December 14, 2024
Two-time Olympic swimmer Aleka Persaud delivered a commendable performance at the World Aquatics Swimming Championship, which concludes on Sunday in Budapest, Hungary.
The 18-year-old standout broke her own national 50-meter butterfly record earlier in the competition and wrapped up her final event on Saturday in the women’s 50-meter freestyle.
Persaud, who holds the national 50-meter freestyle record of 26.42 seconds set in 2022 in Australia, clocked 27.15 seconds in her favored event.
Despite a strong start and being on pace to challenge her record at the 25-meter mark, she struggled during the turn, ultimately finishing sixth in heat four.
The heat was won by Armenia’s Varsenik Manucharyan in 26.26 seconds, followed by Antigua’s Aunjelique Liddie in 26.47 seconds and Papua New Guinea’s Jhnayali Tokome-Garap in third.
The top qualifier from the heats was the USA’s Gretchen Walsh, with a time of 23.02 seconds. Only the top 16 advanced to the semifinals.
Although Persaud did not advance, she remains Guyana’s sole representative at the meet and has shown signs of resurgence following a series of average performances over the past year.
Earlier in the competition, she set a new national record of 28.34 seconds in the 50-meter butterfly and finished third in her heat, placing 43rd overall.
The national record holder in the 100-meter freestyle, 100-meter butterfly, and 200-meter individual medley, Persaud continues to train under Linden-based coach Christol Thom as she represents Guyana on the international stage.
This latest performance adds to her growing legacy as one of Guyana’s premier swimmers, showcasing her determination and potential for future success.
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