PARIS, France — Josh Kirlew is feeling good about himself and is determined to have fun while attempting to set a new personal best in the men’s 100m butterfly at the Paris Olympic Games.
The Jamaican swimmer, who trains in the United Kingdom and holds a personal best of 54.24 seconds, will compete at the Paris La Defense Arena on Friday at 11:00 am (5:00 am EST).
Kirlew earned his spot at the Olympics through the universality clause as the fastest men’s swimmer from Jamaica. He is aiming to break the national record of 52.31 seconds set by Justin Plaschka at the 2016 World Championships in Windsor, Canada. The world record for the event stands at 49.45 seconds, set by American Caeleb Dressel at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
Lane six in the first heat
Drawn in lane six in the first heat, Kirlew acknowledges the tough competition but is prepared to give his best effort. “I am feeling good, because as long as I just stick to my process goals and just [swim] as hard as I can, then I know that I am going to do well in the competition,” said the 24-year-old, making his Olympic debut.
“I am just going to go there and have fun, because the goal was just getting here in the first place, and so everything beyond that is a bonus. I am just going to get in there and do what I always do. I would love to get a PB and also a national record, and this will be a massive accomplishment for me at the Olympic Games.”
Joining Kirlew in aquatics are female swimmer Sabrina Lyn and diver Yona-Knight Wisdom.
His preparation
Reflecting on his preparation, Kirlew highlighted the hard work he has put into preparing for the Games. “I have done a lot of speed work in my preparation for this Olympic Games because I have to make my first 50 meters seamless, and so when I am coming back, I can give it everything I’ve got. I am not focusing on the competition; I am going to focus on my own race and enjoy it. I am going to make sure that my mental game is there, and then everything will fall into place,” he stated confidently.
National head coach Wendy Lee emphasized that Kirlew and Lyn are not just looking to participate but to gain valuable experience. “No one is going into this competition saying, ‘I have made it. This is my last opportunity.’ All of them are going in with ‘This is my first opportunity. I am going to gather all the information I can. I am going to get all the experience I can,'” Lee said.
With a relaxed and positive mindset, Josh Kirlew is ready to embrace his Olympic experience, aiming to leave a mark with a record-setting performance while enjoying the process.
