Records broken during Swimming National Championships

Several new records and amazing individual performances highlighted an action-packed Swimming National Championships held last week at the new 50m pool at the National Sports Centre.

National coach and Sharks head coach Ben Smith was especially pleased with the swimming of Rebecca Heyliger, who has returned to Bermuda for the summer after a season at USC, competing on one of the best teams in the nation. Smith said in a press release: “The swimmer who stole the show in my opinion was Rebecca Heyliger. She made sure that we all remember how talented she is with spectacular performances in multiple events. She captured the high point female title while dazzling in both free and fly events and swimming life-time bests.”

Maddy Moore and Shannon Hassell both broke the record in the women’s 200m freestyle, with Hassell finishing first, giving her the official record. Jesse Washington mirrored her feat in the men’s 200m free by setting a new record of his own while fighting off good competition by Andrew Beveridge. Washington went on to set another record in the 50m free event, and Hassell added another record in the 100m backstroke.

Rebecca Sharpe, returning from the University of Toronto also deserves mention with a strong showing in her backstroke events, while also serving as a good example to the younger swimmers, according to coach Smith.

Junior swimmer Ashley Irby of Harbour turned in a brilliant performance, winning the 50, 100, 200, and 400 metre freestyle events, as well as the 100 backstroke. Teammates Emma Harvey and Alyssa Paynter followed closely, giving Harbour a sweep of the top three places. Harvey set a new record in the 200 metre individual medley event, beating her own record with a time of 2:37.73. Lynsey Palmer and Peter Kiernan secured an invitation to the National team by attaining their “A” standards in the 50m freestyle event.

In the eight and under category Finn Moseley shone in the 100 backstroke, setting a new record for his age group.

Dolphins swim club head coach Barry Hanson said of his team: “I am very proud of all of our swimmers. We were in a new pool, but they adjusted very well with a large number of personal bests.”

Evan Farrow specifically did very well, finishing as the Boys 12 and Under National Champion, with Brett Smith coming in second place.

National coach Smith said “The National Championships was a resounding success for the Bermuda Swimming.” He added: “We should all be excited about what we should see from our Island Games team in July.”