T&T’s George Bovell swam a personal best time of 55.22 seconds in the men’s 100 metres backstroke to set a new national record at the Olympic Games, here in London, England, yesterday. Bovell, who was in lane eight, won heat two but his time was not good enough for him to advance to the next round. He placed 29th overall from 44 swimmers. Only the top 16 swimmers from the heats progress to the semifinals and the top eight then moves on, to the final. The 29-year-old yesterday confirmed that he did not put too much effort into the race but used it as preparation for his upcoming pet event, the 50m freestyle. “This is just a warm up event. It’s as if Usain Bolt went out and jogged an 800m. I don't really consider myself a backstroke specialist. “My event is the 50m freestyle on Thursday. If I had advanced to the semifinal I would have pulled out anyway so as to not tire myself out before my event. “Bovell looked at ease as he pushed off the wall, gaining an early advantage after only 25 metres out. By the time he made the turn, he was clear out front, splashing away to victory.
The Olympic bronze medallist previous best mark in the 100m backstroke was 55.65 which he achieved back in April when the local swimmer picked up a silver medal in the B-final at the Indianapolis Swimming Grand Prix held at the Indiana University Natatorium.
Despite not progressing, he was proud of his achievement in bettering the old mark. “A new PB and national open record isn't a bad way to start things off,” said Bovell. The only other Caribbean swimmer in the event was Bradley Ally of Barbados and he won the opening heat in 56.27 but his time also was too slow. Qualifying for the semifinals with the quickest time was USA’s Matthew Grevers, who topped heat six in a time of 52.92. Grevers is the Beijing 2008 silver medallist and holds the fastest time for the year so far with 52.08, a personal best he swam at the US Olympic trials last month. World champion Camille Lacourt had the fourth best time of 53.51. Tomorrow (Tuesday), Bovell will be back in the water when he competes in the 100m freestyle in lane two of heat four.
But today (Monday), T&T sailor Andrew Lewis makes his debut at the Games when he enters the laser event at Weymouth and Portland. Races one and two are scheduled for noon (7 am). Lewis sailed in to the hearts of T&T some time ago and will look to impress, even though he has already made history by being the first local sailor to represent the twin-island at the premier sporting event in the world. “I have worked very hard to get here, and I believe this is just the beginning of things to come. I remain positive and know that once I give a good effort, anything is possible,” said Lewis ahead of the start of the competition today. In this format of fleet racing, Lewis will compete in a series of races. Points are awarded in each race: first scores one point, second scores two points and so on. After 10 races, points from the worst race are discarded. The remaining points are added together. If Lewis is among the 10 best athletes then he will advance to the medal race which is scheduled for Sunday. Points are doubled, so first place gets two points, second gets four, and so on. The points total after the medal race determines the placings. The athlete with the lowest number of points is the winner. “My expectations are to go out and give a good showing so that I can be proud of myself and my country can be proud of me,” added Lewis.
Source: www.guardian.co.tt