Simmonds lights up Duel with European backstroke record
17th December 2011
Lizzie Simmonds was one of the stand-out performers at the Duel in the Pool in Atlanta, breaking a European record in the 200m Backstroke before winning maximum points over half the distance.
Representing the European All-Stars against an American team in the short course meet, Simmonds gave an indicator of her early season form with some explosive performances.
The British Gas ITC Loughborough swimmer took on world champion Missy Franklin in the 200m Backstroke, pushing her close in the final length before ultimately touching 0.69 second behind the American in a European record 2:00.83.
And the 20-year old backed up her performance on the second day in Atlanta, defeating Franklin and USA's Olympic champion Natalie Coughlin in the 100m Backstroke to win in 56.82 - just 0.13 shy of her personal best from the previous Duel in the Pool in Manchester two years ago.
"Really pleased with my swim tonight," tweeted Simmonds. "European record! Go on then! Thanks for all the good lucks and well dones."
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