Island Games swim squad has 'ideal mix'

National swimming coach Ben Smith says his Island Games squad is the country’s strongest ever and has the perfect blend of youth and experience.

Sixteen athletes will represent hosts Bermuda in the pool from July 13, ranging from established elite swimmers like Lisa Blackburn and Roy-Allan Burch to emerging talents such as Maddie Moore and Jesse Washington.

Smith says having the event on home soil not only means maximum availability — every event will be filled by a home swimmer — but also a hike in excitement levels.

He told the Bermuda Sun: “This will be the strongest team we have put forward. Normally we only send a few swimmers but with it being based locally we have filled every event possible.”

He added: “They are very excited to have the chance to compete and showcase their talent in front of the local population, not just the swimming community but the community at large.

“It builds a good energy — everyone is geared up to swim fast.”

Although Smith is wary of Games ‘powerhouse’ Faroe Island, he expects top performances from his team and highlighted a number of swimmers for the home crowd to watch out for.  He said: “For the females, we will be looking for Lisa Blackburn and Ashley Yearwood to carry the bulk of the events but we are also looking for Maddie Moore and Shannon Hassell to put on a strong show.

“In the guys we have Roy-Allan competing so we’re hoping he can showcase what he did in the Olympics here, and we also have Julian Fletcher doing the breaststroke and young Jesse Washington coming through.”

Bermuda’s swimmers have meets in Coral Springs, Florida, and Costa Rica (CCCAN event) in the build-up to the Games.