Following the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board's landmark decision to add the men's and women's 50m backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly events to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, the news has sparked enthusiasm among Bermuda's swimming community.
We spoke to Olympians Jack and Emma Harvey to gauge their reactions to this significant change in the Olympic program.
Olympian Jack Harvey, the current Bermuda Open 50m Backstroke Long Course Record Holder, expressed his excitement about the new opportunities. "Yeah definitely," Harvey stated, "adding the 50s of stroke is a big change and I’m excited about the decision. I’m definitely going to put more effort into that event now knowing it is in the Olympic program."
Harvey's words indicate that the addition of the 50m distances has already influenced his training plans and his focus on specific events.
Olympian Emma Harvey, who holds two Bermuda Long Course Records in backstroke, also shared her enthusiasm. "I am super excited," Harvey said, adding, "the 50, Backstroke has consistently been my best event for the last 5 years and it's the event I reached the Semi-Finals in at the World Championships so it definitely gets me excited for what I can achieve in LA."
Harvey's comments highlight the personal significance of this decision, as it presents a chance to compete in her strongest discipline at the Olympic level.
The addition of the 50m events to the Olympic swimming program has clearly resonated with these Bermudian Olympians. Their reactions underscore the potential impact of this change on athletes' training, goals, and Olympic aspirations, creating anticipation for the LA28 Games.
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