Minister of Sport Anil Roberts has extended his congratulations to ace TT swimmer George Bovell III after he picked up his second gold medal yesterday at the FINA World Cup in Stockholm, Sweden.

The 2004 Olympic bronze medallist won the 100m Individual Medley (IM) in fine style on Saturday with the eighth fastest time ever then returned to the pool yesterday to splash to gold in the 50m freestyle in a scintillating 20.82.

Speaking to Newsday yesterday, Roberts commended the TT athlete who shattered his personal bests and national records in both swims.

“Another fantastic swim with a new national record and personal best. He’s been doing extremely well in the Wold Cup meet and is getting faster with each race. He’s ranking at almost number one in the world in the short course,” a delighted Minister declared.

Prior to the Stockholm meet, Bovell had earned four silver medals at the two previous World Cups and Roberts believes he could have won gold in those tournaments as well.

“He’s been doing extremely well head-to-head with former Olympic gold medallist (and American swimmer) Anthony Ervin and I actually thought he had beaten him in Doha but Ervin used his experience at the end to get the victory,” he said.

Roberts also stressed that Bovell still has a lot to offer on the international circuit despite him coming home empty-handed for the second straight Olympics two months ago. There were some calls for Bovell to retire but Roberts was adamant that the 29-year-old still has the capability to produce the goods.

“He is off to Russia (for the next World Cup) and I hope he can continue that good form but I’m not so sure how much faster he can go though. You always have the critics but it’s an anaerobic event and as long as he can stay motivated he will continue to do well. It’s not an aerobic event and as far as sprinting goes, he has a lot to offer and can keep getting faster. I am very happy for him and Trinidad and Tobago should be proud of him. I look forward to gold in Russia,” he remarked.

By Stephon Nicholas

Source: www.newsday.co.tt