By Daraine Luton, Staff Reporter
Jamaica's syncronised swimmers gracing the waters with their beauty and skill yesterday at the CARIFTA championship at the National Stadium pool. The effort earned Jamaica bronze in the 13-15 age group. - Michael Sloley /Freelance Photographer
JAMAICA'S NEWEST swimming sensation Alia Atkinson and Cayman Islands' torpedo Shaune Fraser were in smashing form in the pool on yesterday's penultimate day of the CARIFTA Swimming Championships being held at the National Stadium pool.
Atkinson added two more records to her archive, winning the girls 13-14 200m breaststroke in 2:45.10 and also returning 2:31.73 in the 200m Individual Medley.
However, it was Fraser who captured the spotlight. The 13-year-old youngster was involved in five record breaking performances. He swam 1:57.62 to win the boys 13-14 200m freestyle, 58.78 in winning the 100m butterfly, 4:44.89 to take the 400m Individual medley, 16:39.86 in the 1500m relays and 2:10.44 in wining the heats of the 200m butterfly.
"I trained really hard leading up to the competition so I guess it pays off when you train hard," Fraser told reporters after winning gold in the 100m backstroke.
At press time last night Jamaica led the point standings with 262 points, ahead of the Cayman Islands 213 points, Trinidad and Tobago 200, Bahamas 186 and the Netherlands Antilles 117 completing the top teams.
However, Cayman Islands ruled supreme in the medal standings in terms of the quality of medals. They have so far amassed a total of 17 medals (12 gold, 4 silver and 1 bronze). Jamaica come next with 22 medals (6 gold, six silver and 10 bronze), then The Bahamas with 12 medals (6 gold, two silver and 4 bronze), Antillese Guyane Francaises 19 medals (3 gold, 2 silver and two bronze) and the Netherlands Antilles with eight medals inclusive of two gold, four silver and two bronze.
Jamaica's coach Jackie Walters said if her team does what is necessary they will be lifting the championship trophy tonight.
"It is pretty much where we expected to have been but tonight (last night) is going to be the telling day. If we are able to hold on at the end of this session, either in the lead or just a bit off the lead we do believe that our chances of winning are excellent," Walters told The Gleaner.
