National girls’ 13 – 14 age group champion Onika George secured a spot in the upcoming junior CARIFTA Swimming Championships when the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) Mash Meet concluded last weekend at the National Aquatic Centre, Pattensen.
George finished just inside the 33.86s qualifying time for the 50m backstroke when she swam the event in 33.31 seconds on Sunday at the long course event.
“It was unexpected. Yes, I trained really hard but I didn’t really expect it. Now when I get there I’m not expecting to medal but that will be my goal,” George told Stabroek Sports after her win.
The 14 year old also kept up her winning streak placing first in the 100m backstroke (PB 1:20.48s) on Friday, followed by the 100m freestyle, 50m butterfly on Saturday.
Apart from George’s qualification, the weekend highlights went to the younger age groups, with six records toppled in the 9 – 10 and 8 and under age group categories on the competition’s final day.
National boys’ eight years under champion Leon Seaton broke his own records in the 50m freestyle and 50m breaststroke events which he set at 37.53s and 54.50 seconds respectively.
In the girls’ 9 – 10 50m butterfly event, severe competition saw the first three finishers all surpassing the 1:08.31s record set by Asanti Mickle some 17 years ago. The record went to Naomi King who finished in 56.13 seconds ahead of Jaydyn George (56.40s) and Deborah Scott (1:00.23s).
Jaydyn George set her own record in the 100m breaststroke while in the eight years and under category Riley Nurse set the girls’ 200m freestyle record at 4:03.92s.
