Bermuda Swimmers Compete At FINA In Russia
Two Bermuda swimmers recently showed off their abilities at the FINA World Championships in Kazan, Russia, with Julian Fletcher and Rebecca Heyliger taking part in the event.
National swim coach Ben Smith said, “On August 2, day 1 of the FINA World Championships in Kazan, Russia, Julian Fletcher competed in the 100 breaststroke. Julian was fresh off of his training camp with Team Trojan and felt ready for the event. He swam 1:03.80, placing 52nd out of 76 swimmers, which is third” all-time in the 100 Breast for Bermuda.
“Rebecca Heyliger had her first event this morning in the 100 freestyle. She also attended the training camp in Rome with her Trojan teammates. Her preparation for the week leading into the event was good and she looked strong. Her first 50 was very good as she turned in 27.4 but her stroke rate was not fast enough on her second 50.
“She finished with a 58.71 which placed her in 57th place out of 90 swimmers. Although this is her second fastest time ever, she had her sights set higher. Although she wasn’t happy with the 100 as a whole, her easy speed in the first 50 gives her confidence going into her main event, the 50 free on Saturday.
“Julian finished the morning with the 200 breast which has shown to be his best event of late. His time of 2:21.39 was his 4th fastest time ever and 4th all-time performance for Bermuda. He placed 49th out of 52 swimmers. The challenge for Julian this summer was trying to peak at Pan American Games and then hold his speed until World Championships.
“He may have been caught between the two events as he felt amazing last week during training camp but not the same by the time the Championships began.”
Julian Fletcher said, “It could have been a better swim, but everything wasn’t adding up to the performance. I’m happy with the way I have improved this season and look forward to training for the upcoming Olympic year.”
Well done swimmers !!!
I wish I could swim.