Lisa sets record but misses Olympic standard

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Despite setting a new national record in the 100 metres breastroke at the weekend, Lisa Blackburn has just one more opportunity to qualify for the Olympic Games.

She finished seventh in the final at the XLV Santa Clara International Invitational in California in one minute and 11.54 seconds, shaving .16 of a second off the record she set in last month’s Charlotte Grand Prix.

Blackburn and Kiera Aitken, who is also still trying to qualify for the Olympics, will compete at ‘last chance’ meets in their bid to join team-mate Roy-Allan Burch in London.

Aitken, who took part in the Beijing Olympic Games four years ago, will travel to Monte Carlo for a series meet this weekend, while Blackburn will compete at the Bahamas National Championships on June 17.

Two-time Female Athlete of the Year, Aitken has already confirmed she will retire from swimming at a competitive level whether she makes the Olympics or not.

The Island’s third Olympic hopeful, Julian Fletcher, has failed in his quest to qualify for the Olympics.

Although he won the 100 metre breastroke final at the Trinidad National Championships at the weekend, Fletcher still fell short in hitting the qualifying mark.

He will now turn his attentions to this week’s Bermuda National Championships, which will be held at the BASA pool on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Several of Fletcher’s Southern Methodist University team-mates will also compete at the Championships to ratchet up the competition.

National team coach Ben Smith said the Championships would see Carifta golden boy Jesse Washington go head-to-head with Olympic qualifier Burch.

Teenager Washington won a staggering seven medals, including five gold, at the Carifta Championships which were held in the Bahamas in April.

“It will be interesting to see Jesse go up against Roy, that’s for sure,” said Smith. “Julian (Fletcher) will also be joined by some of his university team-mates who will also be competing. It should be an interesting few days.”

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