By Franklin Wilson
in Barbados with the compliments of
Bakewell, Western Union Money Transfer,
Caribbean Airline, Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, Windjammer International Hotel
Niall Roberts
Athena Gaskin
Britany Van Lange
Despite the days activities getting started about one hour late and was continuing up to press time last evening, Guyana raked in five medals at the Goodwill swimming championships in Barbados.
Niall Roberts won gold in the 50m fly, silver in the 200m free and bronze in the 100m fly 15-17 boys events. Roberts unofficially set a new national record in the 200m free which he won in 2:02.70. His time in the 100 fly was 1:01.47 and 50m fly – 26.26.
Athena Gaskin claimed bronze in the girls 13-14 200m freestyle. Gaskin, who returned from a training camp in the USA bettered her personal best time in the 200m free by 6 seconds with a new time of 2:22.47.
And Britany Van Lange took bronze in Guyana’s first event of the afternoon, the 200m free in the 11-12 girls category. Van Lange bettered her entry time for the 200m free by less than a second with a time of 2:28.01.
Due to the late start the organisers have been rushing the events and swimmers have not been getting the required 20 to 30 minutes period of rest between events which has caused them to be tired. But the (Guyana’s) swimmers have tried their best.
The 15th Goodwill meet taking place at the Aquatic Centre here in Barbados was declared open by Chairman of the National Sports Commission Henry Inniss.
Presidents of the Barbados Amateur Swimming Association Sonia O’Neil and Barbados Olympic Association also spoke.
Events start at 09:00hrs today. More details of yesterday’s and today’s action in tomorrow’s edition.