Atkinson qualifies for 50m breaststroke final at FINA World Champs

RJRGLEANER Sportswoman of the Year nominee Alia Atkinson, celebrated her 30th birthday by securing her spot into the 50-metre breaststroke final on Tuesday's opening day of the 14th FINA World Short Course Swimming Championships underway in Hangzhou, China.

Atkinson, the Caribbean's standard bearer, clocked a quick 29.54 seconds to advance to the final as the fastest seed. 
The four-time Olympian was qualifying for her fifth straight 50m breaststroke final at the World Championships. She will be aiming to win her first world title after taking silver on three previous ocassions.