PARIS, France — Swimmer Josh Kirlew made no attempt to hide a beaming smile of satisfaction after rewriting history books at La Defence Arena in the western part of the French capital when he became the first Jamaican in 40 years to compete in the 100m butterfly heats.

Kirlew knew his chances of making the evening’s semi-finals were almost zero as his career-best of 54.24 seconds was over four seconds off what the fastest exponents of the discipline would achieve. But his pride in representing his chosen nation and that of his Jamaican-born mother Yasmyn was there for all to see as he emerged from the pool.

Not since Los Angeles in 1984 when both Allan Roy Marsh and Deryck Marks competed — 26 years before the north London-based athlete was born — has a Jamaican swimmer featured in the two-length butterfly discipline at an Olympics.

Kirlew, the law graduate who switched national allegiances last year, finished fifth out of eight in his heat in a time of 54.66.

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

“I’m so glad I’m here, and there’s many more to come. If I didn’t do it [improve his personal best] today then maybe next time?

He added: “My mother is here with my brothers and sister, and one of my brothers’ fiance as well.

“Regardless of how I did, the result is the same: I’m going to get back in the pool and train twice as hard.

“I achieved everything I set out to do [during the race] — the stroke count and the breathing pattern, the turn. I did everything I could, and that’s all I can ask of myself.

An overhead view shows Jamaica’s Josh Kirlew competing in a heat of the men’s 100m butterfly swimming event during the Olympic Games at the Paris La Defense Arena in Nanterre, France, on Friday.

“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.

“I’m going back to law school and hopefully be under a university swim programme which will work hand in hand with my [normal] training.

On his maiden Olympics, Kirlew, who was awarded the privilege of sharing in the carrying of the Jamaican flag alongside Commonwealth Games champion and double World Championships triple jump silver medallist Shanieka Ricketts at the opening ceremony, described the feeling as “surreal”.

“It’s been surreal sharing and living in a communal space with the best of the best, and ultimately I hope to be there at the very top with them.

“Being here on it’s own is an achievement but being given the honour and duty of being the flag-bearer — wow! I was on cloud nine when I found out.

“I was honoured and humble to be given such a great responsibility on my Olympic debut,” he said.

Louisiana State University student Sabrina Lyn, 20, was due to continue the Jamaican presence at the huge Arena on Saturday in the heats of the 50-metre freestyle.

Both swimmers were able to compete on the Olympic stage by a ‘universality’ clause which enables under-represented countries to enter one male and one female competitor in certain disciplines in order to increase the diversity of the Olympic Games.