 Stephen Fahy IslandStats.com
Following the publication of the 2025 long course benchmarks, a closer look at the Bermuda Amateur Swimming Association archives reveals that some of the most enduring records now stretch back nearly four decades.
The longest-standing female record in the books belongs to Olympian Jennifer Smatt, whose dominance in the Breaststroke has spanned generations. Her 11-12 girls 100m Breaststroke time of 1:18.00, set in July 1987 in Puerto Rico, has remained the gold standard for over 38 years.
Smatt also holds several other resilient marks, including her 17-18 age group breaststroke records set during the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona and Individual Medley times dating back to 1990.
On the men’s side, the longest-standing record belongs to Olympian Stephen Fahy in the Open category. His 200m Individual Medley time of 2:07.25, established during the 13th Pan American Games in Winnipeg, Canada, has stood unchallenged since August 1st, 1999. This 26-year-old benchmark remains a formidable barrier for the island's current crop of elite male swimmers.
Other notable veterans of the record books include Anastasia Lau, whose 17-18 Girls 50m Breaststroke mark has stood since 2004, and Rebecca Sharpe, who has held the 15-16 Girls 200m Backstroke record since 2008. The legendary 2009 season also remains a prolific era for enduring times, featuring world-class performances from Olympians Julian Fletcher in the 17-18 Breaststroke and Kiera Aitken in the Open Freestyle and Backstroke categories.
Sprint king Olympian Roy-Allan Burch continues to hold the Men’s Open 50m Freestyle record with his 22.47-second dash from the 2012 London Olympics. Meanwhile, Mitchell Gariépy's 50m Breaststroke time remains the 9-10 Boys standard 15 years after it was set in Florida. These historic marks continue to serve as the ultimate benchmarks for Bermuda's emerging talent as they look to etch their own names into the annals of the sport.
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