LIVINGSTON SCOTT, STAR Writer

Justin Plaschka's performance at the Central America and Caribbean Age Group Swimming Championships in Barbados has been a great boost to the local men's programme, says Amateur Swimming Association of Jamaica (ASAJ), vice president, Allan Marsh.

Plaschka won gold in the men's 18 and over 100 metres freestyle, and 50m and 100m butterfly events, and Marsh expects the young sensation, to lead a new generation of competitive, talented, males on to the world stage.

"This is our first gold medal since 2011. Justin's performance overall was quite significant, winning three golds was important as well as setting two national senior records."

On his final night, Plaschka won gold in the 100 freestyle and came back an hour later to win the 50m butterfly.

"To have the condition to come back and perform like that and at the same time beat the defending champion (Joshua McLeod of T&T) and three-time record holder was remarkable," Marsh continued.

The University of Notre Dame freshman, whose father is German and mother Jamaican, has been creating waves in the United States for the last few years and had signalled his intention to represent Jamaica for some time, but Marsh said time did not allow.

"He contacted us about two years ago and there were various opportunities for him but it just could not fit in with his school schedule. He came down about a month ago for a swim meet and did quite well and for this competition he wanted to represent us," Marsh explained.

The veteran swimming administrator said Plaschka has reached his peak for the season and thinks he is in good stead to qualify for the World Championships.

He added that there is a crop of young swimmers, the same age as Plaschka - Nico Campbell, Sidrell Williams, Timothy Wynter, and Keanan Dols - who can give Jamaica a competitive relay team at the next world games.

"All are good swimmers and like Justin they are all the same age, which is great as it makes it possible for us to have a competitive relay team at the next Olympics based on how they are all improving, so it's all very positive for Jamaican swimming," he added.