There is a specific kind of magic that happens when an athlete steps off the starting blocks, but on November 3rd 2026, in Dakar, that magic turned into history. We are sitting down with Kristin Gresham, a powerhouse swimmer representing Grenada, and her coach, Justin Steele, to talk about a day that will be remembered in the annals of Grenadian sports. Kristin didn’t just compete; she shattered expectations and etched her name into the record books.
In a sport where every millisecond counts, Kristin managed to shave nearly two seconds off her previous best, setting a brand-new national record in the 100m backstroke. But the record is only half the story. The real narrative lies in the grit, the 20-minute turnarounds, and the mental fortitude required to compete at an international level under the sweltering heat of the African sun.
Breaking the National Record: A Surprise Milestone
For many athletes, a national record is a goal taped to their bedroom wall for years. For Kristin, it was a discovery that came after the work was done. Going into the 100m backstroke, her focus wasn’t on the history books; it was on the water. Her previous record stood at 1:11.40, a respectable time by any standard. However, when she touched the wall, the clock read 1:09.63.
“I didn’t realise I had the record until after I finished my warm-down,” Kristin shared. “My coach didn’t tell me right away. I just wanted to try and repeat my previous best.”
Coach Justin Steele, however, knew the potential was there. Despite Kristin dealing with a nagging injury during her preparation, her form in the backstroke leading up to the meet was undeniable. “We expected an improvement in time, but we didn’t necessarily set out to break the record today,” Justin admitted. “But we’ll take it. What’s important is that this isn’t the end point. We want to make that record even more unreachable.”
The 20-Minute Turnaround: Mental Toughness Under Pressure
One of the most gruelling aspects of Kristin’s competition was the schedule. In competitive swimming, recovery is everything. Yet Kristin faced a daunting task: competing in the 100m backstroke and the 100m breaststroke with only a 20-minute gap between them.
These two strokes are fundamentally different. While the backstroke relies on a specific rhythm and shoulder rotation, the breaststroke is often cited as the most technical event in the pool. Transitioning between them with almost no time to breathe tests an athlete’s conditioning.
Managing the Stress
Justin highlighted how Kristin handled this high-pressure window. “She executed the backstroke, broke the record, and didn’t dwell on the success. She went straight into her cool-down and was right back on the blocks to compete again. That’s the sensibility you want from an elite athlete.”
The Fatigue Factor
While the backstroke was a triumph, the breaststroke presented a different challenge. Kristin admitted to feeling the physical toll of the previous race. “I was a bit disappointed in the breaststroke time, but I had just swum the backstroke right before. I wasn’t fully recovered.” Despite the fatigue, the coaching staff viewed the day as a massive success; walking away with two personal bests in such conditions is a rarity.
Competing in Dakar: Heat, Humidity, and High Temps
The conditions in Dakar have been a major talking point for all the athletes. With water temperatures recorded at a staggering 32 degrees Celsius (90°F), the pool feels more like a warm bath than a competitive arena. For many international swimmers, these temperatures are enough to cause fainting or severe exhaustion.
Fortunately, being from Grenada gave Kristin a slight edge. “I don’t think it affected me too much,” she said. “Being from a place with similar conditions helped.” While other athletes struggled to adjust, the Grenadian team focused on what they could control: nutrition and hydration.
Fueling the Performance
Maintaining energy levels in the heat requires a disciplined diet. Kristin and the team have been sticking to the staples of athletic performance:
- Carbohydrates: Plenty of pasta and rice to keep glycogen stores full.
- Protein: Essential for muscle recovery between gruelling sessions.
- Balance: While the local flavours are different, the focus remains on what the body needs to perform.
The Spirit of the Games: Beyond the Pool
International competitions are about more than just medals and records; they are about the camaraderie of the global sporting community. Kristin has been fully immersed in the tradition of “pin exchanging,” a way for athletes to connect across cultural divides.
“It’s very welcoming,” Kristin noted. “The swimmers and the people from Senegal are very friendly. I’ve been exchanging pins with everyone.”
Coach Justin echoed this sentiment, noting that even coaches benefit from the exchange of ideas. “It’s a meeting of people from places you’ve never heard of. We were mingling with people from tiny islands in the Pacific who face the same challenges we do. It’s a great coming together of techniques and experiences.”
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Swimmers
Kristin’s journey from a young swimmer in Grenada to a national record holder is a blueprint for the next generation. Here are the actionable insights from her experience:
- Trust the Process: Kristin only started working with Coach Justin a year ago. In that short time, building a relationship of trust has led to historic results.
- Focus on Execution, Not Just Outcomes: By focusing on her technique and “repeating her best” rather than obsessing over the record, she stayed relaxed enough to actually break it.
- Resilience is Key: Don’t let a 20-minute turnaround or a minor injury derail your mindset. Move immediately from the last race to the next requirement.
- Adaptability: Whether it’s the heat of the water or the local food, successful athletes find a way to make the environment work for them.
The Road Ahead
As the competition continues, the focus now shifts to the 50m events. With the confidence of a national record behind her, Kristin is ready to “do it all again.” Her advice to the young swimmers back home in Grenada is simple but profound: “Do not give up, no matter how hard it gets. You might feel like giving up, but it is actually just the beginning.”
We are incredibly proud of what Kristin and Coach Justin have achieved here in Dakar. This record isn’t just a number; it’s a testament to the talent brewing in Grenada and a reminder that with the right partnership between athlete and coach, the ceiling is non-existent. Stay tuned as we continue to push the mark higher and make those records truly unreachable.
