Commonwealth silver medallist Ellen Gandy clocked the second fastest time of her career to finish fifth in the 100m Butterfly final on Day Two of the World Swimming Championships in Shanghai.
Racing from lane eight in her first World Championship final, the 19-year old touched in 57.55 – a time only bettered by her 57.49 from the British Gas Championships two years ago.
USA’s Pan Pacific champion Dana Vollmer ultimately took gold in 56.87 ahead of Australia’s Commonwealth champion Alicia Coutts (56.94) and China’s Lu Ying (57.06).
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But Gandy insists her debut World Championship final performance bodes well for her favoured 200m Butterfly later in the week.
“I’m really pleased with that performance in my first World Championship final,” said Gandy. “I enjoyed being there in an outside lane.
“I kept myself to myself and concentrated on my own race.
“It looks good for my 200m Fly on Wednesday.”
Jemma Lowe was also competing in her first World Championship final in the 100m Butterfly and finished eighth.
The British Gas ITC Swansea swimmer, who set a Welsh record of 57.43 at the British Gas ASA National Championships in June, ducked under 58 seconds for the fourth time in her career as she touched in 57.96.
“It was great to be there in my first World final and I certainly gave it my best shot,” said Lowe, who will also line up in the 200m Butterfly.
“It’s a great experience for me to be swimming in this amazing environment. I’m excited about next year and am pleased with how I’m gearing up towards that goal.”
European bronze medallist Hannah Miley was the only other British finalist in action on day two in Shanghai and finished seventh in the 200m Individual Medley final.
The Scottish swimmer, who is European and Commonwealth champion in the 400m Individual Medley, was always playing catch up after the opening 50m Butterfly and touched in 2:11.36.
“My aim here was to make the final in the 200m I’m and then focus on my best event, the 400IM,” said Miley. “I’m a little disappointed with that time but it’s up there with the fastest of my season.”
Louise Hudson, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
