Bovell cops gold, silver in W/Cup

TOP Trinidad and Tobago swimmer George Bovell rounded into form with his eyes on the Athens Olympics splashing to a gold medal yesterday at the FINA World Cup in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. The 20-year-old Bovell, who captured two gold medals and two silver at the Pan Am Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic last year, touched the wall in 54.35 seconds to defeat his challengers in the 100-metre invididual medley final. Following the Auburn University student to the line were Brazilian Hayden Ferreira, who clocked 55.19 seconds, and Norwegian Alexander Hector third in 55.35.

Bovell returned to the waters later in the day, this time in the 100m freestyle, but could only finish second in 48.81 seconds, with the winner recording a quick 47.67 seconds. Coached by Anil Roberts, Bovell was recently adjudged “Swimmer of the Year” by the Trinidad and Tobago Swimming Association based on his performances last year. Judging from his performance at the World Cup in Brazil yesterday he will be a major contender for an Olympic gold medal in the Athens pool in his pet IM event.