1 week ago
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COACH OF Jamaica Goodwill Games swimming team, Lemone Lowe, says the 40-member squad which departed the island yesterday for the 29th staging of the games in Barbados from August 15-17 have a good chance of creating history.
Jamaica has never won the annual championship before. But Lowe believes that with a full contingent and the quality swimmers available at all levels, he is confident that this could be their year.
“The expectations are the same. From I found out we have a full 40 (member team). That was what I’ve always wanted. The goal was to look at the timing to see where we are in terms of our skillset, and I am happy to announce that I believe personally that we can win the games, and that would be historic for the country,” he said.
He noted that last year they finished fourth, with Bahamas winning their second consecutive championship, and Lowe expects that Bahamas will be the team to beat again.
“Last year we came fourth with 32 members and that was still a good showing because we didn’t have full relays working with.
“This year we are in most of the relays, and that is where we will get most of our points, and to top it off, we have at least two athletes in every event in the top eight. So that’s what has given me the confidence.
“If I wasn’t confident, I would just say we are optimistic. But I believe we can actually win. I have done my metrics and I figure we can get that result.
“Bahamas. They won two years in a row. And they are talking about threepeat. So let us see if we can cause a stir in that result,” he stated
Lowe anticipates that the females will be slightly stronger this year but is expecting strong performances from both groups, especially their seasoned swimmers.
“Swimming is dynamic. You may see some times on paper, but on the day they rise above expectations. And that is what I am looking for from most of them.
“This is a good development meet for them and I am looking forward to their progress as they continue to develop in the sport.
“There are few familiar names. Last year our captain, Renee Chung, got the Goodwill highpoint trophy. So we are looking for her to go back and do the same thing again.
“She’s our captain and leader and one of the most experienced ones that I am looking to. Nathan Wright has also been around the swimming a long time. He is a 15-17 person and seeded in most of his events.
“The male side is good. But the females are much stronger. But overall, it’s a strong team and I expect good results from everybody,” he said.
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