Davia Richardson Returns Home to Inspire Young Belizean Swimmers

From icy pool decks in New York to the warm waters back home, seventeen-year-old swimming sensation Davia Richardson is making waves in Belize once again. The record-setting Belizean athlete returned home today, not just carrying medals, but carrying a message, one of discipline, determination, and dreaming big. During her school break, Richardson is taking time to give back, hoping to inspire young swimmers to dive into the sport and chase their own goals. News Five’s Paul Lopez caught up with her at the YWCA swimming pool, the very first stop on her visit home. Here’s that story.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Seventeen-year-old swimming star Davia Richardson is back in Belize and ready to inspire. The trailblazing athlete arrived home this morning with an impressive resume, multiple gold medals, national records, and international heat wins. She’s also made history as the first Belizean swimmer to compete at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. Richardson didn’t return alone; her mother, longtime coach, and sports psychologist joined her, underscoring the strong support team behind her success. Her message is clear: big dreams can start right here at home.

 

Davia Richardson, Competitive Swimmer

“It is good to be back. It is really cold in New York, so I love the weather here. I love seeing all the swimmers here and it makes me want to get in right now. So I am excited to be here for the next few days.”

 

Richardson’s first stop from the airport was at the YWCA swimming pool in Belize City where a group of young swimmers from the HUB Resource Center awaited her arrival. Her accomplishments had the children buzzing with excitement ahead of the visit. The senior boys raced against each other, putting what they have learnt about competitive swimming on full display.

 

Davia Richardson

“I have been swimming for twelve years and it has taken me all over the world. It brought me a lot of new memories. It had taken me to places I never thought I would be and just that you can get really far with a lot of hard work and determination and a really good support system which I have and I am really blessed to have them.”

 

Her visit is a collaboration with the Belize Aquatics Federation, headed by Giovanni Alamilla. He told us that Richardson made a request to visit Belize during her school break to give back.

 

Giovanni Alamilla, President, Belize Aquatics Federation

“What we are doing is, with the swim coach and Davia we will be doing a swimming camp for the next two days. And then the sports psychologist part of it from the Belize Olympic Committee will be meeting with athletes from the various federations. They will get an insight into preparing for the event and not only prepare, but what happens after.”

 

During her time in Belize, Richardson intends to visit her father’s grave at Lord Ridge Cemetery.

 

Davia Richardson

“You can do a lot with the little you have. Hardship can be a lot. My dad passed away when I was twelve and he is buried so I am excited to go visit him. Knowing I am resenting him and his country to the best of my ability helps me get through that hardship and challenge. It is a small country but I am very appreciative with all the support I have been given and the continued support I will have and I hope you know I will do my very best to represent the country every time I step out on that block and I will continue to strive for greatness.”

 

As she connects with young swimmers and honors her roots, Richardson remains focused on proudly representing Belize on the world stage. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

Watch the full newscast here: