The Bermuda Amateur Swimming Association can reflect on a year defined by extraordinary progression and a relentless assault on the long course record books. From the regional dominance of the Carifta Championships to elite showdowns at the U.S. Open, the island’s swimmers have consistently raised the bar across every age category.
The senior ranks have been led by the formidable Harvey siblings, who both enjoyed a prolific campaign on the international circuit. Emma Harvey underscored her status as a premier sprint specialist, closing out the year with a sensational performance at the Toyota U.S. Open in Austin, Texas. On 4 December, she stopped the clock at 25.69 seconds in the 50m freestyle, establishing a new national record. Her success followed a dominant display at the Bermuda National Championships in May, where she claimed a butterfly double, setting open records in both the 50m and 100m events.
Not to be outdone, Jack Harvey delivered a masterclass in backstroke during the TYR Pro Series in Fort Lauderdale. Across three days in early May, he methodically dismantled the national records for the 50m, 100m, and 200m backstroke. His 54.56-second sprint in the 100m and a composed 2:01.05 in the 200m distance have solidified his position as one of the region’s elite backstroke talents.
In the age group divisions, 15-year-old Isabella Jones emerged as a rising force in the breaststroke. Jones secured two resident records during a fruitful spring campaign in the United Kingdom, clocking 35.62 seconds in the 50m at the East Midlands Championships before delivering a disciplined 2:49.65 in the 200m at the Derby Excel Spring Qualifier. Meanwhile, Connor Hupman showcased his explosive speed in the 15-16 boys’ division, storming to a 23.88-second finish in the 50m freestyle while competing in Ocala, Florida, this July.
The distance events were dominated by Thomas Cechini, whose grit was on full display at the Carifta Aquatic Championships in Trinidad. Cechini claimed a superb bronze in the 400m freestyle with a time of 4:07.78, a performance that doubled as a new national record for both the 17-18 age group and the Male Open division. His achievement was complemented by Elijah Daley, who traveled to the Coupe du Quebec in March to slice the 200m breaststroke record down to 2:23.59. As 2025 draws to a close, these performances serve as a powerful testament to the current depth and ambition within Bermudian swimming.
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