Trinidad and Tobago – South Florida Aquatic Club's Blog

Dylan Carter Wins Second Event; SOFLO’s Julio Horrego Takes Fourth On Day Three Of TYR Pro Swim Series

By Sharon Robb
FORT LAUDERDALE, March 3, 2023—Dylan Carter of Trinidad and Tobago won his second event Friday at the TYR Pro Swim Series at Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center.

After tying with Michael Andrew in the morning preliminaries of the 50-meter butterfly in 23.25 to set up an exciting final, the pair tied again for first in 23.33. On Thursday, Carter, 27, a Plantation American Heritage alum, won the 100 freestyle with a national record 48.2, securing the FINA A cut for the world championships this summer.

There was an unusual amount of ties during the night’s finals at the $48 million facility.

There were two ties in the women’s 50-meter butterfly. Abbey Weitzeil and Emilie Beckmann tied for first in 26.27 and Katerine Savard and Natalie Hinds tied for third in 26.68.

There was a tie for third in the 200-meter freestyle between Shaine Casas and Luiz Altamir in 1:47.88.

There was also a tie in the women’s 50-meter breaststroke for third between Siobhan Haughey and Rachel Bernhardt in 31.21.

Canadian Summer McIntosh, training with the Sarasota Sharks, broke her own world junior record and Katie Ledecky’s U.S. Open record in the 200-meter freestyle in 1:54.13. Ledecky was second in 1:54.96.

South Florida Aquatic Club’s top finisher was 2020 Honduran Olympian Julio Horrego, fourth in the 50-meter breaststroke in 27.97. The top four finishers all dipped under 28 seconds.

SOFLO’s Olivia Dinehart was sixth in the C final of the 50-meter breaststroke in 33.74.

SOFLO teammate Luciano Gonzalez was 24th in the 50-meter butterfly in 25.40.

Kaii Winkler of Eagle Aquatics was second in the B final and tenth overall in the 200-meter freestyle in 1:49.02.

Dylan Smiley of Miami Country Day was seventh in the B final and 15th in the 50-meter breaststroke in 28.85. He won the C final in the 50-meter butterfly in 24.84.

Julia Podkoscielny, 18, of Pine Crest Swimming won the B final and was ninth overall in the 200-meter backstroke in 2:15.02.

Aspen Gersper, 17, of St. Andrew’s Aquatics was 16th in the 200-meter freestyle in 2:02.21. She was 19th in the 50-meter butterfly in 28.08. Diego Balbi, also of St. Andrew’s, was 18th in the 50-meter butterfly in 24.88.

SOFLO Friday prelim results:
Julio Horrego, 24, 50-meter breaststroke, 5. 28.10.
Luciano Gonzalez, 29, 50-meter butterfly, 21. 24.87.
Maddie Smutny, 17, 200-meter freestyle, 47. 2:09.06; 50-meter butterfly, 58. 29.74.
Olivia Dinehart, 18, 50-meter breaststroke, 25. 33.93; 400-meter individual medley, 26. 5:11.05.
Elena Dinehart, 18, 50-meter backstroke, 28. 31.23, time drop 0.16; 50-meter butterfly, 59. 29.77; 200-meter backstroke, 25. 2:22.65.
Ricardo Roche, 23, 200-meter backstroke, 24. 2:12.60.
Javier Colmenares, 16, 50-meter breaststroke, 43. 30.27, time drop 0.49; 50-meter butterfly, 84. 27.30, time drop 0.50.

SOFLO’s swimmers have the following events left to swim: Olivia Dinehart, 200-meter breaststroke 2:34.53L; Luciano Gonzalez, 50 freestyle 23.51L; Julio Horrego, 200 breaststroke 2:17.35L; Ricardo Roche, 100 backstroke 58.71L.

Prize money is being offered: $1,500 for first, $1,000 for second and $500 for third.

Prelims are 9 a.m. and finals at 6 p.m. each day. Meet parking is limited around the venue and restricted to available parking lots. Meet tickets range from $12.24 to $75.89.

Action is being shown on YouTube and also on CNBC (March 4-5, 10:30 a.m. tape delay). Finals on Saturday along with all prelim sessions will be streamed on usaswimming.org.

SOFLO sponsor TYR is an American designer, developer and manufacturer of recreational and competitive swimwear, caps, goggles, triathlon gear and accessories and one of the nation’s top companies. TYR, created by athletes, is named for the Norse god of warriors in Germanic mythology. The company’s mission statement is starting from, powered by and made for athletes, we strive to create and re-imagine technologies that enhance experience and performance at every level.

FRIDAY RESULTS
WOMEN
200-meter freestyle: 1. Summer McIntosh, SYS 1:54.13, WJR, US records, 2. Katie Ledecky, GSC 1:54.96, 3. Siobhan Haughey, HKG 1:55.53, 16. Aspen Gersper, SAA 2:02.21.

50-meter breaststroke: 1. Lilly King, ISC 30.04, 2. Imogen Clark, GBR 30.48, 3. tie, Siobhan Bernadette Haughey, HKG and Rachel Bernhardt, Team NC 31.21.

50-meter butterfly: 1. tie, Abbey Weitzeil, CAL and Emilie Beckmann, DNK 26.27, 3. Katerine Savard, CAN and Natalie Hinds, GSC 26.68, 21. Julianne McCranie, PC 28.06.

200-meter backstroke: 1. Regan Smith, SUN 2:05.34, pro swim series record, 2. Katie Grimes, SAND 2:09.53, 3. Erika Pelaez, EA 2:11.67, 9. Julia Podkoscielny, PC 2:15.02.

400-meter individual medley: 1. Katie Ledecky, GSC 4:36.04, 2. Ella Jansen, CAN 4:43.32, 3. Tess Cieplucha, TNAQ 4:44.92.

MEN
200-meter freestyle: 1. Matthew Richards, WAL 1:47.04, 2. Kieran Smith, RAC 1:47.36, 3. tie, Shaine Casas, TXLA and Luiz Altamir, BRA 1:47.88, 10. Kaii Winkler, EA 1:49.02

50-meter breaststroke: 1. Michael Andrew, MASA 27.10, 2. Nic Fink, MAAC 27.29, 3. Tommy Cope, MW 27.48, 4. Julio Horrego, SOFLO 27.97, 15. Dylan Smiley, MCD 28.85.

50-meter butterfly: 1. tie, Dylan Carter, ISC and Michael Andrew, MASA 23.33, 3. Shaine Casas, TXLA 23.48, 17. Dyan Smiley, MCDA 24.82, 18. Diego Balbi, SAA 24.88, 24. Luciano Gonzalez, SOFLO 25.40.

200-meter backstroke: 1. Ryan Murphy, CAL 1:56.44, 2. Chase Kalisz, SUN 1:59.73, 3. Jay Litherland, SUN 2:01.14.

400-meter individual medley: 1. Bobby Finke, STP 4:15.93, 2. Lorne Wigginton, CAN 4:19.95, 3. Grant Sanders, TBAY 4:25.33.

MEET SCHEDULE
9:00 AM: Prelims, 6:00 PM: Finals.
Saturday: 800fr/100ba/200br/100fly/200IM/50fr

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

Dylan Carter Wins, Breaks Own National Record; Kaii Winkler Breaks NAG Record On Day Two Of TYR Pro Swim Series Fort Lauderdale

By Sharon Robb
FORT LAUDERDALE, March 2, 2023—Dylan Carter of Trinidad and Tobago lowered his own national record and won the 100-meter freestyle Thursday at the TYR Pro Swim Series Fort Lauderdale at Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center.

Carter, 27, a Plantation American Heritage alum, won in a best time 48.28, dropping 0.02 seconds and breaking his own national record of 48.30 set at the 2022 World Championships. In morning prelims, he was fourth fastest in 48.84. He pocketed $1,500 in prize money.

In the men’s 100-meter freestyle, Kaii Winkler, 16, of Eagle Aquatics swam the third fastest time in prelims in a best time 48.81, breaking the National Age Group 15-16 record. He finished fourth in finals in 49.11. It is the first time the NAG has dipped under 49 seconds.

In the women’s 50-meter backstroke, Eagle Aquatics teammate Erika Pelaez swam the fifth fastest time in prelims in 28.68 to make her second A final and finished sixth in finals in 29.02. Pelaez was also fifth seed in the 100-meter freestyle in 55.12 and finished eighth in 55.16.

University of Florida commit Julia Podkoscielny, 18, of Pine Crest Swimming was ninth in the 50-meter backstroke in a best time 29.47, dropping 0.16. She was 29th in the 400 freestyle in 4:29.57. She has the 200 backstroke, 400 IM, 100 backstroke, 200 breaststroke and 200 IM left to swim.

Eagle Aquatics’ Finn Winkler, 18, was 16th in the 50-meter backstroke in 26.98. He qualified 16th in prelims in 26.69.

South Florida Aquatic Club’s top finisher was Honduran Olympian Julio Horrego, 14th overall in the 100-meter breaststroke in 1:02.95. Horrego just missed finals by two spots in prelims in 1:02.52.

SOFLO Thursday prelim results:
Julio Horrego, 24, 100-meter breaststroke, 10. 1:02.52.
Maddie Smutny, 200-meter butterfly, 17. 2:25.03.
Olivia Dinehart, 18, 100-meter breaststroke, 20. 1:12.18.
Elena Dinehart, 18, 50-meter backstroke, 28. 31.23, time drop 0.16.
Ricardo Roche, 23, 50-meter backstroke, 39. 28.61.
Javier Colmenares, 16, 100-meter breaststroke, 51. 1:06.74.

SOFLO’s swimmers have the following events left to swim: Javier Colmenares, 50 breaststroke 30.76Y; 50 butterfly 27.80LB; Elena Dinehart, 50 butterfly 32.11LB; 200 backstroke 2:17.97L; Olivia Dinehart, 50 breaststroke 33.81L; 400 IM 4:59.47L; 200-meter breaststroke 2:34.53L; Luciano Gonzalez, 50 butterfly 24.50L; 50 freestyle 23.51L; Julio Horrego, 50 breaststroke 27.81L; 200 breaststroke 2:17.35L; Ricardo Roche, 200 backstroke 2:07.11L; 100 backstroke 58.71L; Maddie Smutny, 400 freestyle 4:21.40L; 200 freestyle 2:04.14L; 50 butterfly 31.14L.

Canadian Summer McIntosh of Sarasota Sharks broke her own world junior record in the 200-meter butterfly in 2:05.05, bettering her previous mark of 2:05.20.

On opening day Wednesday, reigning 400 freestyle Olympic gold medalist Ahmed Ayoub Hafnaoui of Tunisia won the 1500-meter freestyle in 15:00.24 ahead of Egypt’s Marwan El Kamash in 15:01.26 and Bobby Finke of St. Petersburg in 15:02.54. In the women’s 1500, Sandpipers swept the top three spots with Katie Grimes winning in 15:56.27.

Prize money is being offered: $1,500 for first, $1,000 for second and $500 for third.

Prelims are 9 a.m. and finals at 6 p.m. each day. Meet parking is limited around the venue and restricted to available parking lots. Meet tickets range from $12.24 to $75.89.

Action is being shown on YouTube and also on Peacock (March 2-3, 6 p.m.), CNBC (March 4-5, 10:30 a.m. tape delay). Finals on Saturday along with all prelim sessions will be streamed on usaswimming.org.

WEDNESDAY RESULTS
WOMEN
1500-meter freestyle: 1. Katie Grimes, SAND 15:56.27, 2. Bella Sims, SAND 16:19.29, 3. Claire Weinstein, SAND 16:26.50, 4. Michaela Mattes, SYS 16:29.88.

MEN
1500-meter freestyle: 1. Ahmed Ayoub Fahnaoui, Tunisia 15:00.24, 2. Marwan El Kamash, Egypt 15:01.26, 3. Bobby Finke, SPA 15:02.54.

THURSDAY RESULTS
WOMEN
100-meter freestyle: 1. Abbey Weitzeil, CAL 53.38, 2. Katie Ledecky, GSC 54.01, 3. Erika Brown, TNAQ 54.39, 8. Erika Pelaez, EA 55.16.

100-meter breaststroke: 1. Lilly King, ISC 1:06.28, 2. Kara Hanlon, GBR 1:06.93, 3. Imogen Clark, GB 1:07.85.

50-meter backstroke: 1. Regan Smith, SUN 27.55, 2. Lauren Cox, GBR 27.91, 3. Medi Harris, WAL 28.03, 6. Erika Pelaez, EA 29.02, 9. Julia Podkoscielny, PC 29.47.

200-meter butterfly: 1. Summer McIntosh, SYS 2:05.05, 2. Bella Sims, SAND 2:09.89, 3. Maria Jose Mata Cocco, MEX 2:11.00, 8. Katie Ledecky, GSC 2:17.19

400-meter freestyle: 1. Katie Grimes, SAND 4:05.18, 2. Siobhan Haughey, HKG 4:05.84, 3. Claire Weinstein, SAND 4:06.24.

MEN

100-meter freestyle: 1. Dylan Carter, Indiana SC 48.28, 2. Matthew Richards, WAL 48.48, 3. Hunter Armstrong, CAL 48.95, 4. Kaii Winkler, EA 49.11.

100-meter breaststroke: 1. Nic Fink, MAAC 59.97, 2. Michael Andrew, MASA 59.98, 3. Cody Miller, SAND 1:00.12, 14. Julio Horrego, SOFLO 1:02.95.

50-meter backstroke: 1. Justin Ress, MVN 24.73, 2. Hunter Armstrong, CAL 24.95, 3. Shaine Casas, TXLA 25.20, 16. Finn Winkler, EA 26.98.

200-meter butterfly: 1. Jay Litherland, SUN 2:01.76, 2. Yeziel Morales, Azura 2:01.93, 3. Felipe Baffico, SYS 2:02.14, 6. Diego Balbi, St. Andrew’s Swimming 2:03.10.

400-meter freestyle: 1. Ahmed Ayoub Hafnaoui, Tunisia 3:46.02, 2. Marwan El Kamash, EGY 3:47.34, 3. Kieran Smith, RAC 3:48.02.

MEET SCHEDULE
9:00 AM: Prelims, 6 PM Finals Friday – Saturday
Friday: 200fr/50br/50fly/200ba/400IM

Saturday: 800fr/100ba/200br/100fly/200IM/50fr

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

Aussies Win Big; Carter Shut Out Of Medals At XXII Commonwealth Games

By Sharon Robb
BIRMINGHAM, England, August 3, 2022—Australia, Canada, England and Scotland took turns winning gold medals on the sixth and final night of the XXII Commonwealth Games Wednesday at Sandwell Aquatic Center.

In the much-anticipated women’s 400-meter freestyle, Aussie world record holder and Olympic gold medalist Ariarne Titmus outdueled Canadian teenager Summer McIntosh to win in a Games record 3:58.06, her third gold medal of the Games. McIntosh, who scratched from the 200 butterfly for a rest day, was second in a national record 3:59.32. Aussie Kiah Melverton was third in 4:03.12.

Scotland’s Duncan Scott won the 200-meter individual medley in 1:56.88 ahead of Tom Dean of England in 1:57.01 and New Zealand’s Lewis Clareburt in 1:57.59. It was Scott’s second gold medal of the Games.

Canadian Kylie Masse won the 50-meter backstroke in a Games record 27.31. Aussie Mollie O’Callaghan was second in 27.47 followed by Aussie teammate Kaylee McKeown in 27.58.

Aussie teenager Sam Short, 18, won the 1500-meter freestyle in 14:48.54, shaving nine seconds off his career-best. Northern Ireland’s Daniel Wiffen was second in 14:51.79 and England’s Luke Turley was third in 15:12.78.

England broke the Aussies’ relay streak, winning the final men’s relay, the 4×100-meter medley relay in 3:31.80 with Paul Brodie Williams, James Wilby, James Guy and Tom Dean. The Aussies were second in 3:31.88 and Scotland third in 3:35.11.

The Aussie women had no trouble winning the 4×100-meter medley relay in 3:54.44 followed by Canada in 3:56.59 and England in 3:59.44. It was the Aussies ninth consecutive gold in the relay. Relay members were Kaylee McKeown, Chelsea Hodges, Emma McKeon and Mollie O’Callaghan.

The Aussies won gold in 12 out of 19 events including a sweep of all five freestyle events where only one podium finisher out of 12 was a non-Australian and sweep of all three women’s relays.

Two-time Olympian Dylan Carter of Trinidad and Tobago lost his final shot at a medal in the 50-meter freestyle. For the second time in a Games event Carter just missed a medal placing fourth in 22.10. Brit Ben Proud won his third Commonwealth gold in the event in 21.36.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

Adam Peaty Bounces Back With Gold; Dylan Carter Makes Finals At XXII Commonwealth Games

By Sharon Robb
BIRMINGHAM, England, August 2, 2022—In front of his hometown crowd, redemption was sweet for world record holder Adam Peaty at the XXII Commonwealth Games Tuesday at Sandwell Aquatic Center.

After finishing an unexpected fourth in the 100-meter breaststroke, the 27-year-old Brit came back to win his first Commonwealth career gold medal in the 50-meter breaststroke in a season-best 26.76 and fifth Commonwealth gold of his career. He won silver in the event in 2014 and 2018.

The media was harsh after Peaty suffered his first defeat in his specialty event in his eight-year career. Peaty took time off after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. suffered a broken foot in the gym in May, did not compete at worlds in June and is still not 100 percent. His cast was removed only a month ago.

“I just reverted to who I am,” Peaty said. “Mel [Marshall, his coach] said to me ‘today you wake up and play,’ but I said, ‘No, today I fight.’ And I gave literally absolutely everything in my race. I don’t care about the time. I don’t care about the result. I just care about enjoying that crowd and winning.

“It’s been a tough Games, a very hard Games. I came from literally the lowest point two days ago, and I just said ‘you know what, I am a fighter, I am not going to let just anyone take this and walk it.’ I had to work hard for it. I struggled, to be honest, really, really struggled.”

In other finals:
South African Lara van Niekerk knocked off countrywoman and defending champion Tatjana Schoenmaker in the 100-meter breaststroke to win in 1:05.47. Schoenmaker took silver in 1:06.68 and Aussie Chelsea Hodges won bronze in 1:07.05.

Brit Brodie Williams won the 200-meter backstroke in 1:56.40, just 1/100ths ahead of Aussie Bradley Woodward in 1:56.41 and South African Pieter Coetze in 1:56.77.

Aussie teenager Elizabeth Dekkers, 18, won the 200-meter butterfly in 2:07.26 followed by Brit Laura Stephens in 2:07.90 and Aussie Brianna Throssell in 2:08.32.

Aussie reigning champion Mollie O’Callaghan came from behind against an impressive field to win in 52.63 followed by Shayna Jack of Australia in 52.88 and Aussie Emma McKeon in 52.94.

Canadian Josh Liendo won the 100-meter butterfly in 51.24. James Guy of England and Matt Temple of Australia tied for second in 51.40. South African Chad le Clos was fourth in 51.61.

Aussie defending champion Ariarne Titmus broke her own Games record in the 800-meter freestyle in 8:13.59. It was an Aussie sweep with Kiah Melverton in 8:16.79 and Lani Pallister in 8:19.16

The Aussies continued to dominate the relays winning the mixed 4×100-meter medley in 3:41.30 followed by Canada (3:43.98) and England (3:44.03). The winning foursome was Kaylee McKeown, Zac Stubblety-Cook, Matt Temple and Emma McKeon.

Two-time Olympian Dylan Carter of Trinidad and Tobago has another shot at a medal on Wednesday, the final day of the Games. The Plantation American Heritage alum was the fifth fastest qualifier after the semifinals of the 50-meter freestyle in 22.35. Two-time defending champion Ben Proud of England was top qualifier in 21.63.

The meet concludes Wednesday with prelims at 5:30 a.m. EST and finals 2 p.m. EST.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

Aussies Break World Record; McKeon Makes History; Peaty Upset In Breaststroke At XXII Commonwealth Games

By Sharon Robb
BIRMINGHAM, England, July 31, 2022—Australia crushed the women’s 4×200-meter freestyle relay world record Sunday at the XXII Commonwealth Games at Sandwell Aquatic Center.

The foursome of Madi Wilson (1:56.27), Kiah Melverton (1:55.40), Mollie O’Callaghan (1:54.80) and Ariarne Titmus (1:52.82) shattered China’s 2021 world record time of 7:40.33 (set at the Olympic Games) in 7:39.29. Canada took the silver in 7:51.98 and England won bronze in 7:57.11.

Titmus’ anchor leg was the fastest 200 freestyle split in history.

Aussie Olympic champion Emma McKeon made history with a record-breaking 11th Commonwealth Games gold medal by winning the 50-meter freestyle in 23.99, second fastest time in the world this year. Aussies swept the top three spots with Meg Harris (24.32) and Shayna Jack (24.36).

Dylan Carter, 25, of Trinidad and Tobago failed to qualify for Monday’s final in the 50-meter backstroke. He was fourth in his heat in 25.81 failing to advance into the semifinals. He will compete in the 50-meter freestyle heats on Tuesday.

In Sunday finals:
James Wilby of England pulled off the shocker winning the 100-meter breaststroke in 59.25 followed by Aussies Zac Stubblety-Cook (59.52) and Sam Williamson (59.82). World record holder, Olympic champion and pre-meet favorite Adam Peaty lost a 100 breaststroke race for the first time at a major international meet since 2013 and was shut out of a medal. He led at 50 meters but died on the back half to finish fourth in 59.86.

In an exciting men’s race, New Zealand’s Lewis Clareburt won the 200-meter butterfly in 1:55.60 just ahead of South African reigning champion Chad le Clos, 30, in 1:55.89. Brit James Guy was third in 1:56.77.

World record holder Tatjana Schoenmaker of South Africa won the 200-meter breaststroke in 2:21.96. Aussie Jenna Strauch was second in 2:23.65 and South African teammate Kaylene Corbett was third in 2:23.67.

World record holder Kaylee McKeown of Australia won the 100-meter backstroke in 58.60 ahead of Canadian Kylie Masse (58.73) and Wales’ Medi Harris (59.62).

The meet continues Monday with prelims at 5:30 a.m. EST and finals 2 p.m. EST.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

Dylan Carter Misses Medal By 1/100th On Day Two Of Commonwealth Games

By Sharon Robb
BIRMINGHAM, England—Dylan Carter of Trinidad and Tobago, looking for his first medal of the XXII Commonwealth Games, just missed a bronze by 1/100th of a second Saturday at Sandwell Aquatic Center.

The two-time Olympian and Plantation American Heritage alum finished fourth in the 50-meter butterfly in 23.28 just behind bronze medalist Cameron Gray of New Zeland in 23.27. Brit Benjamin Proud won in a Games record 22.81, breaking his own record of 22.93 set eight years ago.

Carter was top local finisher qualifying for the final as third fastest in the semifinals in 23.41 and went 23.59 in his opening heat.

In other finals:
Teenager Lara van Niekerk, 19, of South Africa won the 50-meter breaststroke in a Games record 29.73, breaking her own record from prelims. She was the only swimmer in the field under 30 seconds.

Scotland’s Duncan Scott came from behind on the back half to win the 200-meter freestyle in 1:45.02, his second career gold medal. Tom Dean of England was second in 1:45.41 and Aussie Elijah Winnington was third in 1:45.62.

Lewis Clareburt of New Zealand won the 400-meter individual medley in a Games record 4:08.70. Aussie Brendon Smith was second in 4:10.15 and Duncan Scott of Scotland took bronze in 4:11.27.

Canadian Maggie MacNeil won the 100-meter butterfly in a Games record 56.36. Aussie Emma McKeon was second just 2/100ths behind her in 56.38. Aussie Brianna Throssell was third in 57.50.

South African teenager Pieter Coetze, 18, won the 100-meter backstroke in 53.78. Brit Brodie Paul Williams was second in 53.91 and Aussie Bradley Woodward was third in 54.06.

The Aussies swept the women’s and men’s 4×100 freestyle relays with the women winning in 3:30.64 ahead of England in 3:36.62 and men in 3:11.12, just ahead of England in 3:11.73.

Other Florida Gold Coast/South Florida swimmers results:
Kito Campbell, Jamaica/Azura, 100 breaststroke, 2. 1:05.04, heat 2.

The meet continues Sunday with prelims at 5:30 a.m. EST and finals 2 p.m. EST.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

SOFLO’s Alia Atkinson Ends Illustrious Career; Dylan Carter Takes Silver At FINA Short Course World Championships

By Sharon Robb
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, December 20, 2021–South Florida Aquatic Club’s Alia Atkinson took her final bow on the world stage Monday at the 15th FINA Short Course World Championships at Etihad Arena.

The five-time Jamaican Olympian, after being disqualified earlier in the week in the 50-meter breaststroke semifinals, bounced back to finish fourth in the 100-meter breaststroke in 1:04.03, her signature event and one she shares the world record (1:02.36) with Lithuanian Ruta Meilutyte.

In her last hurrah, Atkinson, 33, finished behind China’s Qianting Tang (1:03.47, Asian record), Sweden’s Sophie Hansson (1:03.50) and Ireland’s Mona McSharry (1:03.92) in her final competitive meet. She had won the 100 breaststroke in 2014, 2016 and 2018.

“Not the meet I hoped for but I am happy to say I finished every ounce of swimming talent God gave me, the bottle empty. Many times I wanted to quit or give up, but I saw it through to the end,” Atkinson wrote in a post to social media.

Atkinson said her long run career was “remarkable” and “a rollercoaster of fun and not so fun moments”.

Her advice to up-and-coming swimmers:

Make fun memories…they don’t make themselves.
Take nothing for granted and enjoy each step both the good and the challenging.
Let go of the negatives of the day.
Your best changes daily, so do the best you can on that day.

SOFLO teammate Julio Horrego, representing Honduras, was 26th in the 50-meter breaststroke in 27.38 in his final event of the meet.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Dylan Carter, a Plantation American Heritage alum, took silver in the 50-meter butterfly in 21.98, just behind Brazil’s 41-year-old world record holder Nicholas Santos in 21.93. Santos became the oldest swimmer to win a world title. Carter swam the third fastest time in the semifinals in a national time 22.18.

In championship final action:

To kick off the finals, the U.S. and Russian Swimming Federation tied for gold in the 4×50-meter medley relay in 1:30.51. The U.S. relay of Shaine Casas, Nic Fink, Tom Shields and Ryan Held also broke the American short course record.

Canadian Sydney Pickrem won the 200-meter individual medley in 2:04.29.

Canada also won the 4×200-meter freestyle relay won in 7:32.96 with relay swimmers Summer McIntosh, Kayla Sanchez, Katherine Savard and Rebecca Smith, ahead of the U.S. in 7:36.53.

Canada won another gold medal in the 50-meter backstroke when Maggie MacNeil broke the world record of 25.60 in 25.27.

Japan world record holder Daiya Seto led from start to finish to win the 400-meter individual medley in 3:56.26. Runner-up Illia Borodin of the Russian Swimming Federation broke the junior world record in 3:56.47.

The five-day meet concludes Tuesday.

FINA is offering a prize money pool of $2.8 million, a 50 percent increase in prize money for individual swimmers. There is also be a $50,000 bonus for any swimmer who breaks a world record.

The top eight individual payoffs for first through eighth place are $10,000, $8,000, $7,000, $6,000, $5,000, $4,000, $3,000 and $2,000.

There are 943 swimmers from 183 countries competing. The swimming is part of the Aquatics Festival which includes open water swimming, high diving and diving team competition.

Final sessions of the pool swimming will be streamed on NBC Sports’ Olympic Channel. Eurovision Sport’s All Aquatics will air the heats.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

SOFLO’s Atkinson, Horrego Race Monday; U.S. Men Break American Relay Record At FINA Short Course World Championships

By Sharon Robb
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, December 19, 2021–South Florida Aquatic Club’s Alia Atkinson redeemed herself and will have one last shot at a medal in her final career 100-meter breaststroke race on Monday.

The five-time Jamaican Olympian, after being disqualified earlier in the week in the 50-meter breaststroke semifinals, earned the fourth fastest seed in the semifinals Sunday at the 15th FINA Short Course World Championships at Etihad Arena.

Atkinson, 33, qualified fourth in 1:04.26 behind China’s Qianting Tang (1:03.99), Sweden’s Sophie Hansson (1:04.17) and Ireland’s Mona McSharry (1:04.22).

SOFLO teammate Julio Horrego, representing Honduras, will also swim on Monday in the 50-meter breaststroke prelims.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Dylan Carter, a Plantation American Heritage alum, swam the third fastest time in the semifinals of the 50-meter butterfly in a national time 22.18 and is in medal contention going into the final.

In championship final action:

The U.S. men’s 4×200-meter freestyle relay broke the American record to win gold in 6:47.00 with relay members Kieran Smith, Trenton Julian, Carson Foster and Ryan Held. Julian had the fastest split of 1:41.35. The previous record was 6:49.58 set in 2010.

Ranomi Kromowidjojo of the Netherlands won the 50-meter butterfly in a meet record 24.44, second fastest women’s 50 butterfly of all-time. American 17-year-old Claire Curzan broke the world junior record in 24.55 and took the bronze.

Kliment Kolesnikov of the Russian Swimming Federation won his first gold medal of the meet, winning the 100-meter individual medley in 51.09. Less than a hour later, he won the 50-meter backstroke in 22.66. Christian Diener of Germany and Lorenzo More of Italy tied for the silver in 22.90.

Israeli teenager Anastasia Gorbenko continued her outstanding meet winning her second gold medal in the 100-meter individual medley in a best time 57.80. She overtook the lead on the breaststroke and led for the remainder of the race.

China’s Li Bingjie won her second gold of the meet in the 400-meter freestyle in 3:55.83, a day after winning the 800 freestyle.

Great Britain’s Ben Proud won the 50-meter freestyle in 20.45, just 0.05 shy of his national record.

In a hotly-contested race, Italy won the 4×50-meter men’s freestyle relay in 1:23.61, just ahead of the Russian Swimming Federation in 1:23.75 and the Netherlands in 1:23.78.

The five-day meet continues Monday with the pool competition and ends Tuesday.

FINA is offering a prize money pool of $2.8 million, a 50 percent increase in prize money for individual swimmers. There is also be a $50,000 bonus for any swimmer who breaks a world record.

The top eight individual payoffs for first through eighth place are $10,000, $8,000, $7,000, $6,000, $5,000, $4,000, $3,000 and $2,000.

There are 943 swimmers from 183 countries competing. The swimming is part of the Aquatics Festival which includes open water swimming, high diving and diving team competition.

Final sessions of the pool swimming will be streamed on NBC Sports’ Olympic Channel. Eurovision Sport’s All Aquatics will air the heats.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

Dylan Carter Breaks National Record Twice In One Day At FINA Short Course World Championships

By Sharon Robb
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, December 17, 2021–Trinidad and Tobago swimmer Dylan Carter broke the national 100-meter butterfly record twice on Friday at the 15th FINA Short Course World Championships at Etihad Arena.

The Plantation American Heritage alum’s national record of 49.87 in semifinals fell short of advancing into the final. He was sixth in his semifinal race and finished ninth overall, missing finals by 8/100ths of a second.

Carter broke his own national butterfly record first in prelims in 50.22. His previous record was 50.70. His semifinal time was the first time any swimmer from Trinidad and Tobago cracked the 50-second mark.

Carter, 25, won a bronze medal at the World Swimming Championships in the 50-meter butterfly in Hangzhou, China, in December 2018. The two-time Olympian recently finished his International Swimming League season with the London Roar that finished third in the Final Four playoffs.

In championship final action:

Sweden’s 4×50-yard women’s medley relay tied the world record and meet record of 1:42.38 set by the U.S. in 2018. Louise Hansson broke the national 50-yard backstroke on the opening leg in 25.91. Other relay members were Sophie Hansson (29.07 breast split), world record holder Sarah Sjostrum (23.96 butterfly) and Michelle Coleman (23.44 freestyle).

“We were thinking of a medal, gold was also in the cards but never thought we could set a world record, this is fantastic,” said Sophie Hansson, who added a bronze in the 50-meter breaststroke an hour later.

American Shaine Casas, 21, who missed making the 2020 Olympic team by one spot, won his first world title in the 100-meter backstroke in 49.23, just 2/10ths ahead of Russian and former world record holder Kliment Kolesnikov.

“The only thing that was going through my mind before this race was I needed to redeem myself,” Casas said. “I kind of proved that I’m still around and I’m somebody to mess with in the future.

“Once the race started, I kind of blanked out, spinning my arms as fast as I could and by the time I realized what was going on, we were at the end of the third leg,” Casas said. “I did the dolphin-kicks, after that my legs almost stopped working and I was just going for the wall to hit it first before these guys ran me down. It’s a huge jump after the college scene. These guys are on another level, but it takes practice, some confidence and you figure it out very quickly what to do.”

Casas was third in the 100m back at June’s Olympic Trials, where the top two made the team. He was a pre-meet favorite, ranked second in the nation since the start of 2019.

China’s Yufei Zhang won the 200-yard butterfly in 2:03.01 ahead of American Charlotte Hook in 2:04.35. Hook moved from eighth to second in the back half of the race.

Ilya Symanovich of Belarus won the 100-meter breaststroke in a meet record 55.70. The previous record was 56.01 set in 2018 by South African Cameron van der Burgh.

Anastasia Gorbenko became the first woman from Israel to win a world title, winning the 50-meter breaststroke in 29.34. Top seed and world record holder Alia Atkinson of SOFLO was the gold medal favorite before she was disqualified in the semifinals.

South Korea’s Sunwoo Hwang won the 200-meter freestyle in 1:41.60. American Kieran Smith of University of Florida was a distant fifth in 1:42.29.

Sweden’s Louise Hansson won her second gold medal of the day when she won the 100-meter backstroke in a national record 55.20.

“Oh Gosh, I’m overwhelmed,” Hansson said. “Beforehand, I wasn’t even sure I wanted to swim the 100-meter back. Then I saw some progress in the ISL, so I kept it but never thought I could win it. Oh, what an evening, world record in the relay, then another gold, in backstroke… I can’t believe it.”

With an opening split from 19-year-old Josh Liendo, Canada won the mixed 4×50-meter freestyle relay in 1:28.55. He was joined by teammates Yuri Kisil 20.99, Kayla Sanchez (23.51) and Maggie MacNeil (23.11).

The five-day meet continues Saturday with the pool competition and ends Tuesday, Dec. 21.

FINA is offering a prize money pool of $2.8 million, a 50 percent increase in prize money for individual swimmers. There is also be a $50,000 bonus for any swimmer who breaks a world record.

The top eight individual payoffs for first through eighth place are $10,000, $8,000, $7,000, $6,000, $5,000, $4,000, $3,000 and $2,000.

There are 943 swimmers from 183 countries competing. The swimming is part of the Aquatics Festival which includes open water swimming, high diving and diving team competition.

Final sessions of the pool swimming will be streamed on NBC Sports’ Olympic Channel. Eurovision Sport’s All Aquatics will air the heats.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

Italy Wins First Gold Medal At FINA Short Course World Championships; SOFLO’s Atkinson, Horrego Race Thursday

By Sharon Robb
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, December 15, 2021–Italy won the inaugural open water mixed team relay Wednesday at the 15th FINA Short Course World Championships at Yas Bay.

It was the first time the new open water event was held at the championships.

Gregorio Paltrinieri of Italy led his relay team in the 6K event. His split of 15:49.1 was the fastest of the nine teams that competed. He was 3.2 seconds faster than Hungary’s Kristof Rasovszky, who challenged him in the final lap.

“It was a tough race,” Paltrinieri said. “Since Tokyo, I have been focusing on pool training, mostly on the 1500 meters. Today was a race in the sea, but it was also a 1500-meter race so I decided to swim the relay.

“Relays are always fun. I won’t be swimming the 10K Thursday. I battled with Kristof for the last 200 meters and he was trying to stay close to me. After the last buoy I gave it everything I had and he wasn’t able to pass me.”

Hungary was second in 1:06.51 and Germany was third in 1:07.29. The Italian team will split $20,000 in prize money. Hungary earned $16,000 and Germany $12,000.

Martina De Memme led off the Italian relay in 17:23.8 and was the sixth fastest lead-off swimmer in the event. De Memme was also the oldest swimmer on the Italian relay at age 30. Giulia Gabrielleschi, 25, the youngest Italian swam the second leg in 17:24.60 and was fifth fastest swimmer in the second leg. Domenico Acerena swam the third leg in a time of 16:10.6, second-fastest third leg swimmer.

Longtime St. Andrew’s Aquatics director and coach Sid Cassidy of the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee directed the open water event.

The five-day meet continues Thursday with the pool competition and ends Tuesday, Dec. 21.

SOFLO and Florida Gold Coast will be well-represented. SOFLO Olympians Alia Atkinson of Jamaica and Julio Horrego of Honduras will represent their countries. Both will compete Thursday. Atkinson, the world record holder in the 50-meter breaststroke, is seeded second in 28.88. Horrego will compete in the 100-meter breaststroke. His entry time is 1:01.18, seeded 37th.

Other FGC swimmers competing are:

Steven Aimable, Senegal, Azura.
Julimar Avila, Honduras, Azura.
Nicole Frank, Uruguay, Azura.
Yeziel Morales, Puerto Rico, Azura.
Maria Fe Munoz, Peru, Azura.
Kerry Ollivierre, Grenada, Azura.
Joaquin Vargas, Peru, Azura.
Sidrell Williams, Jamaica, Azura.
Dylan Carter, Trinidad and Tobago, American Heritage Plantation alum.
Izaak Bastian, Bahamas, Florida State, St. Andrew’s alum.
Miguel Cancel, Puerto Rico, University of Florida, Gulliver Prep alum.

FINA will offer a prize money pool of $2.8 million, a 50 percent increase in prize money for individual swimmers. There will also be a $50,000 bonus for any swimmer who breaks a world record.

The top eight individual payoffs for first through eighth place are $10,000, $8,000, $7,000, $6,000, $5,000, $4,000, $3,000 and $2,000.

There are 943 swimmers from 183 countries competing. The swimming is part of the Aquatics Festival which includes open water swimming, high diving and diving team competition.

Final sessions of the pool swimming will be streamed on NBC Sports’ Olympic Channel. Eurovision Sport’s All Aquatics will air the heats.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com