Carifta gold medalist Jessica Stephenson set a new record at the Barbados Aquatic Centre on Sunday when she won the 100m breaststroke whilst competing in the Barbados Invitational swim meet.

According to the information reaching this newspaper, Stephenson had just completed six weeks of intensive physiotherapy for a shoulder injury before taking a record breaking first dip back last weekend. The Trinidadian-based Guyanese had  was representing her Trinidad club -Marlins Swim Club – at the FINA-sanctioned meet where her club placed second overall.

Apart from her record breaking first place finish, Stephenson claimed another record in the 50m race but was outshone by Barbadian winner Deandre Small who edged her by .07s at the finish according to the swimmer’s mother.

Stephenson also managed to bronze medals in the girls’ Open 200m breaststroke – where she was the first in her age group (11-12) to finish – and  in the 200m individual medley.   Apart from those four medals, the swimmer recorded her personal best time in the 200m and 400m freestyles.

Jessica’s mother told Stabroek Sport via email that her daughter said that she was happy to get back into the water and that she was pleased with the response of her shoulder to the injury which she said appeared to be fully healed.