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Washington wins four golds at Championships

Photo by Akil SimmonsJesse Washington competes in the Boys' 13 and Over 100 metres backstroke at the Aquatics Centre.

Top junior Jesse Washington claimed three more gold medals during the final evening of the National Swimming Championships at the Aquatics Centre last night.The Island’s Young Male Athlete of the Year won four of his seven finals at the Championships, which were the first to be held at the new 50 metres facility at the National Sports Centre (NSC).Washington, who won the Boys’ 13 and Over 50 metre butterfly on Saturday night, grabbed further golds in the 50 metres freestyle (24.56), 100 metres freestyle (1:03.78) and the 200 metres freestyle (1:59.09) on day four of the Championships.The Sharks swimmer posted six personal bests during the annual event.“I would say my 100 free, 200 free and 50 free were my highlights I broke (national) records in those events,” said the 13-year-old.“It’s been a good meet for me and there was a good turnout.”Washington said Bermuda’s young swimmers would benefit from competing and training at the new multimillion dollar pool at the NSC.“Bermuda is fortunate to have this pool so we can train like our overseas competitors,” he said.Washington will now turn his attentions to the Central American and Caribbean Championships in Costa Rica later this month.He will then make his debut at the NatWest Island Games in Bermuda next month where he will be up against open age swimmers.“I’m hoping to make finals in all of my events in Costa Rica and hopefully get on the podium. I’m not sure what the competition will be like, I’ll just do my best when I get there.”He added: “It will be my first Island Games and I have no idea what the competition will be like I’m just glad it’s in Bermuda.“I’ll be up against some older guys so I’ll just try and PB in my events. I don’t think I’ll make any finals but it will be a good experience for me.”Rebecca Heyliger of Sharks was another standout performer at last night’s Championships.She won the Girls’ 13 and Over 50 metres freestyle (26.72), the 200 metres freestyle (2:09.68) and the 100 metres butterfly (1:05.08).Harbour Swim Club’s Ashley Irby won three finals; the Girls’ 12 and Under 50 metres freestyle (28.85), the 100 metres backstroke (1:16.08) and the 200 metres freestyle (2:18.18).Also among the medals was Evan Farrow of Dolphins Swim Club, who won the Boys’ 12 and Under 50 metres freestyle (30.58), the 200 metres freestyle (2:26.08) and the 200 metres individual medley (2:55.80).