Swimming Year in Review 2013

Trinidad and Tobago’s greatest ever swimmer has had to endure critics, injury and even a horrific accident but looks to be ageing quite gracefully.

The 30-year-old continues to show incredible consistency, durability and excellence, capturing a bronze medal at FINA Long Course World Championships in the Men’s 50m freestyle in Barcelona, Spain on August 3.

Lining up alongside the best in the world, Bovell touched the wall in a personal best time of 21.51 seconds. Taking the gold was Brazilian ace Cesar Cielo in 21.32 while Russia’ Vladimir Morozov took silver with a 21.47 clocking.

Minister of Sport and Bovell’s coach Anil Roberts, who accompanied his swimmer in Spain, was in an ecstatic mood after the performance.

“This is a proud moment for George, his family and Trinidad and Tobago. He continues to fly the national colours and is an inspiration to young athletes, especially swimmers, here at home and throughout the region,” he had declared.

The former TT Sportsman of the Year did not stop there, jumping right back into action with the gruelling FINA World Cup which takes athletes on a testing and demanding journey through eight different cities in August, October and November for two-day short course meets.

After placing second overall in 2012 to collect US$50,000, Bovell started his 2013 campaign in fine style with a gold medal in the 100m Individual Medley in Eindhoven. It was not a sign of things to come, though, as his 2012 form in the pool eluded him, finishing with a total of 13 medals including one gold, six silver and six bronze. The TT swimmer was ninth overall with a tally of 111 points.

With Bovell making a big splash internationally and setting the bar high for all followers, TT’s Dylan Carter reminded everyone that he could be the one to take up the mantle with a stunning performance at the World Junior Championships in Dubai on August 30. The teenager qualified for four finals at the World Championships with the highlight being a silver medal in the Men’s 50m butterfly at the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Sports Complex.

Carter touched the wall in a speedy 23.98 seconds to become the first national to ever medal at the prestigious global meet. Winning the event, just 0.02s faster than Carter, was Australian Cameron Jones in 23.96s while Japanese swimmer, Takaya Yasue, earning bronze in 24.01s.

Speaking after his historic performance, the young swimmer was understandably overjoyed.

“It was an amazing experience. The whole time before the race I was just thinking that I really want to get gold, I really want to get gold, I really just want to get a medal. When I touched the wall, and saw the two (2) next to my name, it was everything that I could want from this meet and it really all happened in my last race.”

Also representing TT at the Championships were Joshua Romany, Tyla Martin, Kristin Julien and Jonathan Ramkissoon.

Meanwhile, TT also performed creditable at CCCAN 2013 in July, placing second overall with a haul of 34 medals inclusive of 16 gold, seven silver and 11 bronze. Former Youth Olympics gold medallist, Christian Homer, was at his very best to lead the gold rush for TT with some impressive efforts. Hosts Venezuela topped the charts with 94 medals (42 gold, 27 silver, 25, bronze).

Carter and Tyla Martin were also in sublime form at the Carifta Swim Championships held in Jamaica, earning multiple gold as TT narrowly missed out on top spot overall. The red, white and black ended the Championships with a medal count just two shy of leaders Aruba (49) to settle for second spot. TT grabbed 21 gold, 14 silver and 12 bronze.

Carter was also this month awarded Junior Athlete of the Year at the Spirit of Sport Awards, capping off a stellar year for the youngster.

In Carifta water polo action, TT’s under-15 boys missed out on gold to hosts Jamaica, losing a hard-fought final 12-11. But there was no stopping the national under-17s who won gold at the CCCAN Championships in July in Costa Rica after getting past Puerto Rico 8-4 in the final.

Fourteen-year-old Christian Marsden of Marlins also created history by taking the glory in the annual Maracas Open Water Classic in one hour, nine minutes, 34 seconds (1:09:34.8). Marsden’s golden swim saw him become the youngest participant to ever win this gruelling course. Receiving silver and additionally winning the women’s field was CALAC’s Caitlin Nolan (Canada). The 24-year-old Nolan showed class and completed the course in 1:11:54.3 ahead of 22 other swimmers.