Over the weekend, Jamaican swimmer Alia Atkinson became the first Black woman to win a world swimming title when she defeated her competition in the 100m breast stroke at the FINA World Swimming Championships. Atkinson was able to complete the race with a time of 1 minute and 2.36 seconds, tying the world record.
BREAKING: Jamaican swimmer Alia Atkinson made history becoming 1st black woman to win a world title 1:02:36 #WR pic.twitter.com/apcSrFA042
— Team Jamaica (@TeamJA876) December 6, 2014
“I’m not used to seeing my name up in number one so it was kind of a shock, but a good one!”
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She didn’t know she won after the race, but when you see her smile – you can’t help but want to celebrate with her. Atkinson was actually favored for second in this race, and maybe that’s why the 25 year old was shocked herself to see she actually won.
Hopefully my face will come out, there will be more popularity especially in Jamaica and the Caribbean and we’ll see more of a rise and hopefully in the future we will see a push,” Atkinson mused.
Not only did she tie with the world record, but now is she the first Black woman to claim a swimming title. It was also Jamaica’s first gold in a world swimming championship.
BMWK, is swimming a sport you allow your children to participate in?