By Ronald Shillingford

Brett Fraser is elated that he has set a new Cayman Islands national record in the 200 metres freestyle at the London Olympics and elevated himself to 14^th best in the world in the process.

Fraser, 22, swam brilliantly to set the mark of 1 minute 47.01 seconds in the 200m free semi-final on Sunday.  His brother Shaune, 24, also did well to come 20^th overall in the same event.

“It gives me a great deal of pleasure setting a new record for Cayman in the 200m freestyle,” Brett said.  “It’s always good to know that you’re progressing more and more each year.  That was great.”

The Frasers were looking forward to their 100m heat on Tuesday. Brett also goes in the 50m freestyle this week and Shaune in the 100m butterfly.

“I was really tapering for the 100m free so I’m pretty excited and if it’s anything like the 200m was I’ll be pretty happy with that,” Brett said.

“I have the 50m on Thursday which should be pretty good as well but the main events I was focusing on were the 100m and 200m.

“In training for my other races I’m just taking it easy in the pool, keeping it long and smooth and putting the right nutrition into my body and getting rest.”

Brett added: “The overall standard of the swimming at the Games is just as smooth as in Beijing.  Things ran a bit more smoothly in Beijing but things are just as good here, everything is top notch and pretty overwhelming and they are doing a good job.”

The Frasers have seen Ryan Lochte, their friend and training partner in Florida, become the new king of the pool, usurping the legendary Michael Phelps in the process.

Brett expected the handover of supremacy.  “I’m not surprised that Lochte is doing well.  I’d be more surprised if he wasn’t because he’s trained hard and prepared for this for a very long time.”

Ron Shillingford is the Cayman Islands Olympic Committee pool journalist who will be covering the London games for all local media.