Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) has selected Andrew Fowler and Jamila Sanmoogan as their representatives for Commonwealth Games being held in Gold Coast, Australia from April 4-15.
According to senior national head coach Sean Baksh, the selection was made based on the duo having the highest (International Swimming Federation) FINA points which is based on the faster times swimmers achieve which in-turn gives them higher points.
Jamila Sanmoogan
Regarding, the readiness of the swimmers, the coach explained they will continue to work on improving the speed on Fowler who is based locally while he has heard promising results about Sanmoogan who is Colombia on a scholarship studying Physiotherapy at the University of Sports in Cali.
Fowler’s most recent stint in the pool was at the association’s Mashramani meet over the weekend held at the National Aquatic Centre where swam three races. In the 18 & over category, he clocked 28.19 in the 50m Butterfly, 58.15 in the 100m Freestyle and 25.64 in the 50m Freestyle.
On the international arena he donned national colours at the Islamic Solidarity Games held in May 2017 in Azerbaijan where he qualified for the semi-finals of the 50m Freestyle. In the chilly weather, the 22 year-old swam a new Personal Best of 25.32s in the semi-final but did not qualify for the final; he had qualified for the semi-final in a time of 25.51s.
Meanwhile, the 20 year-old Sanmoogan represent the country at the RIO 2016 Olympics in the 50m Freestyle but failed to progressed from the heats after finishing sixth in a time of 28.88s.
An improved performance beckons for the swimmer who is being trained under one of Colombia leading coaches Fabo Toro as according to Baksh, “ She is doing quite well, her 50m freestyle is now 27 [seconds] and I am hoping the coach can push her to get a lower 27”.
Baksh explained they will be heading ‘Down under’ a week prior to the start of the event to become acclimatised with conditions and do more intense training. (Akeem Greene)
