FORMER Olympian Sebastian Paddington is optimistic that 2004 Olympic bronze medallist George Bovell 111 will claim another swimming medal for Trinidad and Tobago at the Olympics.
Yesterday Bovell failed to advance to the semi-final of the men’s 100m Backstroke although he won his heat in a time of 55.22 seconds. The fastest 16 swimmers, based on times, progressed to the semis yesterday morning.
However the lanky TT swimmer will re-enter the pool for action on Tuesday when he contests the 100m Freestyle and again on August 2 for the 50m Freestyle.
Bovell, who is currently the fourth fastest performer of all time in the 50m Freestyle, will be hoping to better his performances tomorrow. He will be among two TT athletes in action on the day, the other being boxer Carlos Suarez who will compete in the light flyweight division.
Yesterday Paddington said the TT swimming ace moved to Michigan early this year to improve his preparation for the games.
“He moved there to train with Mike Bottom an American coach, so Mike and Minister Anil Roberts have been working together in helping him.
He was working here in TT for a year and a half by himself, and it was very difficult for him”, said the 2000 Sydney Olympian.
Paddington, chairman of the Sports Company of TT, said George is now in the right frame of mind for the biggest sporting event in the world. “He has a team of athletes from around the world who are complementing and giving him the support both in the pool and out the pool, which is great.”
The former National swimmer said at the moment the 2004 bronze medallist stands a great chance of claiming another medal at the London Games.
“He registered a good time two months ago which places around fifth or six in the world. It is just to get it right and be the best on that day. Once you get to the final it’s anybody’s race. We saw Hasely Crawford win a gold from lane one, so anything is possible”.
By Kevin Sunich
Source: www.newsday.co.tt