The local swimming fraternity is still expressing shock and sadness at the untimely passing of Matthew Hilton, who collapsed during a training session at the YMCA pool on Thursday night. Hilton was 18.

According to reports, the swimmer, who was midway through a training session, began experiencing convulsions. He later died at the Andrews Memorial hospital after being rushed to the facility for emergency treatment. The cause of death is yet to be confirmed.

"It is particularly devastating to me because Matthew was such a role model for others. He was a real gentleman," National technical director Jackie Walter told Star Sports. Hilton, who attended the Ardenne High School, had his sights set on becoming an Olympian but never ignored his academic responsibilities.

high-point trophies

"He was a balanced individual. He did so well academically and what I will always remember is the interest he sparked in college coaches whenever we went to meets abroad," Walters said. According to the coach, she did not know of the swimmer having any prior medical problems.

In 2005, Hilton won three silver medals at the Carifta Games and received Fédération Internationale de Natation high-point trophies in the 100m breastroke on two separate occasions. The swimmer had also broken the meet record for the 200m breaststroke at the Del Fina de Oro meet in Panama. Hilton had represented the nation from as early as 11 years old and was expected to continue doing so at the Youth Commonwealth Games in Pune, India, from October 12 - 18.

Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports Olivia 'Babsy' Grange was among those expressing regret at Hilton's passing.

"It will always be pleasing for us to remember that Matthew, who started swimming while attending Excelsior Primary School, swam his way right up to the national level where he represented Jamaica at the Carifta Games, establishing himself as a breast-stroke specialist," Grange said in a press release.

"It is so sad that that he did not live to be the pilot he wanted to become."

The minister went on to express condolences to Hilton's family. The Amateur Swimming Association of Jamaica has in the meantime set up counselling sessions to help some of the athlete's peers come to grips with the loss.

- K.M.