Channel NewsAsia - 51 minutes
ago
PERTH, Australia: Brent Barnes, representing Singapore and the
Aquatic Performance Swim Club at the XII Fina World Masters held at
Challenge Stadium in Perth, Australia, set a new world record in
the 50—metre freestyle for men aged 50—54, when he hit the wall in
24.47 seconds.
The previous record of 24.60 seconds set in 1998 by American
Richard Abrahams had been one of the longest standing records in
Masters swimming.
When asked why an American would want to swim for Singapore and
not his home country, Barnes said after the race: "Ang Peng Siong.
He is not only a good friend but also a great swimming ambassador
by letting me train at his pool (Farrer Park Pool) while in
Singapore on business."
Barnes has just relocated his business to Singapore.
When contacted on Monday, Singapore swim legend Ang, 45, said:
"I’ve known Brent for four or five years, and he’s always very
positive and energetic, and always gets the attention of the ladies
because he is well—built for his age.
"He is an inspiration to people like myself to want to keep
striving to do better. I hope to break his record one day." —
TODAY