Kirlew wants to continue legacy of Olympian Alia Atkinson

PARIS, France:

Josh Kirlew’s first Olympic Games appearance comes not only with anticipation, but also with responsibility as he continues his evolution as a swimmer and a torch-bearer for the new emerging young national talent.

Kirlew will compete in the men’s 100 metres butterfly Friday morning at 4 (Jamaica time), as a year of firsts comes together in the biggest meet of his young career.

Kirlew, born to a Jamaican mother in Britain, had a love for the sport but it was this year when he made his first Jamaican appearance at the World Championships that he decided to take things seriously.

“I think this year I took the initiative to apply myself as a swimmer. Rather than just have one foot in the water or two feet deep, I actually identify as a swimmer. Because before, it was like I do my thing, I go to school and swim. But now I am trying to make it more about the swimming. Embracing the fact that this is who I am,” Kirlew told The Gleaner.

Kirlew’s personal best mark of 54.24 seconds achieved at the championships set the stage for his Olympic Games moment in Paris. Representing Jamaica was never a hard choice for Kirlew who is proud of his Jamaican heritage and what that represents.

“If I had to choose one or the other, I would definitely identify as Jamaican more so than British. I had constant reminders over the house reminding me of the motherland. So Jamaican through and through,” Kirlew said.

Taking on an elite field is refreshing for him but it is also the responsibility of continuing the legacy set by five-time Olympian Alia Atkinson.

“I do have a bit of responsibility on my shoulders. I have to pick up where Miss Atkinson left off, carrying the torch and lighting the way,” the 24-year-old Kirlew said.