COUNTRY TIDBITS Editor’s Note: Other than splitting the Americas into north and south regions, Swimming World follows the FINA region and national federation structure as part of its regional spotlights. Unless otherwise indicated, the performances for each of the following swimmers were swum at last year’s World Championships in Shanghai, China (July 24-31, 2011).
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As of June 1, 2012, there are 57 days until the opening ceremonies of the XXXth Olympic Games. Beginning in its January
Antigua and Barbuda (ANT)
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Karin O’Reilly Clashing turned in her country’s best performances at last year’s World Championships with a 49th in the 50 meter fly (36.87) and 68th in the 50 free (31.41).
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Daniella van den Berg competed in both medley races, taking 35th in the 400 (5:18.27) and 36th in the 200 (2:30.02).
world.
The Bahamas (BAH) Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace, an NCAA champion at Auburn University, led her country to 35th place in the team standings with 18 points, placing seventh in the 50 free (24.79) and 10th in the 100 (54.46).
Barbados (BAR) Bradley Ally was the lone representative for Barbados in Shanghai, finishing 17th in the 200 IM (2:00.03), 36th in the 100 back (55.88) and 40th in the 100 fly (54.42).
Bermuda (BER) Bermuda’s top performer at Worlds was Roy Berch in the 50 and 100 free (28th, 22.69; 47th, 51.01).
Canada (CAN) Ryan Cochrane earned his country’s first medal in the men’s 1500 free in 88 years by finishing third at the Beijing Olympics (14:42.69). In 2007, Brent Hayden became the first Canadian in 21 years to win a world title when he tied for first in the 100 free (48.43). Canada’s top women from their recent Olympic Trials were Julia Wilkinson (first, 100 free 54.73, 100 back 59.85 and 200 IM 2:12.78), Jillian Tyler (first, 100 breast 1:07.18), Tera van Beilen (first, 200 breast 2:24.03; second, 100 breast 1:07.37) and backstroker Sinead Russell (see feature, page 18).
Cayman Islands (CAY) The Fraser brothers, Shaun and Brett, were the top swimmers for the Cayman Islands in Shanghai. Shaun finished 14th in the 200 free (1:48.46) and 38th in the 100 fly (54.19), while Brett placed 17th in the 100 free (48.98) and 25th in the 50 (22.65).
Costa Rica (CRC) Marie Laura Meza led her country with a 32nd-place finish in the 200 fly (2:23.68). She also took 42nd in the 100 fly (1:05.05).
Cuba (CUB) Hanser Garcia broke onto the international scene with an 18th-place showing in the 14
June 2012