Jamaica’s Alia Atkinson Misses Shot At Another Medal In Two Events, Her Commonwealth Games Come To And End

By Sharon Robb

April 8, 2018—-Four-time Jamaican Olympian Alia Atkinson had a rough day at the XXI Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia on Sunday.

After settling for a silver medal in the 50-meter breaststroke, she finished eighth in the 50-meter butterfly in 27.35 seconds at Optus Aquatic Centre.

Aussie Cate Campbell was impressive with the win in 25.59. The Aussies swept the top three spots. Holly Barratt was second in 25.67 and Madeline Groves was third in 25.69.

Less than an hour earlier, Atkinson finished seventh in the 100-meter breaststroke, her signature event in 1:09.83 in the semifinals, failing to make the final. South African Tatjana Schoenmaker was top qualifier in 1:06.65.

It was her final two events of the Commonwealth Games where she took home only one silver medal.

Canadian Kylie Masse won the 200-meter backstroke in 2:05.98 ahead of teammate Taylor Ruck in 2:06.42 and Aussie Emily Seebohm in 2:06.82.

Duncan Scott of Scotland won the 100-meter freestyle in 48.02. Chad Le Clos of South Africa and Aussie Kyle Chambers tied for second in 48.15.

England’s Siobhan-Marie O’Connor won the 200-meter individual medley in 2:09.80. Canadian Sarah Darcel was second in 2:11.14 just edging out teammate Erika Seltenreich-Hodgson was third in 2:11.74.

In an exciting 50-meter backstroke final, Aussie Mitch Larkin outsprinted teammate Ben Treffers, 24.68-24.84. Zac Incerti completed the Aussie sweep in 25.06.

Australia remained undefeated in the 4×200-meter freestyle relay final in a Games record of 7:05.97. Relay members were Alexander Graham, Kyle Chalmers, Elijah Winnington and Mack Horton. They are 4-for-4 in relays.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
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