Records tumble at Schroders Spring Championships

There was a superb total of 24 record swims at the Schroders Spring Swimming Championships last week.

Maddie Moore lowered no less than eight 13-14 years age-group national records in the 50m free (twice), 100m free, 200m free, 50m fly, 50m back, 100m back and 200m back.

Emma Harvey was not far behind as she set new national bests in the 11-12 years age group. Harvey clocked record times in the 100m IM (twice), 200m IM, 50m fly, 100m fly and 200m backstroke.

Jesse Washington, in the 13-14 years age group, lowered two of his own records in the 50m fly and 100m back as well as equalling his record in the 100m free.

Ashley Irby served notice of her talent by claiming two national records in the 11-12 years age group — in the 800m free and 200m free. Senior swimmer Lisa Blackburn, who received a Senior Achievment Award at the Government’s 33rd Annual Sports Awards on Saturday night, claimed a new Bermuda national record and Bermuda Amateur Swimming Association pool record in the 50m breaststroke final. 

The pool record was from 2002 and the time of 32.88 was just over a tenth off qualifying her for this summer’s Commonwealth Games.

Roy-Allan Burch, taking time out from his US training schedule, lowered two of his own national records.

He set a new record of 26.56sec in the 50m back and clocked a new mark of 22.24 in the 50m free.

Nick Brando, in the 11-12 year age group, set a new record in the 200m back, taking Burch’s 1998 record from 2min 35.48 to 2:34.82. 

National coach Richard Goodwin said in a press release: “From a national perspective, having this level of results at this point in the season can only build confidence in what the Bermuda programme can produce. 

“Lisa Blackburn showed good promise in the 50m breast with a time in striking distance of the Commonwealth Games qualifying standard. 

“Roy-Allan Burch continues to improve and the changes in stroke and power were evident in his performances over the weekend even though he was not rested for the meet.”

He added: “Having our big Shark Roy-Allan back on island was a treat for all spectators at the BASA pool over the weekend.

“You could hear the crowd gasp at the sheer speed and power of his swims and his amazing swim technique.  

“He will be staying on island for this week, giving motivational talks to several Bermuda public schools, swim sessions to young swimmers and clinics at the BASA pool for Masters and also for young up-and-coming swimming stars.” 

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