Richards makes history in Dakar

Jamaica’s young swimmers continue to make their mark in Senegal, with Skyelar Richards creating history by becoming the first Jamaican swimmer ever to reach a final at the Youth Olympic Games.

Richards secured her place in the women’s 50-metre butterfly final after clocking 28.17 seconds in the heats before winning a swim-off in 27.78 seconds to claim the last qualifying berth. She subsequently lined up among the world’s top junior swimmers in the championship race, marking a significant milestone for Jamaican swimming.

Her achievement also places her among a select group of regional swimmers. Richards is only the second swimmer from the Carifta and Caribbean region to reach a final at these Games. The first was Lev Fahy of the Cayman Islands, who advanced to the men’s 100-metre backstroke final earlier in the meet.