Information on Loughborough

British Record for Loughborough’s McClatchey as University swimmers post Olympic qualification times

Posted on 27/12/2008

Loughborough University Website

British Record for Loughborough’s McClatchey as University swimmers post Olympic qualification times

Loughborough University’s Caitlin McClatchey set a new British Record on her way to gaining an Olympic qualification time as four Loughborough swimmers made the grade for Beijing at the British Championships in Sheffield.

McClatchey claimed gold in the 100m Freestyle after lowering the national standard set by City Of Liverpool’s Fran Halsall to 54.31 seconds in last night’s heats. Loughborough University team mate Julia Beckett won bronze in the same event in 55.86 seconds to swim within the qualification standard for the 4x100m Freestyle.

“Today was just about making sure I qualified,” said McClatchey. “I knew it was going to be a tough race as everyone is swimming so well. It’s a really exciting time at the moment and I’m glad to be a part of it.”

After swimming the third fastest time in the heats of the 100m Freestyle (55.28), University athlete Mel Marshall missed out on the final by failing to make it to the call room on time. Her focus now turns to the 200m event where she hopes to gain individual selection.

Loughborough’s swimmers dominated the men’s 400m Freestyle as a further two athletes touched below the Olympic qualification time. University-based David Carry won gold in this morning’s final in 3:49.78, ahead of Loughborough team mate Dean Milwain who claimed silver in 3:50.50.

“I knew it was going to be hard after the way everyone is swimming but I was pushed all the way this morning for those Olympic spots,” said Carry. “It was a case of ignoring everything around you and focusing on your own race, making sure you got to the wall first. I wanted to get out there and dominate the race.

“It’s great to be British Champion again and to get that Olympic time, the team is shaping up nicely, everyone is in great shape and it’s something exciting to be a part of.”

An impressive swim in last night’s heats saw Milwain set a new University record of 3:48.40 to become the 12th fastest swimmer in the world this year. Loughborough-based David Davies, who has already gained selection to Team GB in the 1500m Freestyle, was second fastest in the 400m heats for a new Welsh Record of 3:49.30 but withdrew from the finals in order to concentrate on alternative events at the Olympics.

The British Championships are also a selection meet for the inaugural Tri-Nations Cup against Canada and France in Quebec City in August. Designed to attract 2012 Olympic hopefuls, the meet is open to male swimmers aged 22 and under and females aged 20 and below.

Strong performances by Loughborough’s Scott Hathaway in the 100m Backstroke (5th in 55.84) and Claudia Coleman in the 100m Freestyle (10th in 56.58) will put them in contention for selection to this meet.

“The team are swimming great and we’re really enjoying the meet so far,” said Loughborough University Director of Swimming Ian Armiger. “There have been a host of lifetime bests as well as the British, Welsh and University records on the first day so we’re really pleased.

“This morning has been slightly marred by Mel’s technical infringement, but we’re not dwelling on that. She can still qualify in other events so we’re looking at it as a positive. It’s been an important lesson for everyone.”

Loughborough’s swimmers will now concentrate on this evening’s finals where Olympic hopefuls need a FINA A time to be in contention for Beijing selection.

Pre-selected Loughborough swimmers:

Liam Tancock, 100m Backstroke David Davies (Loughborough-based), 1500m Freestyle

Loughborough University swimmers within Olympic qualification times (British Swimming to confirm squad on Sunday 6 April):

David Carry (Loughborough-based), 400m Freestyle Dean Milwain, 400m Freestyle Caitlin McClatchey, 100m Freestyle Julia Becket, 4x100m Freestyle