CHRISTOPHER Anderson Jr, coach of Short Course World Championship 100-metre breaststroke champion and world record holder Alia Atkinson, believes that Jamaica’s swimming programme is on the right course.

Anderson hinted at the prospect of more Alia Atkinsons, after viewing the talent of national squad members at a swim camp hosted by himself and Atkinson in collaboration with the Amateur Swimming Association of Jamaica (ASAJ).

The three-day camp, which ended yesterday, focused on assisting the swimmers with power and speed. They were extensively trained on the basic techniques of swimming to test their speed, strength and competitiveness.

“We have been doing a lot of athletic movements in the water, as well as some different speed drills and picking up tempo on most of their strokes,” Anderson told the Jamaica Observer after Saturday evening’s session at the National Aquatics Centre.

Anderson, who has been working with Atkinson for over 12 years, expressed delight at the prowess of the swimmers from various age-groups.

“We were trying to reinforce what they were already doing. There is a lot of talent as far as Jamaica’s swimming is concerned, especially in the national group and the developmental programme.

“I am pleased with what I have seen this year. I have been here many times, and this is one of the stronger groups I have seen in terms of being in shape and prepared for a camp like this and they are doing very well,” he beamed.

Meanwhile, national coach Gillian Millwood explained that the GraceKennedy Money Services (GKMS)-sponsored camp was a major thrust to the team’s preparations for a busy calendar year.

“We have been having a lot of fun; our camp late last year combined with this one has really set the pace for us coming into the new year. Spending some time with Alia and coach Chris helps us to be renewed and re-inspired for some awesome performances this year,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

She added: “The swimmers are excited; they are getting a lot more insight and encouragement from a world champion swimmer and her coach. It’s just this huge boost…in a country where they weren’t getting that much support [and] they are getting that pump now.

“I am really happy that this camp happened and I hope it keeps happening. I hope we can make this a staple on our schedule even when she (Alia) retires from swimming, to come back and continue this camp.”

Their first major assignment for the year will be the 29th staging of the Carifta Swimming Championships in Barbados. Prior to that, they will participate in a number of local development meets.

The Tornadoes Sprint Development meet scheduled to take place on Saturday will be the first on the calendar.