Finals get underway at 6pm British time. Reports will be up a few minutes after the races finish.
Mens 200m LC Backstroke Final
James Goddard took victory in a tight 200m Back duel. Goddard did not lead second placed finisher Christopher Walker-Webborn by more than 0.17 during the race and took victory in 1:57.06. Walker-Hebborn finished second in a strong time of 1:57.39. The times put Goddard and Walker-Hebborn second and third in the world this year, both faster than Australian champion Hayden Stoeckel (1:58.04). Scott Hathaway took third in 2:00.57.
Womens 100m LC Freestyle Final
Fran Halsall was made to fight for her win in the 100m Free holding off a strong challenge from Amy Smith. Halsall took the victory in 54.71 with Smith second in a personal best time of 54.86. Lucy Ellis took third in 55.76.
Halsall has a busy few minutes with the 100m Fly semis coming up in just a few minutes.
Mens 100m LC Freestyle Semi-Finals
Arizone based Simon Burnett qualified fastest for tomorrow nights final in a time of 49.46. Ross Davenport goes into the final ranked second with a time of 49.97. Winner of the first semi-final Craig Gibbons qualified third fastest in a time of 50.19. Gibbons overhauled Adam Brown, fresh from his third place finish at NCAA's, who qualified fifth fastest in a time of 50.36.
Womens 100m LC Butterfly Semi-Finals
Ellen Gandy looked in top form as she qualified fastest in the 100m Fly with a time of 58.91. Florida Gator Jemma Lowe qualified second in a time of 59.35 with Rachel Kelly third fastest. Kelly broke the 1-minute barrier for the first time with her 59.86 effort. Fran Halsall, who was late to the blocks after believing she would have more time before her swim, qualified safely in sixth with a time of 1:00.93.
Womens 200m LC Breaststroke Final
Stacey Tadd caused an upset in the 200m Breast with a come from behind victory over Hannah Miley. Tadd was 0.88 down on Miley at the 100m mark before coming back to win in a time of 2:29.66. Miley took second in 2:30.27 with Kate Hutchinson third in 2:31.09.
Mens 50m LC Butterfly Final
Ian Hulme won the 50m Fly in a time of 24.22. James Doolan took second in 24.51 with Jamie Thorpe third in 24.65. Hulme's time puts him 15th in the world this year. Should he make the Commonwealth team and swim this event he will come up against Geoff Huegill who leads the world this year with his time of 23.46.
Womens 100m LC Backstroke Final
The women's 100m Back was the night's most anticipated event with world champion and world record holder Gemma Spofforth taking on world ranked no.2 Lizzie Simmonds. Simmonds had the better start and led at the 50m. Spofforth came back strongly on the second 50m but came up just short with Simmonds winning in 59.43 and Spofforth second in 59.46. Simmonds remains number 2 in the world with Spofforth moving up to 3rd. Both women remain 0.2 seconds behind Emily Seebohm's 59.21 set at the Australian trials. Stephanie Proud took third in 1:01.30.
Interestingly Seebohm and Simmonds both split 28.99 at the 50m mark on the way to their best times this year. Spofforth came back faster than both of them. The 100m Back at Commonwealths is shaping up to be one of the stand-out races with three of the strongest female backstrokers in the world right now.
Seebohm - 28.99 - (30.22) 59.21
Simmonds - 28.99 - (30.44) 59.43
Spofforth - 29.31 - (30.15) 59.46
Mens 100m LC Breaststroke Final
Kris Gilchrist caused a shock in the 100m Breast final with a strong finish to win in a time of 1:01.22. Michael Jamieson made it a Scotland 1-2 finishing second in 1:01.24. Richard Webb took third in 1:01.37. Pre-race favourites Darren Mew (1:01.51) and Daniel Sliwinski (1:01.66) took fourth and fifth respectively.
Wednesday, 31 March 2010
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
British Gas Swimming Championships 2010 - Day 2 Finals
Womens 50m LC Butterfly Final
Amy Smith took victory in the 50m Fly in 26.88. Smith was the only women to dip under 27 seconds with Ellen Gandy second in 27.20 and Louise Pate third in 27.42. Jemma Lowe took fourth in 27.45 and both her and Gandy will have their main events later in the competition.
Mens 50m LC Backstroke Final
Liam Tancock decided to sit out the final of the 50 Back to concentrate on the 100 Back and 100 Free. This left a wide-open final and Luke Wood stepped up to take victory in 26.17. Scott Hathaway took second in 26.20 and David Gregory third in 26.70.
Womens 50m LC Breaststroke Final
Achieng Ajulu-Bushell, who aims to switch nationalities from Kenya to Britain and England, took victory in the 50m Breast in 31.18. The time was slightly slower than her semi final effort of 31.04. Ajulu-Bushell turned 16 last week and looks to be one of the rising stars ahead of London 2012.
Stephanie Slater took second in 31.93 with Lowri Tynan third in 31.96.
Mens 50m LC Butterfly Semi-Finals
Antony James leads the qualifiers for the men's 50m Fly with a time of 24.41. James Doolan qualified second in 24.44 with Ian Hulme third in 24.56.
Geoff Huegill leads the Commonwealth this year in 23.46.
Mens 100m LC Breaststroke Semi-Finals
British record holder Daniel Sliwinski, 19, took victory in the 100m Breast in 1:01.45. The time puts Sliwinski 7th in the world this year, 0.01 ahead of Mike Alexandrov (USA). After the race Sliwinski spoke of his confidence that he'll go faster than last year (59.55) despite the new suit laws. Darren Mew, 30, qualified second in 1:01.74. Star of the GBRvGER duel Michael Jamieson qualified third in 1:01.76.
Womens 100m LC Freestyle Semi-Finals
Fran Halsall leads the field into tomorrow's 100m Free final. Halsall swam 54.98 after clearly easing down on the second 50m. Amy Smith continued her impressive evening's work with a strong 55.13 to qualify second fastest. Lucy Ellis goes in third fastest with a time of 55.98.
Mens 200m LC Freestyle Final
Robert Bale took some major scalps in the final of the 200m Free winning in a time of 1:47.82. The time was a new personal best and ranks Bale 7th in the world this year. Robbie Renwick took second in 1:47.96 with Ross Davenport third in 1:48.06. David Carry just missed out on the podium with a time of 1:48.17.
The men's 200m Free looks set to be a great battle at the Commonwealth Games in both the individual and relay. Australian's Nicholas Ffrost (1:47.50), Thomas Fraser-Holmes (1:47.66), Kenrick Monk (1:47.83) and Patrick Murphy (1:48.30) mean that the top 8 men this year are all within 0.80 seconds of each other.
Womens 100m LC Backstroke Semi-Finals
Lizzie Simmonds qualified fastest for tomorrow's night final in a time of 59.84, the only swimmer under 1-minute. Gemma Spofforth, fresh from leading the Florida Gators to the NCAA title, eased back in the final 50m to qualify second in 1:00.62. Stephanie Proud was third fastest in 1:01.41.
Splits from both swimmers.
Simmonds - 29.17/59.84
Spofforth - 29.39/1:00.62
Simmonds remains second in the world this year, behind Australian Emily Seebohm's textile best time of 59.21.
In an interview with Steve Parry before the semi finals Gemma Spofforth spoke about how important leading the Gators to their NCAA success was claiming that it was more special to her than the world record last year in Rome.
Amy Smith took victory in the 50m Fly in 26.88. Smith was the only women to dip under 27 seconds with Ellen Gandy second in 27.20 and Louise Pate third in 27.42. Jemma Lowe took fourth in 27.45 and both her and Gandy will have their main events later in the competition.
Mens 50m LC Backstroke Final
Liam Tancock decided to sit out the final of the 50 Back to concentrate on the 100 Back and 100 Free. This left a wide-open final and Luke Wood stepped up to take victory in 26.17. Scott Hathaway took second in 26.20 and David Gregory third in 26.70.
Womens 50m LC Breaststroke Final
Achieng Ajulu-Bushell, who aims to switch nationalities from Kenya to Britain and England, took victory in the 50m Breast in 31.18. The time was slightly slower than her semi final effort of 31.04. Ajulu-Bushell turned 16 last week and looks to be one of the rising stars ahead of London 2012.
Stephanie Slater took second in 31.93 with Lowri Tynan third in 31.96.
Mens 50m LC Butterfly Semi-Finals
Antony James leads the qualifiers for the men's 50m Fly with a time of 24.41. James Doolan qualified second in 24.44 with Ian Hulme third in 24.56.
Geoff Huegill leads the Commonwealth this year in 23.46.
Mens 100m LC Breaststroke Semi-Finals
British record holder Daniel Sliwinski, 19, took victory in the 100m Breast in 1:01.45. The time puts Sliwinski 7th in the world this year, 0.01 ahead of Mike Alexandrov (USA). After the race Sliwinski spoke of his confidence that he'll go faster than last year (59.55) despite the new suit laws. Darren Mew, 30, qualified second in 1:01.74. Star of the GBRvGER duel Michael Jamieson qualified third in 1:01.76.
Womens 100m LC Freestyle Semi-Finals
Fran Halsall leads the field into tomorrow's 100m Free final. Halsall swam 54.98 after clearly easing down on the second 50m. Amy Smith continued her impressive evening's work with a strong 55.13 to qualify second fastest. Lucy Ellis goes in third fastest with a time of 55.98.
Mens 200m LC Freestyle Final
Robert Bale took some major scalps in the final of the 200m Free winning in a time of 1:47.82. The time was a new personal best and ranks Bale 7th in the world this year. Robbie Renwick took second in 1:47.96 with Ross Davenport third in 1:48.06. David Carry just missed out on the podium with a time of 1:48.17.
The men's 200m Free looks set to be a great battle at the Commonwealth Games in both the individual and relay. Australian's Nicholas Ffrost (1:47.50), Thomas Fraser-Holmes (1:47.66), Kenrick Monk (1:47.83) and Patrick Murphy (1:48.30) mean that the top 8 men this year are all within 0.80 seconds of each other.
Womens 100m LC Backstroke Semi-Finals
Lizzie Simmonds qualified fastest for tomorrow's night final in a time of 59.84, the only swimmer under 1-minute. Gemma Spofforth, fresh from leading the Florida Gators to the NCAA title, eased back in the final 50m to qualify second in 1:00.62. Stephanie Proud was third fastest in 1:01.41.
Splits from both swimmers.
Simmonds - 29.17/59.84
Spofforth - 29.39/1:00.62
Simmonds remains second in the world this year, behind Australian Emily Seebohm's textile best time of 59.21.
In an interview with Steve Parry before the semi finals Gemma Spofforth spoke about how important leading the Gators to their NCAA success was claiming that it was more special to her than the world record last year in Rome.
Tancock pulls out of 50m Back Final
This just in from Twitter
LiamTancock - "Not swimming in the 50m Backstroke tonight, looking at the bigger picture & focusing my efforts to later in the week & the rest of the year!"
Tancock went 24.52 last night in the semis to set a new textile best time. Swimmers can't qualify for the 50m Back at these trials. They need to qualify for the team on Olympic events.
By skipping the final tonight it will give Tancock a full day's rest to prepare for the 100m Free heats tomorrow and 100m Back which starts on Thursday. Scratching the final seems to show the added importance the 100m Free (and 4 x 100m Relay) has taken on for Tancock this year.
LiamTancock - "Not swimming in the 50m Backstroke tonight, looking at the bigger picture & focusing my efforts to later in the week & the rest of the year!"
Tancock went 24.52 last night in the semis to set a new textile best time. Swimmers can't qualify for the 50m Back at these trials. They need to qualify for the team on Olympic events.
By skipping the final tonight it will give Tancock a full day's rest to prepare for the 100m Free heats tomorrow and 100m Back which starts on Thursday. Scratching the final seems to show the added importance the 100m Free (and 4 x 100m Relay) has taken on for Tancock this year.
Monday, 29 March 2010
British Gas Swimming Championships 2010 - Day 1 Finals
Women's 200 LC Meter Freestyle Final
Rebecca Adlington returned to form in the 200m Free with a strong time of 1:57.87. The time puts her fourth in the world this year behind the Australian trio of Blair Evans (1:57.38), Bronte Barratt (1:57.46) and Kylie Palmer (1:57.69). Jazz Carlin took second in 1:58.51 with Jo Jackson third in 1:58.93. Fran Halsall took the race out in a rapid 27.48 at 50m and 57.27 at the 100m mark before Adlington, Carlin and Jackson took over control of the race.
Adlington was clearly pleased after the race with her swim and especially with the fact that she gets to swim on the 4 x 200m relay.
Jo Jackson was seen coughing heavily after her race. Jackson has been battling acute asthma in recent months. Fortunately her treatment which costs £6000 per year will now be paid for by British Swimming.
UPDATE - Despite being announced live on BBC Radio, this comes from Nick Hope on Twitter 'GB press officer confirms to me that they have NOT agreed to fund the special asthma drugs being considered for Jo Jackson's condition'.
Men's 50 LC Meter Backstroke Semi-Finals
World Champion Liam Tancock set a new textile best time in the semis of the 50m Back. Tancock's time of 24.52 was 0.2 seconds faster than Matt Grevers effort at the Austin Grand Prix. The time is just 0.6 seconds slower than Tancock's world record set last year in Rome and will set him up nicely for the 100m Back later in the week. Luke Wood (26.07), Ryan Bennett (26.20), Scott Hathaway (26.38) and Craig Gibbons (26.62) completed the top 5 qualifiers for tomorrow's final.
Women's 50 LC Meter Butterfly Semi-Finals
Amy Smith set the pace in the women's 50m Fly leading the field in 27.34. Louise Pate qualified second in 27.44. Jemma Lowe, fresh from Florida's NCAA success, qualified third in 27.47.
Men's 400 LC Meter Freestyle Final
Robbie Renwick (3:50.32) and David Carry (3:50.55) duelled it out in the final of the 400m Free swimming the sixth and seventh fastest times of the year. Carry took the race out before Renwick took over just after the 300m mark. It looked like Carry would be dropped once Renwick went past but he battled back to set-up a grandstand finish. Both men will be representing Scotland at this year's Commonwealths. Robert Bale, 20, took third in 3:51.58, a huge lifetime best. British record holder David Davies ended up ninth in 3:59.07. Davies is already pre-selected for the Commonwealth games and will hopefully return to his very best form in time for Delhi.
Women's 200 LC Meter IM Final
Scotland's Hannah Miley took another national title in the 200m IM in a time of 2:12.32. The time puts Miley sixth in the world this year and comes just 30 minutes after swimming 1:59.52 in the 200m Free final. Aimee Willmott qualified for England with a time of 2:14.25 with Anne Bochmann taking third in 2:15.79.
Miley's splits compared to the top 3 in the world this year
Miley 29.50 - 1:03.05 (33.55) - 1:41.22 (38.17) - 2:12.32 (31.10)
Kukors 28.80 - 1:01.87 (33.07) - 1:39.56 (37.69) - 2:10.34 (30.78)
Rice 27.85 - 1:01.17 (33.32) - 1:39.45 (38.28) - 2:10.07 (30.62)
Seebohm 27.21 - 59.89 (32.68) - 1:39.17 (39.28) - 2:10.75 (31.58)
Men's 200 LC Meter Butterfly Final
Michael Rock led from the start in the final of the men's 200m Fly winning in a time of 1:56.86. Roberto Pavoni, 19, took second in a strong time of 1:57.29 with Joe Roebuck, 25, third in 1:57.38. The time puts Rock fourth in the world this year, Australian Nick D'Arcy leads the world in 1:54.61.
Women's 50 LC Meter Breaststroke Semi-Finals
Achieng Ajulu-Bushell, 16, continued her strong day with victory in the 50m Breast in a rapid time of 31.04. The time puts her second in the world this year behind only Leisel Jones' 30.87 effort from the Australian Trials. Stephanie Slater qualified second in 32.14 with Georgia Heyn and Lowri Tynan equal third in 32.30.
Ajulu-Bushell, who was born in Manchester, represented Kenya at the World Championships last year but intends to switch nationalities in time for the Commonwealth Games.
Rebecca Adlington returned to form in the 200m Free with a strong time of 1:57.87. The time puts her fourth in the world this year behind the Australian trio of Blair Evans (1:57.38), Bronte Barratt (1:57.46) and Kylie Palmer (1:57.69). Jazz Carlin took second in 1:58.51 with Jo Jackson third in 1:58.93. Fran Halsall took the race out in a rapid 27.48 at 50m and 57.27 at the 100m mark before Adlington, Carlin and Jackson took over control of the race.
Adlington was clearly pleased after the race with her swim and especially with the fact that she gets to swim on the 4 x 200m relay.
Jo Jackson was seen coughing heavily after her race. Jackson has been battling acute asthma in recent months. Fortunately her treatment which costs £6000 per year will now be paid for by British Swimming.
UPDATE - Despite being announced live on BBC Radio, this comes from Nick Hope on Twitter 'GB press officer confirms to me that they have NOT agreed to fund the special asthma drugs being considered for Jo Jackson's condition'.
Men's 50 LC Meter Backstroke Semi-Finals
World Champion Liam Tancock set a new textile best time in the semis of the 50m Back. Tancock's time of 24.52 was 0.2 seconds faster than Matt Grevers effort at the Austin Grand Prix. The time is just 0.6 seconds slower than Tancock's world record set last year in Rome and will set him up nicely for the 100m Back later in the week. Luke Wood (26.07), Ryan Bennett (26.20), Scott Hathaway (26.38) and Craig Gibbons (26.62) completed the top 5 qualifiers for tomorrow's final.
Women's 50 LC Meter Butterfly Semi-Finals
Amy Smith set the pace in the women's 50m Fly leading the field in 27.34. Louise Pate qualified second in 27.44. Jemma Lowe, fresh from Florida's NCAA success, qualified third in 27.47.
Men's 400 LC Meter Freestyle Final
Robbie Renwick (3:50.32) and David Carry (3:50.55) duelled it out in the final of the 400m Free swimming the sixth and seventh fastest times of the year. Carry took the race out before Renwick took over just after the 300m mark. It looked like Carry would be dropped once Renwick went past but he battled back to set-up a grandstand finish. Both men will be representing Scotland at this year's Commonwealths. Robert Bale, 20, took third in 3:51.58, a huge lifetime best. British record holder David Davies ended up ninth in 3:59.07. Davies is already pre-selected for the Commonwealth games and will hopefully return to his very best form in time for Delhi.
Women's 200 LC Meter IM Final
Scotland's Hannah Miley took another national title in the 200m IM in a time of 2:12.32. The time puts Miley sixth in the world this year and comes just 30 minutes after swimming 1:59.52 in the 200m Free final. Aimee Willmott qualified for England with a time of 2:14.25 with Anne Bochmann taking third in 2:15.79.
Miley's splits compared to the top 3 in the world this year
Miley 29.50 - 1:03.05 (33.55) - 1:41.22 (38.17) - 2:12.32 (31.10)
Kukors 28.80 - 1:01.87 (33.07) - 1:39.56 (37.69) - 2:10.34 (30.78)
Rice 27.85 - 1:01.17 (33.32) - 1:39.45 (38.28) - 2:10.07 (30.62)
Seebohm 27.21 - 59.89 (32.68) - 1:39.17 (39.28) - 2:10.75 (31.58)
Men's 200 LC Meter Butterfly Final
Michael Rock led from the start in the final of the men's 200m Fly winning in a time of 1:56.86. Roberto Pavoni, 19, took second in a strong time of 1:57.29 with Joe Roebuck, 25, third in 1:57.38. The time puts Rock fourth in the world this year, Australian Nick D'Arcy leads the world in 1:54.61.
Women's 50 LC Meter Breaststroke Semi-Finals
Achieng Ajulu-Bushell, 16, continued her strong day with victory in the 50m Breast in a rapid time of 31.04. The time puts her second in the world this year behind only Leisel Jones' 30.87 effort from the Australian Trials. Stephanie Slater qualified second in 32.14 with Georgia Heyn and Lowri Tynan equal third in 32.30.
Ajulu-Bushell, who was born in Manchester, represented Kenya at the World Championships last year but intends to switch nationalities in time for the Commonwealth Games.
British Championships Start Today
Live Results can be found here.
Today's schedule
Womens 200m Freestyle
Mens 50m Backstroke
Womens 50m Butterfly
Mens 400m Freestyle
Womens 200m IM
Mens 200m Butterfly
Womens 50m Breaststroke
Live television coverage of swimming in the UK still remains less than adequate, however the BBC are starting to offer some digital services. Live audio coverage and highlights will appear for finals.
"The championships, which double as trials for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India, this October, take place from 29 March to 3 April and Radio 5 live sports extra will have live coverage.
Expert analysis comes from the BBC team of Steve Parry, Bob Ballard and Karen Pickering.
Commentary begins at 1755 BST on Radio 5 live sports extra and online.
Plus, watch highlights from each day's events and interviews with top British names each day on the BBC Sport website."
Commentary of the event here (possibly only for UK users)
Today's schedule
Womens 200m Freestyle
Mens 50m Backstroke
Womens 50m Butterfly
Mens 400m Freestyle
Womens 200m IM
Mens 200m Butterfly
Womens 50m Breaststroke
Live television coverage of swimming in the UK still remains less than adequate, however the BBC are starting to offer some digital services. Live audio coverage and highlights will appear for finals.
"The championships, which double as trials for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India, this October, take place from 29 March to 3 April and Radio 5 live sports extra will have live coverage.
Expert analysis comes from the BBC team of Steve Parry, Bob Ballard and Karen Pickering.
Commentary begins at 1755 BST on Radio 5 live sports extra and online.
Plus, watch highlights from each day's events and interviews with top British names each day on the BBC Sport website."
Commentary of the event here (possibly only for UK users)
Ranomi Kromowidjojo
Ranomi Kromowidjojo sent shockwaves through the world of swimming last weekend with two stunning sprint freestyle swims at the Amsterdam Swim Cup. Her times of 24.40 and 53.44 put her well clear of the rest of the world this year (by 0.54 in the 50m Free and 0.86 in the 100m Free).
Kromowidjojo, 19, could be set to take over the mantle as Holland's next great female sprint Freestyler. Last year in Rome she finished 6th in the 100m Free final in a time of 53.37 having been 53.31 in the semis. She also put in a stunning relay split of 52.30 helping the Dutch to Gold and a new World Record. The loss of the techsuits clearly hasn't affected her too much.
The world records before the introduction of non-textile suits in Feb 2008 were 24.13 in the 50m Free (Inge de Bruijn) and 53.30 in the 100m Free (Britta Steffen). To be so close to these marks is great news for Kromowidjojo and the Dutch relay team who will battle Germany once again at the European Champs this year.
Kromowidjojo, 19, could be set to take over the mantle as Holland's next great female sprint Freestyler. Last year in Rome she finished 6th in the 100m Free final in a time of 53.37 having been 53.31 in the semis. She also put in a stunning relay split of 52.30 helping the Dutch to Gold and a new World Record. The loss of the techsuits clearly hasn't affected her too much.
The world records before the introduction of non-textile suits in Feb 2008 were 24.13 in the 50m Free (Inge de Bruijn) and 53.30 in the 100m Free (Britta Steffen). To be so close to these marks is great news for Kromowidjojo and the Dutch relay team who will battle Germany once again at the European Champs this year.
Sunday, 28 March 2010
Matt Grevers
Great video on SwimmingWorld.tv showing Matt Grevers doing a stand-up 50 yard Free in practice. Grevers went 19.96 after taking 6 days off.
Grevers went on to say that his main event was becoming the 200m Back and that he was better at long course than short course. This is coming from the man who went 1:48.74 at last December's Duel in the Pool (SC Meters). Considering Grevers had just gone 24.72 and 53.05 at the Austin Grand Prix it was amazing to hear him talk up the 200 Back. Expect big things in that event in 2010.
Sunday, 21 March 2010
Australian Championships - Day 5 Finals
Men's 50 LC Meter Freestyle
Ashley Callus, 31, proved himself to be Australia's fastest man in water as he took victory in 22.09. Callus' time moves him above Cesar Cielo (22.13) in the world rankings but just shy of Fred Bousquet (21.95) who remains the only man under 22 seconds this year. Callus finished well clear of the chasing pack with Cameron Prosser taking second in 22.36 and Eamon Sullivan third in 22.38.
Women's 200 LC Meter Butterfly
Commonwealth record holder Jessicah Schipper had to wait until the final evening's competition to take her first title of the meet. Schipper didn't have it all her own way though as she was pushed hard by Samantha Hamill. Schipper won in a time of 2:07.66 with Hamill second in 2:07.75 and Felicity Galvez third in 2:08.83. Both women move ahead of Britain's Ellen Gandy (2:07.77) into the top 2 spots in the 2010 world rankings. Gandy, who trains in Australia, will hope to come out on top at this year's Commonwealth Games where she will represent England (assuming she qualifies).
Men's 200 LC Meter Breaststroke
Brenton Rickard continued to make a strong case for swimmer of the meet as he completed the sweep of the Breaststroke events. Rickard won in 2:09.71 and became the first man under 2:10 in 2010. Craig Calder took second in 2:12.33 with world record holder Christian Sprenger a surprise third in 2:12.71.
Rickard wasn't too far away from Brendan Hansen's 2:08.50 textile best time. Hansen's mark could well be under threat at Pan Pacs or Commonwealths with Eric Shanteau (USA), Kosuke Kitajima (JAP), Rickard and possibly Sprenger in contention.
Women's 400 LC Meter IM
Stephanie Rice continued her excellent competition with victory in the 400 IM. The Olympic Champion and world record holder recorded a strong 4:35.04. Rice took victory by a full 5 secs from Samantha Hamill (4:40.44) and Blair Evans (4:40.49). The time also puts her 2 seconds clear of the rest of the world this year with Ariana Kukors currently ranked second with 4:37.63 set at the Austin Grand Prix.
Rice vs Kukors and Katie Hoff at Pan Pacs will be an excellent contest and Rice has established herself as the early favourite.
Men's 1500 LC Meter Freestyle
Robert Hurley was just 0.97 seconds shy of being the first man under 15 minutes this year. Hurley took victory in 15:00.96 ahead of Ryan Napoleon in 15:14.96 and Chris Ashwood in 15:19.39.
Hurley completes an excellent meet after victory in the 400 Free on day 1.
Women's 1500 LC Meter Freestyle
The most emphatic victory of the competition went to Melissa Gorman who won the 1500m Free in 16:03.24. She broke the Australian and Commonwealth record in the process. Second went to Kylie Palmer in 16:41.71, a full 38 seconds behind. Danielle DeFrancesco, 17, took third in 16:46.58.
Ashley Callus, 31, proved himself to be Australia's fastest man in water as he took victory in 22.09. Callus' time moves him above Cesar Cielo (22.13) in the world rankings but just shy of Fred Bousquet (21.95) who remains the only man under 22 seconds this year. Callus finished well clear of the chasing pack with Cameron Prosser taking second in 22.36 and Eamon Sullivan third in 22.38.
Women's 200 LC Meter Butterfly
Commonwealth record holder Jessicah Schipper had to wait until the final evening's competition to take her first title of the meet. Schipper didn't have it all her own way though as she was pushed hard by Samantha Hamill. Schipper won in a time of 2:07.66 with Hamill second in 2:07.75 and Felicity Galvez third in 2:08.83. Both women move ahead of Britain's Ellen Gandy (2:07.77) into the top 2 spots in the 2010 world rankings. Gandy, who trains in Australia, will hope to come out on top at this year's Commonwealth Games where she will represent England (assuming she qualifies).
Men's 200 LC Meter Breaststroke
Brenton Rickard continued to make a strong case for swimmer of the meet as he completed the sweep of the Breaststroke events. Rickard won in 2:09.71 and became the first man under 2:10 in 2010. Craig Calder took second in 2:12.33 with world record holder Christian Sprenger a surprise third in 2:12.71.
Rickard wasn't too far away from Brendan Hansen's 2:08.50 textile best time. Hansen's mark could well be under threat at Pan Pacs or Commonwealths with Eric Shanteau (USA), Kosuke Kitajima (JAP), Rickard and possibly Sprenger in contention.
Women's 400 LC Meter IM
Stephanie Rice continued her excellent competition with victory in the 400 IM. The Olympic Champion and world record holder recorded a strong 4:35.04. Rice took victory by a full 5 secs from Samantha Hamill (4:40.44) and Blair Evans (4:40.49). The time also puts her 2 seconds clear of the rest of the world this year with Ariana Kukors currently ranked second with 4:37.63 set at the Austin Grand Prix.
Rice vs Kukors and Katie Hoff at Pan Pacs will be an excellent contest and Rice has established herself as the early favourite.
Men's 1500 LC Meter Freestyle
Robert Hurley was just 0.97 seconds shy of being the first man under 15 minutes this year. Hurley took victory in 15:00.96 ahead of Ryan Napoleon in 15:14.96 and Chris Ashwood in 15:19.39.
Hurley completes an excellent meet after victory in the 400 Free on day 1.
Women's 1500 LC Meter Freestyle
The most emphatic victory of the competition went to Melissa Gorman who won the 1500m Free in 16:03.24. She broke the Australian and Commonwealth record in the process. Second went to Kylie Palmer in 16:41.71, a full 38 seconds behind. Danielle DeFrancesco, 17, took third in 16:46.58.
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