Pellau Magazine

Monday, July 30, 2012

Swimmers start their heat in the men's 100 -meter backstroke at the 2012 Summer Olympics, yesterday. T&T's George Bovell won his heat but failed to qualify for the semifinals AP Photo

T&T's George Bovell swam a personal best time of 55.22 seconds in the men's 100 metres backstroke to set a new national record at the Olympic Games, here in London, England, yesterday. Bovell, who was in lane eight, won heat two but his time was not good enough for him to advance to the next round. He placed 29th overall from 44 swimmers. Only the top 16 swimmers from the heats progress to the semifinals and the top eight then moves on, to the final. The 29-year-old yesterday confirmed that he did not put too much effort into the race but used it as preparation for his upcoming pet event, the 50m freestyle. "This is just a warm up event. It's as if Usain Bolt went out and jogged an 800m. I don't really consider myself a backstroke specialist. "My event is the 50m freestyle on Thursday. If I had advanced to the semifinal I would have pulled out anyway so as to not tire myself out before my event. "Bovell looked at ease as he pushed off the wall, gaining an early advantage after only 25 metres out. By the time he made the turn, he was clear out front, splashing away to victory.

The Olympic bronze medallist previous best ma

from The Trinidad Guardian Newspaper http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2012-07-30/bovell-warms-victory