Palmer Proud Of Harvey Siblings’ Success
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Shona Palmer, the Bermuda national swimming assistant coach, first started training siblings Emma and Jack Harvey when they were small children and said it is a privilege to play a role in their Olympic journeys.
Jack, 21, competes in the men’s 100 metres backstroke tomorrow [July 28], with Emma, 23, racing in the women’s 100 backstroke the following day at the Paris La Défense Arena.
The pair, who are making their Olympic debuts, qualified within a few days of each other after meeting the Bermuda Olympic Association’s minimum qualifying standard via universality places.
“It’s fantastic for them to reach the Olympics,” Palmer told Bernews. “They’ve worked hard for many years. They are honoured, delighted, and excited to be here. They deserve everything they get.
“I started coaching Emma when she was seven or eight and Jack not long afterward at Harbour Swim Club.
“It’s amazing to see them achieve so much and be so happy.”
Palmer with the Harvey siblings before they left for Paris
Palmer said the goal for the pair is to shave time off the personal bests they achieved to qualify for the Games.
Jack hit the mark at the AP Race International in London in 55.19sec; meanwhile, Emma qualified at the Mare Nostrum Barcelona meet in 1:01.21.
“They both got fantastic PBs to qualify for Paris, and I certainly believe they can PB here,” said Palmer, who has travelled with the team to Paris. “You never know – a semi-final would be wonderful.”
The pair put the final touches to their preparations at the Pan Am Sports Camp for athletes from the region at the Alsace Regional Sports Centre in eastern France – the largest training camp in the history of the Olympics.
“They were away from all the usual distractions and could fully focus on their swimming,” Palmer added.
“They knew a lot of the swimmers, plenty of familiar faces, and it was a very chilled environment.
“It’s lovely they’re both competing in Paris. They’re each other’s best friends and biggest supporters.”
