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Phillips proud of recent honour

Published:Friday | February 21, 2020 | 12:09 AMHubert Lawrence/Gleaner Writer
Olympian Belinda Phillips is seen here swimming in her prime in this June 1976 file photo.
Olympian Belinda Phillips is seen here swimming in her prime in this June 1976 file photo.

Olympic swimmer Belinda Phillips is proud to have represented Jamaica. Phillips is thankful for the honour bestowed on her at the Jamalco Development Meet in Halse Hall, Clarendon, on February 1.

“I’m proud, I’m happy,” she said. “I’m happy to be honoured by the Olympians Association and to come back home to receive the award.”

Elder sister to 1984 Olympics finalist Andrew, she was 13 years and 361 days old when she swam the first of her three events, the 200m, 400m, and 800m freestyle, at the Munich Games in 1972.

“It’s a gift,” she said. “It was for love of sport. We all had it. Our father introduced us. We were fortunate to have Neville Alexander as our coach. He taught us so much and made it easy.”

Alexander was the founder of the Flying Fish Ambassadors swim club.

Her memories lingered in Munich.

“I wish I had made it back to 1976, but an injury put me out of it. But in 72, it was still awesome. I was young but, being more mature, knowing what you’re going through, it would have been wonderful. But through my injury and rehabilitation, I saw a different aspect and wondered what people with permanent injuries did with their lives and, actually, that put me onto my future career.”

Recreation therapist

She has worked for years as a recreation therapist.

Looking ahead, she warned about the dangers of training too hard too early.

“When you’re dealing with young children, they have to grow, and grow at the pace of their bodies, not overdo it,” the 1974 Sportswoman of the Year said.

She is impressed with fellow Olympians Janelle Atkinson and Alia Atkinson.

“I’ve had parents come back and tell me, because of me, their kids are now doing it,” Phillips said. “It opened the door. Swimming wasn’t a big sport in Jamaica but we do exist, but I’m proud to be part of the history.”