Following the record breaking performance by the Russian relay team on Day 4 of the Short Course World Championships in Doha, Qater, Jamaican history was made when former Texas A&M standout Alia Atkinson posted a 1st place 1:02.36 finish to tie the 100 breast world record. The old record has been held since 2012 by Ruta Meilutyte, whom Atkinson out touched.
Atkinson and Meilutyte swam a tight race with Meilutyte leading at the first 50M mark. Atkinson however, closed in a hurry and beat the Lithuanian by a tenth of a second beating the meet record set by Meilutyte just the day before. This swim is also a personal best for Atkinson who came into the meet with a 1:02.54.
This is the first short course world title for both Atkinson and Jamaica. This adds to Atkinson’s 2014 2nd place finish in the 50m breaststroke along with her two 2nd place finishes in 2012. Atkinson will have another opportunity to try for gold in the 200m breaststroke where she is currently seeded third.
Catherine Lee contributed this report.
Congratulations Alia! You have had a great year.
Big high five for Chris Anderson – Alia’s coach at SOFLO
I am so stoked for her and the Jamaicans. Yay for Caribbean swimmers