Since 1968, Jamaica has entered 12 swimmers in the Olympic Games. Alia Atkinson has been making waves in swimming for quite some time, even before her first Olympic appearance for Jamaica in 2004.
The second of two children for parents Tweedsmuir and Sharon Atkinson, Alia’s rise to the fore has been a long time coming. Some say the talent is genetic, something she’s hard-pressed to deny. “It’s on both sides of the family really, but dad has a few throwing records at different levels.”
Her dad, Tweedsmuir, a former Calabar High School student, held the record in both the Class One discus and shot put. Her uncle, Karl “Laddie” Smith, is a former 110 hurdles champion of Calabar High School – balancing the equation on the maternal side.
Her swimming journey began at age three just after she mastered terrestrial activities like walking and running.
“Mum thought it was necessary to learn to swim. After all, we live on an island.” Alia’s family is quite close-knit so there’s no surprise that she learned how to swim from her late brother Adi Atkinson, considered an accomplished local swimmer.
Alia is often reminded about her career start at age three, when during her first race, she stopped in the middle of the pool and began to cry: on many occasions this has served as a source of inspiration.
She competed for the local Tornadoes Swim Club; first made the CARIFTA team at age 11 and since that time making waves on the international scene has been a consistent feature of her presence at any meet.
At about age 10 the Atkinson family emigrated to the United States; Florida became Alia’s new home. Her passion
for swimming was not quenched despite the new environment. “It was a new experience and a new environment. I missed my friends especially those from school. However, I was also excited at the prospect of new opportunities.”
She began swimming with the Fort Lauderdale Swim team and stayed for three years. She then went on to swim for the Comet Swim team in Pembroke Pines where she met her coach, Chris Anderson. Atkinson developed quite a reputation for being focused, dedicated and humble. She would give her all once she dived into the pool, whether for competition or practice.
Her progress was considerable: Alia’s aquatic achievements at Flanagan High School in Florida resulted in the award of a full swimming scholarship from Texas A&M University. Her impressive physique is testament to the fact that she has learnt the value of discipline in training. “Nothing happens without dedication and hours of hard work. Swimming is highly competitive but we can all achieve greatness. Remaining focused and being willing to adjust errors is probably what gives the elite an edge,” she said.
In 2004 at age 15 Alia qualified and competed at the 2004 Olympics in Greece marking her first entry on the Olympic scene. She would follow that up four years later in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China where she finished 25th in the Women’s 200 breaststroke.
“Olympic qualification is a huge deal. It is the ultimate global stage on which to represent your country. It is a testament to the hard work paying off. While getting to the Olympics is in itself an achievement, it marks the continuation of a journey towards the goal of taking home a medal for the country you represent. Representing Jamaica is not a right, it’s a privilege. I take it very seriously and I absolutely love it.”
In between the 2004 and 2008 Olympiads she carried the flag for Jamaica at the opening ceremony of the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where she set the Jamaican Record in the 100 fly. Alia also participated in the 2006 Commonwealth Games as well as the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
While studying and swimming at Texas A&M her crowning moment came as she placed first in the 200 Breaststroke at the 2010 NCAA Championships. That victory meant a lot to her as it came just over a year after the sudden and tragic passing of her brother Adi with whom she was quite close.
“His passing was really a low point for me. The suddenness was what made it so difficult to deal with. He celebrated all my victories and never stopped being supportive…” It is a matter which is not easily handled, but she has been able to cope and to continue to shine in the full knowledge that he would want her to remain a fierce competitor.
Representing Jamaica is not a right, it’s a privilege I take it very seriously and I absolutely love it
Alia is pleased with her growth in the sport but knows there are greater heights to ascend. She compares her achievements from year to year as a part of her strategy of improvement. President of the Amateur Swimming Association of Jamaica Allan Marsh speaks highly of Atkinson. “Despite her numerous record-breaking achievements, Alia has always made time to give back and work with us. She constantly does clinics, workshops and seminars for local swimmers and others in the sport. She never sends a bill or asks for a stipend, she does it all for free.”
“She graciously agreed to be our patron at the 2013 CARIFTA Games held right here in Jamaica. This is a testament to her strength of character and her genuine love for the sport.”
Since graduating from Texas A&M in 2011 her competitive swimming has continued to improve. 2012 and 2013 were phenomenal years for Alia. She qualified for the London 2012 Olympics 100m women’s breast stroke finals after defeating Canadian rival Tera van Beilen in a head-to-head race for the final position. She subsequently placed 4th in the finals of the 2012 Olympics 100m women’s breast stroke finishing with a time of 1:06.93.
In 2013 Alia participated in the FINA World Cup which is an eight-stop tour of Asia and Europe with the world’s elite swimmers. She copped 9 gold medals in various disciplines including her personal favourite, the breaststroke.
Former National Swimming Technical Director Jackie Walter sings high praises for Alia. “She’s very caring. She always wants to help. She’s great with kids and she loves them so much. Don’t let that fool you though because despite her sweetness she is tough and quite determined.” “I see great things in her future I can see her in Rio for the 2016 Olympics. Once she can get continued funding then she will be very sharp for competition.”
Alia too is looking forward to representing Jamaica again on an Olympic stage. “I haven’t ruled it out at all and I would want to see more Jamaican swimmers in Rio. Swimming is getting national attention. I’m happy I could have been a part of the continued effort to direct well-needed funding to the sport. My appeal for support will continue.”
She’s seen as a star and an inspiration in the eyes of her teammates, coaches and fans of the sport. Alia has become more comfortable with her popularity, as humility has always been a trait. Alia Atkinson a true Jamaican sporting gem.
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Since 1968, Jamaica has entered 12 swimmers in the Olympic Games. Alia Atkinson has been making waves in swimming for quite some time, even before her first Olympic appearance for Jamaica in 2004.
The second of two children for parents Tweedsmuir and Sharon Atkinson, Alia’s rise to the fore has been a long time coming. Some say the talent is genetic, something she’s hard-pressed to deny. “It’s on both sides of the family really, but dad has a few throwing records at different levels.”
Her dad, Tweedsmuir, a former Calabar High School student, held the record in both the Class One discus and shot put. Her uncle, Karl “Laddie” Smith, is a former 110 hurdles champion of Calabar High School – balancing the equation on the maternal side.
Her swimming journey began at age three just after she mastered terrestrial activities like walking and running.
“Mum thought it was necessary to learn to swim. After all, we live on an island.” Alia’s family is quite close-knit so there’s no surprise that she learned how to swim from her late brother Adi Atkinson, considered an accomplished local swimmer.
Alia is often reminded about her career start at age three, when during her first race, she stopped in the middle of the pool and began to cry: on many occasions this has served as a source of inspiration.
She competed for the local Tornadoes Swim Club; first made the CARIFTA team at age 11 and since that time making waves on the international scene has been a consistent feature of her presence at any meet.
At about age 10 the Atkinson family emigrated to the United States; Florida became Alia’s new home. Her passion
for swimming was not quenched despite the new environment. “It was a new experience and a new environment. I missed my friends especially those from school. However, I was also excited at the prospect of new opportunities.”
She began swimming with the Fort Lauderdale Swim team and stayed for three years. She then went on to swim for the Comet Swim team in Pembroke Pines where she met her coach, Chris Anderson. Atkinson developed quite a reputation for being focused, dedicated and humble. She would give her all once she dived into the pool, whether for competition or practice.
Her progress was considerable: Alia’s aquatic achievements at Flanagan High School in Florida resulted in the award of a full swimming scholarship from Texas A&M University. Her impressive physique is testament to the fact that she has learnt the value of discipline in training. “Nothing happens without dedication and hours of hard work. Swimming is highly competitive but we can all achieve greatness. Remaining focused and being willing to adjust errors is probably what gives the elite an edge,” she said.
In 2004 at age 15 Alia qualified and competed at the 2004 Olympics in Greece marking her first entry on the Olympic scene. She would follow that up four years later in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China where she finished 25th in the Women’s 200 breaststroke.
“Olympic qualification is a huge deal. It is the ultimate global stage on which to represent your country. It is a testament to the hard work paying off. While getting to the Olympics is in itself an achievement, it marks the continuation of a journey towards the goal of taking home a medal for the country you represent. Representing Jamaica is not a right, it’s a privilege. I take it very seriously and I absolutely love it.”
In between the 2004 and 2008 Olympiads she carried the flag for Jamaica at the opening ceremony of the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where she set the Jamaican Record in the 100 fly. Alia also participated in the 2006 Commonwealth Games as well as the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
While studying and swimming at Texas A&M her crowning moment came as she placed first in the 200 Breaststroke at the 2010 NCAA Championships. That victory meant a lot to her as it came just over a year after the sudden and tragic passing of her brother Adi with whom she was quite close.
“His passing was really a low point for me. The suddenness was what made it so difficult to deal with. He celebrated all my victories and never stopped being supportive…” It is a matter which is not easily handled, but she has been able to cope and to continue to shine in the full knowledge that he would want her to remain a fierce competitor.
Representing Jamaica is not a right, it’s a privilege I take it very seriously and I absolutely love it
Alia is pleased with her growth in the sport but knows there are greater heights to ascend. She compares her achievements from year to year as a part of her strategy of improvement. President of the Amateur Swimming Association of Jamaica Allan Marsh speaks highly of Atkinson. “Despite her numerous record-breaking achievements, Alia has always made time to give back and work with us. She constantly does clinics, workshops and seminars for local swimmers and others in the sport. She never sends a bill or asks for a stipend, she does it all for free.”
“She graciously agreed to be our patron at the 2013 CARIFTA Games held right here in Jamaica. This is a testament to her strength of character and her genuine love for the sport.”
Since graduating from Texas A&M in 2011 her competitive swimming has continued to improve. 2012 and 2013 were phenomenal years for Alia. She qualified for the London 2012 Olympics 100m women’s breast stroke finals after defeating Canadian rival Tera van Beilen in a head-to-head race for the final position. She subsequently placed 4th in the finals of the 2012 Olympics 100m women’s breast stroke finishing with a time of 1:06.93.
In 2013 Alia participated in the FINA World Cup which is an eight-stop tour of Asia and Europe with the world’s elite swimmers. She copped 9 gold medals in various disciplines including her personal favourite, the breaststroke.
Former National Swimming Technical Director Jackie Walter sings high praises for Alia. “She’s very caring. She always wants to help. She’s great with kids and she loves them so much. Don’t let that fool you though because despite her sweetness she is tough and quite determined.” “I see great things in her future I can see her in Rio for the 2016 Olympics. Once she can get continued funding then she will be very sharp for competition.”
Alia too is looking forward to representing Jamaica again on an Olympic stage. “I haven’t ruled it out at all and I would want to see more Jamaican swimmers in Rio. Swimming is getting national attention. I’m happy I could have been a part of the continued effort to direct well-needed funding to the sport. My appeal for support will continue.”
She’s seen as a star and an inspiration in the eyes of her teammates, coaches and fans of the sport. Alia has become more comfortable with her popularity, as humility has always been a trait. Alia Atkinson a true Jamaican sporting gem.
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