Bovell joins Carter’s camp ahead of Paris Olympics

T&T swimmer Dylan Carter has boosted his chances of winning in both the 100 and 50 metres freestyle events at the Olympic Games in Paris, France  with the addition of former Olympic bronze medal winner and five-time Olympian George Bovell III to his coaching staff.

The Paris Olympics takes place from July 26 to Aug. 11 with the opening ceremony set to take place on The Seine River.

Carter ended a two-week training camp at the Gloria Sports Arena in Antalya, Turkey, under the supervision of coach Dexter Browne, and arrived in Antibes, France, where he was joined by 40 year old, Bovell III.

According to Browne, Bovell III has come on board to strengthen “Team Carter” and help with the final preparation before Carter enters the Olympic Games Village in Paris.

The 2024 Olympic Village is spread across three towns, Saint-Denis, Saint-Ouen, and l’IleSaint-Denis in the northern part of Paris.

Browne added, “I expect George (Bovell) to offer a psychological boost to Team Carter as Dylan (Carter) continues to hold him in high regard both as a friend and former Olympic medal winner and overall, a champion athlete.”

The coach of the T&T swimming contingent of the 17-member Olympic team said he was also looking forward to having all the members of Team Carter together, which includes Tracy Montrichard-Carter, his mother, and the young and extremely talented USA-based Zuri Ferguson, the niece of former Olympian and coach Paul Newallo, who will compete in the women’s 100m backstroke.

Ferguson, who recently represented T&T at the Central American and Caribbean Swimming Federation (CCCAN) Championships in Monterrey, Mexico was nominated by FINA World Aquatics to be the representative for swimming, and qualified under the Universality Clause.

While this will be the first Olympic Games for Ferguson, the Paris Olympics will be the third Olympic Games for the 28-year old Carter.

The swimming segment of the Paris Olympics will take place at the Paris La Defense Arena from July 27 to August 4 where Carter will first compete in the men’s 100m freestyle and then the 50 freestyle.

Carter’s first event in Paris, the 100m freestyle heats is set for July 30 and the semifinals on the same day, followed by the final, a day later.

The men’s 50m freestyle will splash off on Aug. 1 with the semifinals on the same day, and the gold medal swim on Aug. 2.