SABRINA Lyn, at just 20 years old, is poised to make waves for Jamaica at the 2024 Paris Olympics. As the sole Jamaican female to represent her country in swimming at this year’s Games, Lyn’s journey is a testament to dedication, hard work, and the unyielding support of her family and coaches. With the best time in the Caribbean for the 50m freestyle, she is not only setting records, but also inspiring a new generation of swimmers.

Lyn’s love affair with swimming began at the tender age of four.

“My mom organised a learn-to-swim programme at my grandma’s pool with a few of her friends, and it’s just been an upward ride from there,” she recalls.

This early introduction laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable journey in the world of competitive swimming.

From swim club to the Olympics

Lyn’s training started in Jamaica with Tornadoes Swim Club while she pursued her primary and secondary level education at Immaculate Prep and Campion College, respectively. Her journey then took her to The Bolles High School in Jacksonville, Florida, a renowned institution for young swimmers. She is currently in her sophomore year at Louisiana State University (LSU) where she began her prep for the Olympics.

Preparing for the Games is no small feat. Lyn has 10 training sessions per week, with double sessions on most days and single sessions on others. In addition, she incorporates weight training into her routine three times a week. This rigorous schedule is a testament to her commitment and determination to excel on the world stage.

Behind every successful athlete is a strong support system. For Lyn, her family has been her rock.

“My mom, dad, sister, and both sets of grandparents have always been in my corner,” she shares. Alongside her family, her coaches — Wendy Lee from Tornadoes Swim Club, Coach Teddy from Immaculate, Gillian Millwood from Campion, Peter Verhoef from Bolles, and her current LSU coaches Rick and Leah — have played pivotal roles in her development and success. She also acknowledges the inspiration she draws from Alia Atkinson, fellow Jamaican swimmer and Olympic athlete.

“Alia Atkinson has inspired me to try to reach the highest levels I can in swimming,” she says, highlighting the impact of having a role model who has paved the way for future generations.

Representing Jamaica

Representing Jamaica at the Olympics has always been an aspiration for Lyn.

“It is a dream come true. I’ve wanted to go since I was a child. Joining these women is genuinely such an honour,” she says.

While she is not the second female swimmer from Jamaica to compete in the Olympics, following in the footsteps of pioneers like Janelle Atkinson and Angela Chuck is a source of immense pride for her. Lyn has clear goals for the Olympics: to break the national record of 25.49 seconds in the 50m freestyle. “I’ll have to drop more than 0.4 seconds from my current time now,” she notes, demonstrating her focus and ambition.

Balancing life and athletics

Balancing life as an athlete with other aspects such as education and social life can be challenging. Lyn admits she’s not always perfect at time management, but she prioritises her education and makes time for social activities. Maintaining motivation and focus is critical for athletes, especially when training becomes tough. She finds balance by enjoying activities outside of swimming, such as listening to music and spending time with friends. She also enjoys reading, watching anime, cooking, baking, and has begun trying her hand at crocheting. These hobbies provide a much-needed respite from her demanding training schedule and allow her to unwind and relax.

To young, aspiring swimmers, Lyn’s message is simple: “Enjoy the sport. Besides all the health benefits and how strong it gets you, swimming is a fun sport and you make so many friends along the way. Don’t let pressure and expectation take that experience away from you!”

One of Lyn’s most memorable moments in her swimming career happened at her first CARIFTA Games in 2017. Despite a challenging start, with her goggles falling off as she dove into the pool, she finished first in the 100m fly for 11-12 girls. This victory marked a turning point in her swimming journey, pushing her to take the sport more seriously.

Future aspirations

Beyond the 2024 Paris Olympics, Lyn plans to continue her training for collegiate-level competitions and aims to make it to a conference final at the SEC Championships. She also has her sights set on representing Jamaica at the Junior Pan American Games in 2025. As she prepares to make her mark at the Olympics, her story serves as an inspiration to many. Her dedication, resilience, and the unwavering support of her family and coaches highlight the incredible journey of a young athlete determined to achieve her dreams.

Sabrina Lyn will represent Jamaica in the 50m freestyle event at the 2024 Paris Olympics.