Earlier today, Jamaican Alia Atkinson (@AliAtki) swam into the history books. Atkinson became the first black woman – and first Jamaican swimmer male or female – to win a world title in the Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) era.
Atkinson won the 100m breaststroke at the World Short-Course Championships in Doha. She equalled Ruta Meilutyte’s world record of 1:02.36, but the rules of governing body FINA equates this feat to a new record. The 25-year-old Atkinson out-touched the 17-year-old Meilutyte by 0.10sec to cop the gold medal.
FINA YouTube: Alia Atkinson: winner of 100m Breaststroke CR,WR
Atkinson – who has represented Jamaica in 3 Olympics – placed 4th in the 100m breaststroke finals in 2012 Olympics. She also has 2 World Championships silver medals to her name.
Atkinson was featured in a documentary made by the International Swimming Hall of Fame in Florida, where she works as a Special Projects Director.
Written by Editor
Topics: Sports, Swimming