFTA Swimming Championships in Trinidad and Tobago, she became the first female Antiguan swimmer to break the 59-second barrier in the 100m free and the 27-second barrier in the 50m free, earning bronze in both events,along with a bronze in the 4x50m freestyle relay.
At the Junior Pan American Games in Asuncion, Paraguay, Ms. Liddie set new national, age-group, and personal best records in the 100m butterfly, breaking the previous record held by Angelique Gittens. She also competed at the World Championships in Singapore, representing Antigua at the highest level and showcasing her talent on the global stage.
Aunjeliqué also shone on the world stage at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships in Budapest, where she set national and age group records in the 100m free and narrowly missed breaking the 50m free record by just 0.04 seconds, demonstrating a 100% improvement and confirming her status as one of Antigua’s fastest female swimmers.
2025 was both challenging and rewarding. Aunjeliqué overcame injuries, refined her technique, and endured rigorous daily training both in and out of the pool. She made personal sacrifices, from saying no to favorite foods to managing nerves at the starting block, all while balancing school, training, and international travel. Each challenge strengthened her resilience, focus, and mental toughness, shaping her into the athlete she is today.
Throughout her journey, Aunjeliqué has drawn strength from her faith, family, teammates, and coaches. Their support has fueled her to achieve personal and national milestones, break records, and inspire other young athletes to aim higher.
Winning Sportswoman of the Year would be a testament to Aunjeliqué’s perseverance and dedication, proving that with heart, passion, and resilience, limits can be broken. It would signal a recognition, not only of her record-breaking performances but also of the countless sacrifices she and her family have made to pursue her dreams.
Aunjeliqué Liddie is not only a record-breaking swimmer but also a trailblazer and role model. She continues to push herself, break records, and raise the bar for Antigua and Barbuda swimming on every stage she competes.