Blackburn Wins Silver, Sets Record
Lisa Blackburn’s time of 2:40.01 in the 200m breastroke not only earned her a Silver Medal at the 2011 Caribbean Championships, but also shattered Jenny Smatt’s 1992 record.
Today Ben Smith, National Coach said, “Today was the first day of the 6 day CCCAN Championships in Mayaguez Puerto Rico. The addition of the Central American and Spanish speaking Caribbean countries makes the competition very strong in most races. There are many familiar competitors from Carifta and Cisc.”
“In the morning heats Jesse swam personal best times in his 50 back and 200 fly but was unable to crack the top 8 to reach the finals. Nicole Yearwood had a good swim in the 50 back and Ashley Yearwood was good in the 200 free but they did not reach the finals. Lisa Blackburn was our only finalist for the day and she did the most with her opportunity. Her best time in the 200 breast since returning to Bermuda has been 2:44 but she raced to a 2:40.01 which broke the 1992 record of Jenny Smatt and gave her a silver medal for her effort.”
“It was great to have her swim that way in the final and will be a confidence boost for her as she continues her preparation for the Olympic qualification”.
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Lisa Blackburn. Photo credit Doug Patterson
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He closed by saying, “Tomorrow we will have Jesse in the 100 free which is one of his best and favorite events. Nick Patterson will have his first race with the 200 fly where he will be looking for his Youth world’s time. Ashley will have the 50 free while Nicole and Rebecca Heyliger will have the 50 fly and 100 free. All of those events are great opportunities for these swimmers to get into the finals. Lisa will be in the pool again with the 200 IM where we hope she can continue her good form”.
