London, ON - Despite a COVID-induced empty stadium, Samantha Roberts walked into the Tokyo 2020 Opening Ceremony with Antigua's colours on her back and flag in her hand.  
 
After adding two-time Olympian to her name, Samantha returned to Western this year to complete her fourth year at Brescia University College, studying Psychology and Criminal Justice. Hailing from Antigua, an island in the Caribbean region, her journey has been anything but linear.
 
Roberts' swimming career began at fifteen after she relocated to the United States, an experience which was filled with both positive and negative experiences. The 21-year-old often found herself being singled out and excluded, leading her to become familiar with training alone.
 
"Even though I felt unwelcomed, the experience pushed me to not allow anyone to hold me down," said Roberts. "It made me push and prove that I belong in this sport and that I can reach the top."
 
And that she did. There is no bigger stage than representing your country at the Olympics, a feat which Samantha accomplished not only once, but twice.
 
Roberts was the youngest member of the Antigua and Barbuda Olympic team in 2016 at the age of 16, where she finished ranked 57^th in the women's 50m freestyle.
 
"Mentally I was not ready and was not aware of how big of a level I was competing at until post-race," said Roberts. "Being able to watch swimmers train for the event and how they executed all their hard work showed me that I had a lot to work on and that I have the potential to make it to the top with them." 
 
After the postponement of the 2020 Olympics due to the ongoing pandemic, Samantha finally found her way to Tokyo in the summer of 2021, this time not as the country's youngest athlete, but rather as their flag bearer.
 
"It was an honour to represent and hold the flag for my country on such a big stage," said Roberts.


 
Samantha found herself better mentally prepared this time around from having already participated in Rio. Still, with pools closed due to lockdowns in Antigua, she wasn't in the water as much as she would've liked to be leading up to the games.
 
"My body wasn't as physically ready as I wanted it to be for the games, but I was definitely ready and excited to compete amongst the top," said the Brescia student. "I also branched out more, developed connections, met new friends, and used services to improve my swim techniques."
 
Besides the physical challenges athletes are continually presented with, Samantha acknowledges the social and systemic barriers many Black athletes face, which she experienced first-hand during her time training in the United States. Rather than getting her down, it instilled ambition and an internal drive to reach her full potential that eventually allowed her to get to the Olympics.
 
"Swimming is a predominantly white sport, so I am accustomed to being the minority. However, I don't usually feel out of place," said Roberts. "The experience in the US opened my eyes to the realization that people are looking at me, and some don't want me to succeed because of my race. Later down the line it only pushed me to prove them wrong."
 
As February marks the celebration of Black History Month, Samantha recognizes the significance of her accomplishments, along with those who continue to inspire and pave the way for the next generation. Athletes that she continues to look up to.
 
Simone Manuel, an American Olympic medallist, is one such example.
 
"To see her as a Black woman accomplishing so much at the highest level in the sports world shows me that it is possible despite all the setbacks Black swimmers face," said Roberts. "She doesn't let the stereotypes define her."
 
But there is still a long way to go, especially in the world of swimming.
 
"There needs to be more representation of Black women in swimming," said Samantha. "The sport needs to become more inclusive and welcoming to Black athletes."
 
Despite all that she has already accomplished, Roberts is not finished. As graduation looms, the Olympian has her eyes on the USPORTS top 10 record lists in the 50m freestyle and fly, along with the goal of achieving new personal bests at the USPORTS finals.
 
And of course, she hopes to further cement her status as Antigua's top swimmer, which she credits her time training at Western for helping her to achieve. But outside of records and titles, Samantha continues to leave an intangible impact on the sport and Black athletes everywhere.
 
"To other BIPOC athletes, never suppress your talent," asserted Roberts. "It's important to show off your skills and always work hard to prove people wrong and break barriers."
 
And maybe years from now, another Black athlete will be walking into an Olympic stadium ready to swim for their country thanks to the path that Roberts helped to pave, and the barriers that she helped to eliminate.