Shafiqua sets new 800m national record in Paris Olympics debut

Shafiqua Maloney made her Olympic debut today, August 2, running in Heat 5 of the 800 m.

She placed third in her heat running a time of 1:58.23 and set a new national record for St Vincent and the Grenadines.

She now advances to the semi final round which will take place on Sunday August 4th at 2:35 PM.

Alexander Joachim competed in the Men’s 50m Freestyle today and swam a time of 23.59. which is a new national record and a personal best.

On Saturday, August 3, it will be the turn of Kennice Greene. The 17- year-old Greene swims in 50m Women’s Freestyle . Greene is listed in lane four of Heat Five. That heat is scheduled for 5:09am AST, 11:09 am in France.

And, on August 7, Handal Roban, 21, is named in Round One of the Men’s 800m. Roban’s event is carded for 5:55 am AST, 11:55 am, in France.

Joachim, Greene and Roban, received universality places to the Olympics, whilst Maloney gained qualification for both the 400 and 800m, having attained the minimum entry standard. Maloney though opted for the 800m.

Leading up to the July 26 to August 11, Paris Olympics, Maloney became the first Vincentian athlete to qualify for the Summer Olympics.