Baker fingertip away from swimming medal
Former world champion Zoe Baker was a fingertip away from a medal on the second night of swimming finals at the Commonwealth Games tonight.
Baker finished fourth, less than 2/10ths of a second out of a medal after a brave swim at the Melbourne Aquatic Centre. The Christchurch swimmer, who won gold at Manchester swimming for England, swam 31.45 after sharing the lead at the 30m mark.
``I believe it was my best swim for sometime. I have had a long time out with injury and really have not raced enough,’’ Baker said. ``So it’s mixed feelings. I’m disappointed I could not defend my title and win a medal for New Zealand. On the other hand I know that I am on the right track now and getting back to my best.
``This is definitely not the end for Zoe Baker. I will have a couple of days off and then I will be back in training for the world short course. Let’s see if I can get a medal there.’’
Nichola Chellingworth finished seventh in the final of the 50m butterfly in 27.67s while Scott Talbot-Cameron was eighth in the 50m backstroke 26.33s. Both enjoyed solid swims with both marginally outside the best.
Alison Fitch produced her best time in four years clocking 56.06 for the sixth quickest time in the 100m freestyle semifinals tonight, with Lauren Boyle producing another personal best to be ninth fastest in 56.40. Helen Norfolk was 12th fastest in 57.10, although all three may withdraw as it could compromise their medal chances in the 4x200m freestyle relay final.
World championship finalist Hannah McLean moved comfortably into the final of the women’s 100m backstroke as the fourth fastest qualifier in a strong 1:02.46 to be fourth fastest behind Sophie Edington (Aus), Giaan Rooney (Aus) and Melanie Marshall (Eng).
``I was pleased with that swim. I am trying build with each swim and lay a good platform for the final tomorrow. I am sure I have plenty left yet.’’
In other action both Corney Swanepoel and Moss Burmester missed out on making the final of the 50m butterfly, as did Glenn Snyders and Dean Kent in the 100m breaststroke. Snyders finished ahead of Kent to secure a place in the men’s 4x100m medley relay team.
New Zealanders in action in tomorrow’s heats include Lis Coster and Georgina Toomey in the 100m butterfly, Cameron Gibson in the 200m breaststroke, Annabelle Carey in the 200m breaststroke and Daniel Sharp in the 50m EAD freestyle.
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