February 16, 2003 Alia Atkinson today swam 1:16.06 at the Florida Senior Circuit Meet to smash her own National 100 Metre Breaststroke Record of 1:17.11 set at the Caribbean Island Swimming Championships last summer. The event which was swum in the Plantation Pool in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was won by 17 year old Yi Ting Siow, who swam a scintillating 1:14.05 for Bolles School, while the fourteen year Atkinson placed an impressive third. With her records time, Atkinson time has qualified for selection to Jamaica’s Pan American Games Team.

In the 50 meter Freestyle, Atkinson broke Angela Chuck's seven year old 13-14 National Age Group 50 Metre Freestyle record of 27.99 with a fantastic swim of 27.85. Atkinson placed sixth in the event which Aqua Crest’s Rhi Jeffery, who swam a very fast 26.51, won.

Atkinson times bode well for Jamaica’s performance at the CARIFTA Swimming Championships, which will be held at the National Stadium Pool April 19-21, 2003.