Carter bags historic Youth Olympic bronze

At the Nanjing Olympic Sports Centre Natatorium, the 18-year-old University of Southern California (USC) marine specialist touched the wall in a speedy time of 22.53 seconds, finishing just behind eventual gold medallist and home-crowd favourite, Hexin Yu (22.00) and silver receiver Matheus Paulo de Santana (22.43) of Brazil. Carter’s final time was five hundredths of a second slower than his personal best showing of 22.49 which was achieved in Tuesday’s semi-final while Yu, set another new Junior world record with his golden performance.

During the keenly contested race, Carter held the lead up to the 20m mark. However, Yu and de Santana had other plans, as they proved too strong and reeled him back in, before surging past to gain control. TT’s lone FINA World Junior Swimming Championships medallist was also seeded as the third fastest in the final, with Yu and de Santana seeded just ahead of him respectively. Prior to his bronze medal display, Carter clocked 22.65 to qualify with the fastest time in Heat Six.

TT’s first Youth Olympic Games medal came from Christian Homer, who won gold in the 50m backstroke at the inaugural Games four years ago in Singapore.

Meanwhile, following Carter’s podium performance, the USC sophomore carried his amplified competitive aura into the Men’s 50m butterfly and showed sheer class, by once again advancing to the final of this event. Carter will attempt his shot at another piece of precious metal today at approximately 2.45pm (TT Time).

Swimming out of lane one in Heat Six of Six of the Men’s 50m butterfly, Carter touched the wall in 24.01, advancing as the fastest qualifier in his heat and overall. He held to the line Latvian Janis Saltans (24.68) and Austrian Sascha Subarsky (24.95), who finished second and third fastest respectively. Into the semi-final stage, the 2013 Spirit of Sport Awards (SOSA) Junior Male Athlete of the Year also dominated proceedings by winning his race in 24.04. This time, the youngster held off Dutch swimmer Mathys Goosen (24.29) and Estonian Daniel Zaitsev (24.39), who were second and third fastest respectively. However, China’s Yu continues to be Carter’s main rival as he also won his heat (24.38) and semi-final (24.03) events in good stride.

Speaking to Carter’s father, Everard, who was at his home in Westmoorings following his son’s energetic showings yesterday, he was elated. Everard revealed that he was unable to converse with Dylan orally but managed to have a short chat with him via instant messaging service WhatsApp.

“I feel happy and ecstatic about it,” he said. “A lot of hard work went into it and it paid off in the end. The team with him in China is also really proud about it and he (Carter) has raised their spirits with his performance. They all came out to support him. Tracy (Dylan’s mother) was also pleased that he had so much support from the camp and it did bring a new height and excitement to the team. It motivated them I think.”

Everard also explained that Dylan shared some mixed feelings on his performance since he was mainly working towards securing a gold or silver medal.

“He (Carter) was hoping to at least try and get the silver but nevertheless, he was still happy,” said Everard. “He mentioned that the bronze will also help to motivate him in his other race tomorrow (today). Dylan thinks too much success too early, may not be good (for him). However, he’s definitely motivated to continue moving on and work harder. It was a bit of a bittersweet feeling for him because he knew he could have done better. With respects to him medalling in the Men’s 50m butterfly, we are all praying.”

Sharing similar sentiments on Carter’s good form yesterday was newly appointed Minister of Sport, Dr Rupert Griffith, who extended his congratulations to the young swimmer. In a release issued from his Ministry’s office, Griffith lauded TT’s Youth Olympic Games flag-bearer for his consistency and hard work.

“I commend the athlete’s sacrifice to train away from home in order to pursue his dreams, which seems to have buoyed the desire to succeed for his country. His commitment to the sport has been duly rewarded with a medal at the elite international youth competition. I wish Dylan the very best for his remaining events (100m Freestyle, 50m Butterfly) and also wish the rest of the youth contingent in swimming, athletics, sailing and beach volleyball absolute success in their upcoming competitions and that they all equally enjoy the cultural exchanges that are so much a part of the YOG (Youth Olympic Games) experience.”

Additionally at the Olympic Sports Center Stadium, national female 100m hurdler Jeminise Parris will also have a chance of attaining precious metal when she goes for glory in the Women’s ‘A’ finals on Saturday. Running in Heat Three of three, the Memphis Pioneers athlete finished second fastest by clocking a personal best time of 13.62. Overall, her time was fourth fastest of all qualifiers and she vies for gold coming out of lane five.

Her teammate, Kashief King, ran a 48.66 clocking for the Men’s 400m event, finishing third in his heat, but not good enough for a spot in the ‘A’ final. King will however compete in the ‘B’ final on Saturday.

And at the Jinniu Lake yesterday, TT sailor Abigail Affoo competed in three races, placing 29th , 30th and a much improved 15th respectively.

Also in action today for TT will be Chelsea James in the Women’s shot putt while swimmer Johnnya Ferdinand will dive into action in the Women’s 50m freestyle. This nation’s beach volleyball pair of Chelsi Ward and Malika Davidson will also be looking to book their spot in the Round of 24 with a win against Bolivia at the Youth Olympic Sports Park.