History was rewritten Friday at La Defense Arena in western Paris when swimmer Josh Kirlew became the first Jamaican in 40 years to feature in the men’s Olympic 100m butterfly.

The 24 year-old London-based athlete emerged from the pool without his hoped new personal best, but with a beaming smile on his face after finishing fifth in an opening heat of five, designed for athletes eligible through the ‘Universality’ system, where emerging nations are allowed one male and one female representative, irrespective of the stringent qualifying times.

Kirlew, who joined Shanieka Rickets in carrying the Jamaican flag at the Opening Ceremony, admitted to not making the best start but maintained his position strongly throughout to finish fifth out of eight in 54.66 seconds – 1.34 behind inspired Croatian winner Nikola Miljenic, who smashed his best ever time by well over a second.

Not since the Los Angeles Games in 1984 – 26 years before Kirlew was born – has Jamaica competed in the two-length Butterfly discipline at this level and the law graduate, who switched allegiances last year through his Jamaican-born mother Yasmyn, was elated.

“It was sensational and such an honour to compete for the country at this level.

“I’m so glad I’m here and there’s many more to come – if I didn’t do it (break his pb of 54.24) today, then maybe next time.

“I’d like to thank this great nation for giving me this opportunity as, if it wasn’t for Jamaica I wouldn’t be here today and hopefully I can pay back what I owe by inspiring another generation into the next Olympics.”