Elite Swimmers Rewrite Long Course Record Books in 2025
IslandStats.com
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.
Monday, December 29, 2025
Swimmers Rewrite the 2025 Short Course Record Books
Marleigh Howes
IslandStats.com
As the curtain falls on 2025, the Bermuda Amateur Swimming Association can reflect on a year defined by extraordinary progression and a relentless assault on the short course record books. From the university pools of Canada to the familiar waters of the BASA Winter Age Group Championships, the island's elite talent has consistently raised the bar, signaling a bright future for the sport in the Atlantic.
The season reached a crescendo in late November as Connor Hupman emerged as a dominant force in the 15-16 Male Age Group Division. During a blistering session at the Winter Age Group Championships on November 28th, Hupman claimed two records in a single day. He showcased his explosive speed in the 50m Backstroke, touching the wall in 26.82 seconds, before returning to the pool to deliver a clinical 57.93 in the 100m event. His performances served as a cornerstone for a weekend that saw local fans witness some of the fastest domestic swimming in recent memory.
In the senior ranks, Jack Harvey continued to cement his status as a premier Backstroke specialist. Competing in the Male Open Division, Harvey turned heads at the Winter Age Group Championships by slicing through the water to clock a 24.57 in the 50m Backstroke. It was a performance of pure power that solidified his place at the top of the island's rankings. Not far away in Ontario, Canada, Elijah Daley was making waves of his own. Competing at the Merrily Stratten Divisional on November 23rd, Daley produced a masterclass in versatility to set a new Open record in the 200m individual medley with a time of 2:00.87.
The Women’s Divisions proved equally competitive throughout the calendar year. Isabella Jones set the tone early in the spring, traveling to the Repton Easter Meet in March to challenge the 200m breaststroke record. Her disciplined swim of 2:48.41 stood as a testament to her endurance and technical growth in the 15-16 Age Category. As the year progressed, Jorgia White provided one of the most significant highlights by shattering the 1500m freestyle record. Her time of 18:35.90 at the end of November was not only a personal triumph but also established a new Resident Record, underscoring her status as a distance powerhouse.
The Howes family name also featured prominently in the 2025 archives. Bella Howes enjoyed a fruitful campaign during the Ontario University Championships in February, where she displayed remarkable consistency over the Freestyle distances. She claimed the 100m record in 57.23 seconds and the 200m record in 2:04.53, proving her ability to perform on the collegiate stage. Adding to the family's success, Marleigh Howes closed out the year with a gritty performance in the 200m Butterfly during the November championships, stopping the clock at 2:26.89 to ensure 2025 will be remembered as a landmark year for Bermudian swimming.
Friday, December 26, 2025
Daley Helps Toronto Power Past McGill in Dual Meet
IslandStats.com
The pool deck at the University of Toronto was electric recently as the Varsity Blues men’s swimming and diving team delivered a clinical performance, securing a decisive 80.2–62 victory over the visiting McGill Redbirds.
While the win was a collective effort, it was the explosive performance of freshman standout Elijah Daley that had the crowd—buzzing by the final horn.
Daley proved to be a versatile weapon for Toronto, making his presence felt early in the relay events. Swimming the high-stakes third leg of the Men’s 200 SC Meter Freestyle Relay, Daley helped propel the Toronto "A" squad to a podium finish with a time of 1:34.34. His split was a catalyst for the team, maintaining the momentum needed to secure critical points in the overall dual meet standings.
However, it was in the individual Butterfly events where Daley truly shifted into another gear.
In the Men’s 50 SC Meter Butterfly, he clocked a blistering 24.93 to take second place, showcasing a raw, underwater power that has quickly become his trademark. He followed that up with a massive performance in the 100 SC Meter Individual Medley, touching the wall at 57.02 to claim another runner-up spot and prove he can compete with the best in the country across multiple disciplines.
The highlight of the entire meet, however, came during the Men’s 200 SC Meter Butterfly. In a display of sheer endurance and technical mastery, Daley didn't just compete—he and the winner made history. Touching the wall at 2:00.82, Daley etched his name into the archives by swimming faster than the previous U Sports record. The feat is a testament to the freshman’s rapid ascent within the collegiate ranks and signals a bright future for the Varsity Blues program as they look toward the championship season.
With the victory over a powerhouse like McGill, Toronto sends a clear message to the rest of the conference. Behind the leadership of their veteran core and the record-breaking spark of athletes like Elijah Daley, the Blues are no longer just contenders—they are the team to beat.
Sunday, December 21, 2025
Moore Finds Balance and Form at BASA LC Qualifier
IslandStats.com
Bermudian Youth Olympian Madelyn Moore made a successful return to the pool this weekend, claiming a commanding victory in the Women’s 15 & Over 50m Backstroke at the BASA Long Course Qualification Meet.
Moore touched the wall in 30.52 at the National Sports Centre, marking her first long-course competition since April. The 25-year-old expressed her delight at being back in competitive action, noting that the meet served as a vital gauging point for her current fitness levels.
The victory comes at a time of significant transition for the standout sprinter. Having recently returned home to Bermuda to rediscover her love for the sport, Moore is now balancing intensive training with her job on the Bermuda Police Service.
"I'm really enjoying it," Moore said of her return to training. "It's definitely a trial-and-error situation at the minute, especially now doing shift work, but I'm looking forward to seeing where this is going to take me in the new year".
Under the guidance of her new coach, Moore has been focusing on technical refinements and "little details" that she previously felt were missing from her repertoire. The progress was evident at the National Sports Centre, where she comfortably held off a competitive field, including Violet Smith, who secured second place with a personal best of 33.15.
Moore’s primary focus remains on the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the CAC Games. Her performance this weekend underscores her status as one of Bermuda’s most resilient and talented aquatic athletes.
Saturday, December 20, 2025
Moore & Benevides lead the way in BASA LC Qualifier
Madelyn Moore
IslandStats.com
The Bermuda Amateur Swimming Association (BASA) Long Course Qualification Meet saw the island’s elite and emerging talent descend on the National Sports Centre pool, with established stars and rising youth prospects delivering a series of sharp early-season times.
In the Women’s 15 & Over 50m Backstroke, Bermuda’s standout Youth Olympian Madelyn Moore demonstrated her class with a commanding victory. Moore touched the wall in 30.52 to secure the top spot, finishing ahead of Violet Smith. Smith, who has been in impressive form this year, recorded a new personal best of 33.15 to claim second, highlighting her continued progression in the senior ranks.
The youth divisions also provided plenty of excitement, particularly in the Girls 13-14 50m Butterfly. Zara Bule edged out a close contest to finish first in 40.59, just holding off Riana Robinson, who finished a narrow second in 41.10.
The Men’s 15 & Over category saw Joseph Moniz and Pharoah Benevides trade honors across the freestyle and butterfly disciplines. Moniz claimed a hard-fought victory in the 200m Freestyle, clocking 2:23.00 to narrowly beat out Jasper Lau, who finished just a second behind in 2:24.00.
However, the tables turned in the 50m Butterfly, where Pharoah Benevides showcased his sprinting power. Benevides took a clear victory with a time of 28.39, with Joseph Moniz taking second in 31.56 and Jasper Lau completing the podium in 33.24.
The meet serves as a vital gauging point for the swimmers as they look toward the 2026 international calendar, with the National Sports Centre once again providing the perfect stage for the island's aquatic talent.
