New record for Burch

Bermuda’s Roy-Allan Burch broke the Bermuda record for the 100m freestyle at the FINA World Championships in Barcelona, Spain.

Burch, who was forced to pull out of the Island Games because of US immigration paperwork problems, clocked a time of 50.66sec, although it was not enough to reach the semi-finals.

The performance gave him the 39th-fastest qualifying time and broke his own mark of 51.01 he set at the World Championships two years ago.

Burch said: “I knew I would swim my best so it was just a matter of how much better. 

“I haven’t been able to prepare for the race as much as I would have liked so being better always makes me happy.

He added: “The competition and environment has been great for me and I hope that I have done my country proud. 

“I work hard every day to be better each year and it has shown. I will continue to work hard and push the standard for Bermuda swimming.”

Burch didn’t make the semi-final of the 50m freestyle, finishing 37th fastest qualifier in 22.93. 

Bermudian wildcard Rebecca Heyliger, 20, competed in the heats of the women’s 100m freestyle, registering a time of 59.50 to finish 57th overall.