Xavier Smith-Taylor has been playing water polo for the past two years after making the transition from swimming.
The 16-year-old St. Leonard’s student, who also plays field hockey, has represented Barbados at numerous water polo tournaments overseas.
“I was a part of the CARIFTA team in 2013 and 2016, we placed third both years,” he said, adding that he was looking forward to the Miami Rip Tides Tournament in Florida.
Xavier also copped a silver medal at the 2015 Trinidad and Tobago Water Polo Championship last December.
With the support of his parents, Xavier said he managed his school work with his sporting activities quite easily. He said: “I just have to wake up earlier and go to sleep later, but I am dedicated to balancing both.”
When he is not busy juggling sports and his school work, Xavi, as he is affectionately called, is usually hanging out with friends at the movies or at the beach.