Records tumble as Island’s top talent put on a show

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An impressive total of 33 new records were set at the recent Bermuda National Swimming Championships at the BASA Pool.

The four-day competition, which finished on Sunday, saw some of the Island’s top swimmers compete including Roy-Allan Burch, Julian Fletcher and Jesse Washington.

For the first time the Championships saw both junior and senior swimmers competing, which according to national swim coach Ben Smith made for a superb atmosphere.

“To have most of Bermuda’s top swimming talent in attendance at the same time was exciting,” he said.

“The swimmers seemed to feed off the energy as the records tumbled all weekend and personal best times were achieved one after the other.

“With a qualification to enter the meet it was a true achievement to participate in the meet and the swimmers that were there seemed to relish opportunity.”

Smith believed the presence of Burch and Fletcher acted as an inspiration for the juniors who “watched in awe” as Burch set three new national records.

Burch is the only Bermuda swimmer to have qualified for next month’s Olympic Games.

“Roy-Allan was dazzling in the relay swims and showed closing speed that we rarely get to watch in the local pool,” said Smith. “The young swimmers were in awe and lined up to get Roy and Julian’s autographs.

“It is great for Bermuda swimming to have the opportunity for our future stars to see these role models first hand. During the meet you could see some of the young swimmers trying to emulate the freestyle stroke that Roy-Allan will be displaying in London.”

As Sharks’ head coach, Smith said he was thrilled with the performances of the club’s swimmers in both the under-12 and over 13 categories.

“The club was able to sweep the high point winners with Mitch Gariepy in the 12 and under boys, Madelyn Moore in the 12 and under boys, Shannon Hassell in the 13 and over females and Roy-Allan Burch in the 13 and over males.”

Co-national coach and Harbour Swim Team coach Richard Goodwin singled out Ashley Irby and Emma Harvey for praise for breaking national records in their respective events.

“For Harbour Swim Club, once again two 10-year-old girls, Ashley Irby and Emma Harvey, broke and re-broke nine age group records between them,” he said.

“In a 12 and under Junior Championships, they easily managed to hold their own against the older girls. Jude Moseley also posted a record swim in the 100 metre backstroke.”

Elise Cooper, Dolphin Swim Team coach, said she was encouraged by the displays of Madison Irvine in the butterfly as well as Genevieve Lau and Skylar Trott who established new record in the 10 and under age group.

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