Tornadoes hoping to finish job at Karl Dalhouse meet
Published:Sunday | February 5, 2023 | 2:38 AMDaniel Wheeler - Staff Reporter
Tornadoes Swim Club coach Annelies Denny is hoping to avoid being on the wrong end of a late surge, in similar fashion to last year, when the Karl Dalhouse Memorial Swim Meet goes into today’s final day at the National Aquatic Centre inside the National Stadium compound.
Denny is banking on the moment the team would have gained from the consistent performances her swimmers have put in over the last two days.
Tornadoes amassed 620 points after 32 events on yesterday’s second day at the National Aquatic Centre, with defending champions Y Speedos in second place with 508 points at the close of the morning session.
Tornadoes were fuelled by strong performances in the Under-10 category, with Joel Sinclair winning the Boys’ 100m breaststroke in one minute, 43.23 seconds (1:43.23), Kai Lawson, who took the Girls’ 9-10 50m freestyle and the 200m individual medley (IM) events, and Noah Parker, who won gold in both the Boys’ 200 IM and the 50m freestyle.
SWIMMERS STEPPING UP
Denny said what has been most encouraging for her is the way that other swimmers have stepped up for their teammates in difficult moments.
“Those that are not performing at their best, let’s say they are not doing best times, we got other swimmers who are performing at their best. We just want to keep that going and I do anticipate that we have a good shot at taking the title. That is what we are working towards,” Denny told The Sunday Gleaner.
What they are hoping to avoid is another comeback from Y Speedos, who last year overcame a deficit on the final day to take the title. What it would mean for the club if they are able to continue on this path is more than just team glory but long-term progress for their swimmers.
“Of course, it would be an absolute delight if we could do that. It would be a good testament to our programme. Not just looking at the individual performances. When you consistently produce swimmers and can have more scoring points, if somebody is unavailable, somebody else can step up and do a relay and still win the relay, even though it’s not necessarily your first pick for that relay. Just a big boost of confidence. That’s the goal,” Denny said. “It tells us that our programme is working and gives some hope for Jamaica’s swimming, ensuring that we have representation across all categories, genders and age groups.”
The three-day meet concludes today.