Sunday, December 07, 2014 Jamaica Observer
DOHA, Qatar (AFP) — Alia Atkinson became the first black woman to win a world swimming title when she triumphed in the 100m breaststroke at the world short-course championships yesterday as more records tumbled.
Jamaican Atkinson, 25, claimed the title and equalled Ruta Meilutyte's world record of 1:02.36 in the process -- although under governing body FINA rules this still equates to a new record.
That took the total of world records set at the Hamad Aquatic Centre to 17.
The tone was set in the first event as Russia set a new mark of 1:22.60 in the men's 4x50m freestyle relay with Atkinson's effort in the very next race.
That was immediately followed by another stunning display from Florent Manaudou in the 50m backstroke.
Katinka Hosszu claimed her fourth world record in the 200m individual medley before the session ended with a new mark for the United States in the mixed 4x50m freestyle (1:28.57).
However, it was Atkinson who lit up the pool.
Meilutyte appeared on course for a successful defence of her title only for her rival to move on to the Lithuanian's shoulder at the final turn.
Atkinson then clawed her way down the final length before out-touching the 17-year-old by 0.10 second.
She was completely unaware of what she had done, staring up at the scoreboard with an air of resignation before it gradually dawned. more
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