The 22nd World Aquatics Championships have wrapped up for Cayman swimmers Kyra Rabess and Harper Barrowman.
Singapore played host to the prestigious championships from 26 July to 3 Aug., drawing more than 2,500 athletes from 210 national federations to compete across six aquatic disciplines.
Kyra Rabess swims to a national record
Rabess, a sophomore at the University of Northern Colorado, made a significant splash in her first long-course (50-metre pool) attempt at the World Aquatics Championships.
Having previously competed in the short-course championships in Budapest in December, these championships marked a pivotal moment for Rabess to gauge her long-course capabilities.
Prior to travelling for the event, her primary goal was to assess her standing and refine her race strategy for future meets, with personal bests being a welcome bonus.
Rabess delivered exceptional performances in both her events, achieving season bests.
In the 400-metre freestyle, competing in heat one on 26 July, she clocked a time of 4:23.08.
Although she did not advance to the finals, this performance secured a new national record for the Cayman Islands and also set a new record for the Cayman Islands Aquatic Sports Association.
The following day, in heat one of the 1500-metre freestyle, Rabess posted a time of 17:15.71 and did not advance to the finals.
Reflecting on her achievements, Rabess expressed immense satisfaction, saying, “I am very happy that I have bested my personal best, and ultimately with lowering and receiving a new national record, it allows me to push my goals further, and to better my personal time the next time I swim that event.”
Rabess described the overall experience as “amazing”, sharing that she also learned some lessons while away.
“One of the lessons I learned was to manage my nerves when racing on such a big stage, especially when there’s a big difference between my time and the other competitors, so it was really important to swim my own race,” she said.
Comparing this championship to her previous one, Rabess highlighted the pool lengths as the major difference.
Rabess said she feels good about her performances, particularly her 400-metre race, and added that she is looking forward to bettering her times.
Harper Barrowman makes third appearance
Barrowman, a seasoned competitor at the world championships, made her third appearance at the major event, contesting the 200m and 800m freestyle.
Having just completed her freshman year at Drexel University, Barrowman adapted her training to accommodate the 800m, a new event for her that replaced the 400m.
This change necessitated a slightly different strategy for the competition.
Barrowman showcased her competitive spirit in the 200m freestyle, swimming in heat one on 28 July, which she won with a time of 2:08.28.
Despite the first-place finish, her time did not meet the qualifying time required to advance to the semi-final round.
On 31 July, in heat one of the 800-metre freestyle, Barrowman finished with a time of 9:21.03 and did not advance.
Both swimmers will soon have another opportunity to showcase their talents on an international stage as they are set to compete in the Junior Pan American Games, which will be held in Asunción, Paraguay, from 9-23 Aug.
