Atkinson to lead Ja charge

THE 13 swimmers to represent Jamaica at the 2001 Caribbean and Central American Swimming Championships (CCCAN) were named yesterday.

The championships will be held in the Dominican Republic from July 2-9.

More than 900 swimmers from 26 countries will tests the host's ability to organise a major championship as the Dominican Republic prepares to host the Pan-American Games in 2003.

Olympians Janelle Atkinson (University of Florida) and Angela Chuck (Brown University) are expected to dominate the 18 and over female distance and sprint freestyle events respectively.

Atkinson, who has recovered from knee surgery completed two months ago, is currently in training and will be close to top form.

'Y' Speedos's Tamara Swaby, a member of Jamaica's 1999 Pan-Am team is expected to do well in the 18 and over butterfly events.

Ramon James (Tornadoes/ Maryland University), Jamaica's best backstroker, is the sole representative in the male 18 and over age group.

Selected for the male 15-17 age group are Miami-based Jevon Atkinson and Tornadoes' Andrew Saunders.

Raine Andrews and Allison Bardowell, both of whom have been swimming excellent times in Florida, should make Jamaica proud in the 13-14 female grouping.

Fourteen-year-old Dominic Lee, who hauled seven medals at the CARIFTA Games in April, will hope to repeat his recent performances. 'Y' Speedos's Todd Johnson will represent the country for the first time at this level.

Also representing Jamaica for the first time at the CCCAN level are John-Claude Wright (12), Travis Forte (12) and Brad Hamilton (11) all of whom swim for Tornadoes swim club.

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