Atkinson qualifies for semifinals

Olympian Alia Atkinson has qualified for the semi-finals of the women’s 50-metre breaststroke on today’s first day of the 10th FINA World Swimming Championships in Dubai.



The Jamaican booked her place after winning Heat 5 in a blistering 30.44 seconds. However, she qualified with the sixth fastest time, just point 30 seconds behind Russia’s Yulia Etimova, who had the fastest time of 30.10.



Atkinson is down to compete in the first of two semi-finals in the evening session. The eight fastest swimmers will advance to the final scheduled for tomorrow’s second day.



Atkinson is also entered in the 100 and 200-metre breaststroke events, as well as the 100-metre individual medley.



Only two Jamaicans are competing at the championships. Victoria Hoo, the other Jamaican representative, will be in action on Day Two. She is down to swim in Heat 2 of the women’s 800-metre freestyle.