17 June 2024
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Swimming: Sophie Allen wins 200m individual medley

June 29, 2024
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Sophie Allen won one of the most keenly contested finals of the British trials today (Saturday 29 June) to claim a place in the 200m individual medley at the World Championships.

Allen clocked a time of two minutes 11.34 seconds to beat both Siobhan-Marie O’Connor (2:12.12) and Hannah Miley (2:12.77) in the event.

Allen and O’Connor, who also qualified for the World Championships with her time, exchanged the lead throughout their final in Sheffield, but both believe they can improve their times moving forward.

“There are so many girls in that going similar times so I knew it would be tough, but I’m dead chuffed to have won it.” Said Allen, “I am a little bit disappointed with the time, it hasn’t really moved on much from last year and I think I’m better than that so hopefully I can show that at the worlds.”

O’Connor, 17, Team GB’s youngest swimmer at the London Games, said, “I felt so light-headed afterwards because I really put everything into it.

“I haven’t had a great week and swam quicker earlier in the year, but I’m really relieved to be in the team for the World Championships.”

Elsewhere Francesca Halsall, who won the 50m freestyle earlier in the week, eased her way into the 100m final and matched the World Championship qualification time with 54.39 in the semi-finals. And there was a first British gold for Lauren Quigley in the 100m backstroke meaning she also qualified.

The World Championships are being held in Barcelona later this month.

Lizzie Flint, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine

 

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