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Atkinson hopes World Swimming Title will be an inspiration

Jamaican Alia Atkinson said she hopes her world record breaking swim for the short course 100m breaststroke at the World Championships, will help shatter the stereotype associated with non-traditional sports across the world. Photo: Provided
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Jamaican Alia Atkinson said she hopes her world record breaking swim for the short course 100m breaststroke at the World Championships, will help shatter the stereotype associated with non-traditional sports across the world.

Atkinson became the first black woman to hold a global title after storming to victory in the event at the World Short-course Championships in Qatar on Saturday.

“I am very hopeful that my personal success in Qatar will ignite others,” said Atkinson in an interview with the Jamaica Observer from her home in Florida.

“Especially those in the so called non-traditional sports to try even harder because now they can see for themselves that significant achievements can be attained.”

The 25-year-old beat defending champion and World record holder Ruta Meilutyte of Lithuania, clocking one minute, 2.36 seconds.

Meilutyte was timed at 1:02.46 and was deprived of becoming the first woman to successfully defend the 100m breaststroke title.

“But let me stress that it takes a lot of work, in fact very hard work, mixed with very heavy doses of patience,” said the celebrated Jamaican swimmer.

“I have had disappointments, I have had some good results and it all came together in just over a minute in Doha. I have worked really hard for my achievement in Qatar.”

The three-time Olympian plans to return to competition in February when she competes in the US Grand Prix races.

“Now I have to take a rest,” she said. “The season is over and will start again in February 2015 with the US Grand Prix races. But for now, it is rest, rest and more rest.”

5 Responses to “Atkinson hopes World Swimming Title will be an inspiration”

  • vex (12/12/2014, 09:18) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
    What hspprn to our local seimmers?
  • gee (12/12/2014, 12:41) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    jamaicans leading the way again??!!!
  • Concern 1 (13/12/2014, 15:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Our local swimmers may reach there one day have a little patience they may have to take a leaf out of Alia's book work hard and perseverance.Anyway congrats Alia quite deserving
  • ex-swimmer (13/12/2014, 19:19) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Like I said before, BVI needs at least one Olympic class swimming pool.


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