SANTO DOMINGO -- If you thought sailor Malcolm Smith was the only Island medallist at the Pan-Am Games you would be wrong.

For she may now compete for Canada but Lisa Blackburn is a born Bermudian and earlier this week swam to silver in the women's 200 metres breaststroke.

The 31-year-old, who lives in Ottawa, is enjoying something of an Indian summer in the pool, having retired twice, only to return.

Blackburn's sister, Lesley, confirmed last night her sibling was born on the Island, contradicting the official Canadian Olympic guide which lists her birthplace as Ottawa. Both Lesley and the pair's father, Ian, are still residents in Bermuda.

Blackburn's finish on Tuesday of 2:31.52 was part of a Canadian double with team-mate Kathleen Stoody taking the bronze.

"Deep down, I always knew I had some strong swims in me," said the swimmer, who was a member of the 1998 Commonwealth Games team. "I'm so pleased that I stuck with it. There's nothing I enjoy more than representing Canada internationally. I'm absolutely ecstatic with my swim."

Blackburn also competed last night, this time in the 100 metres breaststroke final. However, she was not so pleased with that performance.

Having qualified third in the heats yesterday morning in a time of 1:10.92, she had hoped to add to her medal tally.

However, having started brightly in lane three and turning in third with the bronze beckoning, she allowed herself to be overhauled and was forced to settle for fourth.

Blackburn clocked 1:11.54, behind team-mate Stoody, who finished in 1:10.56, silver medallist Corrie Clark of the USA (1:10.09) and gold medal winner Staciana Stitts also of the USA, who touched home in a new Games record of 1:09.01.

Blackburn, unhappy with the way things went, was not available for comment afterwards.

It is believed she may compete in the relay as she seeks to reach her goal of a place in the Canadian Olympic team for the Athens Games next year.

Blackburn, who is coach of the Region of Waterloo Swim Club, said in an earlier interview: "When I was younger I looked up to Victor Davis, Alex Baumann and Allison Higson.

"Today, I believe that the most influential person in my swimming career is myself. I have learned so much about myself, my sport and the swimming community as an older athlete.

"I have learned that it is important that you stay true to yourself and your goals in order to make your dreams a reality."