Born on April 26, 2004, Sabrina Lyn is a phenomenal swimming talent in Jamaica who has displayed exceptional skill and dedication from a young age.

She currently holds the title of the fastest athlete in the Caribbean in the 50m freestyle event.

Her journey in swimming began with the Tornadoes Swim Club under the guidance of coach Wendy Lee, leading to numerous accolades, including breaking national and Caribbean records and representing Jamaica on the international stage.

Sabrina will compete for Jamaica in the women’s 50m freestyle at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a personal best of 25.83 seconds.

Our Today sat down with Sabrina to learn even more about the athlete. Here’s what she had to say

Early Beginnings and Love for Swimming

Sabrina’s introduction to swimming was a family affair. She first got into swimming when she was around 4 years old.

Her mother, Coleen Lyn, organised a learn-to-swim programme at Sabrina’s grandmother’s pool with a few of her friends, and it was an upward ride from there.

This early exposure ignited a passion that would see her rise to the top of her sport.

Academic Pursuits

A former Campion College student, Sabrina currently attends Louisiana State University (LSU) in the United States.

Balancing her academic commitments with her intense training regimen showcases her exceptional time management skills and dedication to both her education and athletic career.

Intense Training Regimen

Preparing for the Olympics requires an unwavering commitment and rigorous training schedule. Sabrina trains ten times a week, with double sessions on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and single sessions on Wednesday and Saturday.

Additionally, she includes weight training every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday before her evening sessions. This demanding routine highlights her dedication and drive to excel.

Strong Support System

Behind every great athlete is a robust support system, and Sabrina is no exception. She credits her success to her family and coaches.

“My mom, my dad, my sister, and both sets of grandparents have always been in my corner,” she says.

Sabrina also acknowledges the significant impact of her coaches, including Wendy Lee from Tornadoes Swim Club, coach Teddy from Immaculate, coach Gillian Millwood of Campion, coach Peter Verhoef of Bolles, and the LSU coaching team of Rick Bishop and Leah Stancil.

Memorable Moments in Her Career

One of Sabrina’s most memorable moments in her swimming career occurred at her first CARIFTA Games in 2017.

“I barely scraped through to make finals. In the finals that evening, I was in lane 8 in the 100m fly 11–12 girls, and as I dove into the pool, my goggles fell off. Not a great start for my first time, but as I touched the wall, expecting to come dead last because I couldn’t see anything, I had actually come first,” she recounted.

This experience marked a turning point for Sabrina, solidifying her commitment to the sport.

Sabrina Lyn’s journey from a backyard pool in Jamaica to the international stage of the Olympics is a testament to her talent, hard work, and the unwavering support of her family and coaches.

As she prepares to represent Jamaica in the 50m freestyle at the 2024 Paris Olympics, her story serves as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere.