ORLANDO, United States — Special Olympics Jamaica coaches Alecia Newman Walsh and Marissa Hayman are happy with the showing of their two swimmers at the USA Games.

Kadian Ingleton captured gold and bronze medals while Kyle Chin, though not winning a medal, put in spirited performances throughout.

The experienced Ingleton topped the 500-yard freestyle in her division at the Rosen Aquatic Center on Monday to claim Jamaica’s first medal at the 2022 Games. Two days later she braved the murky waters of Lucky’s Lake to win bronze in the open water (1000m) event.

Chin was fourth in his division of the 50-yard breaststroke final on Tuesday, and was again one place outside of a medal in the 25-yard backstroke a day later. On Thursday he was eighth in the 50-yard freestyle.

“The athletes swam their hearts out, performed well, and made us and themselves proud,” Newman Walsh told the Jamaica Observer.

“Coach Marissa and I are elated that both athletes remain injury-free, were not disqualified, and most importantly, gave their all.

“Kadian remains overjoyed and is still basking in the glory of medaling in both events.

“This was Kyle’s first international event in Special Olympics, and to be placed in such advanced divisions and still rank fourth in two of his three events is no small feat. He remained composed and driven throughout the Games. On Thursday, for the first time he told us he was tired after placing eighth in his 50-yard freestyle,” she said.

Newman Walsh added: “There is much to be done for both athletes to excel and improve their times, so the work continues. And, we may even be venturing into new territory with paddle boarding and triathlon programmes. With more sponsors on board, Team Jamaica will continue to soar.”

In his last chance at a medal, Chin timed 42.67 seconds in Division M05 of the 50-yard freestyle on Thursday to better his effort from the preliminary race. But he was way off the winner Shawn Richards of New Jersey (39.13), second-placed Shiv Patel of New Mexico (39.57) and third-placed Brent Moretz of North Carolina (39.58).

Hayman, who oversaw Chin’s assignments at the Rosen Center, noted the progress he made during the competition.

“His race was super competitive — all the athletes competing with him had previous times of sub-41 while his preliminary time was 42.89, so we knew it was going to be a tight race,” she told the Observer.

“I can’t express how proud I am of Kyle’s overall performance because he really showed up, despite the tight competition.

“He remains in good spirits… and we have no doubt that Kyle will come out on top in future games,” Hayman said.

The Jamaicans, who also competed in bocce and athletics at the USA Games, claimed 12 medals overall.