KINGSTON, Jamaica – World 100-metre breaststroke champion, Alia Atkinson, has been hailed as a true inspiration for young people and sport professionals by Minister with responsibility for Sport Natalie Neita Headley.

“You have inspired our young people to achieve greatness, not only in swimming, but in every sphere of life. Your great humility, your determination and fight are all the hallmarks of a descendant of Nanny, our National Heroine,” the minister said at a welcome home reception for the athlete today (January 9), at the Norman Manley International Airport, in Kingston.

“We are proud of you, and we know that the swimming fraternity, the entire sport sector, and all our young people, children and citizens of Jamaica, will benefit from your contribution to strengthening Brand Jamaica,” said Neita Headley.

In December 2014, Atkinson, who started swimming at age four, won gold equalling the world record in the World Championship Short Course 100-metre breaststroke in Doha, Qatar. In winning, she became the first black woman to win a world swimming title.

Last year the Government pumped over $30 million to upgrade the swimming pool at the National Stadium, in Kingston, which Neita Headley highlighted as one “example of our commitment to investing in this sport, despite the fiscal constraints.”

“There is tremendous swimming talent in our cupboards waiting,” the minister said.

Atkinson told the gathering Friday that the sponsorship given to her last year by GraceKennedy Money Services (GKMS), and support from the people helped to boost her confidence. “That sponsorship gave me the confidence to break the barriers,” she said.

“The Jamaican people, my sponsors that actually believe in me, it is humbling, and drives me to continue. The world record is just the beginning,” Atkinson added.

GKMS renewed the sponsorship of Atkinson at the reception, and its Chief Executive Officer, Michelle Allen, said that it was more than what was agreed to last year.

“This is something we believe we can take to other generations, to inspire them as to how you do it. She started at a very early age, and we think it is encouraging to have other persons and other athletes to understand that they can be inspired and be successful too,” said Allen.