It was an excellent evening in the pool for Bermuda’s swimmers last night with Roy Allan Burch believed to have broken a national record and Kiera Aitken qualifying for today’s semi-finals at the Aquatic Park.

Burch ended his Games on a high finishing 18th out of 23 swimmers in the men’s 50m freestyle with a time of 23.77 seconds.

While Aitken secured her place in the women’s 200m backstroke, coming 10th with a time of 2.24.57.

Burch, 21, said: “I believe that time was two tenths quicker than our national record so I’m pleased with my performance.

“I just missed the record in Melbourne at the Commonwealth Games last year so I figured I had to get it here.

“I was close to the guy next to me who I knew was fast so I thought I must be doing pretty well.

“I’m pleased to finish with a good performance as I was disappointed with my performance in the 100m freestyle on Monday.” “I would’ve liked to have been a bit fitter coming out here, but it’s difficult for me to fit in as much pool time as I would like as I have to work around my girlfriend and daughter.” Aitken, 23, said although she wasn’t overly happy with her time she was pleased to progress to the semi-finals this morning.

“I know I can go faster but hopefully I can have a good race today. I’m not thinking about the final as I think that’s a bit much to ask - I just want a good time.” Earlier this week Aitken finished 10th in the women’s 100m backstroke semi-finals with a time of 1.05.93.