Although Malta still has some way to go if it is going to win any medals in an international swimming meet, the fact that 27 national records were broken in the International Short Course Swimming Championships which were held in Dubai between the 12th and 19th December is surely cause for celebration.

This was the main gist of a lengthy address made by incoming ASA President Joe Caruana Curran during a press conference held at the National Pool yesterday.

The ASA National Swimming Team was made up of Andrea Agius, Neil Agius, Edward Caruana Dingli, Andrew Chetcuti, Daniel Galea, Mark Sammut and Davina Mangion, Nicola Muscat, Melinda Sue Micallef and Talisa Pace.

The team was led by Mark Galea, ASA Vice-President and Chairman ASA Swimming Board, Chris Agius, Secretary ASA Swimming Board, Andy Colbourn ASA National Coach and Maria Mifsud Bonnici, ASA Physiologist and Nutritionist.

The media were addressed by President Caruana Curran, vice President in charge of swimming Mark Galea and the National Team swimming coach Andy Colbourn. It was heartening to note that practically all the swimmers attended the press conference apart from three who are still abroad on international commitments

During his speech, Caruana Curran dealt with individual performances describing them as above expectations adding that the staggering number of 27 national records which were broken as exceptional.

The results achieved were as follows with the new timings next to the event details:

Andrea Agius: 50m breast 29.75; 100 breast 1.03.38; 200m breast 2.20.93; 100 IM 59.38

Neil Agius: 200m fly 2.10.39

Edward Caruana Dingli: 200m free 1.54.32

Andrew Chetcuti: 50m free 23.14; 100m free 50.86; 50m fly 24.99; 100m fly 56.98

Mark Sammut: 50m back 28.01; 100m back 58.86, 200m back 2.07.60

Relay Boys: 4x200m free: Neil Agius, Edward Caruana Dingli, Andrea Agius and Mark Sammut in time of 7.48.63