Atkinson... I am disappointed but I tried my best.
-File photoATHENS, Greece:
TEENAGE JAMAICA swimmer Alia Atkinson ended her 2004 Olympic campaign with a disappointing sixth place in heat five of the women's 50 metres freestyle at the Athens Aquatic Centre
yesterday.
Atkinson clocked 27.21 seconds, well below her personal best 26.36, to finish 44th of the 73-strong field. Only the top 16 made the semi-finals.
Defending Olympic champion, Inge de Bruijn of the Netherlands, was the fastest semi-final qualifier. She won the last of 10 heats in 24.66. de Bruijn is the world and Olympic record holder at 24.13.
Atkinson, who attends high school in Florida, said she had changed her dive going into the event and should have been with the field for the last 25m.
"I am disappointed but I tried my best," Atkinson said after her event.
