DIckons flies to World University Games gold
18 August 2011
Jessica Dickons lifted Great Britain’s first aquatics gold of the 2011 World University Games in China, clinching the 200m Butterfly title in a last-gasp dash to the wall.
The University of Bath swimmer was locked in a marathon tussle with Japan's Natsumi Hoshi but timed her finish to perfection to touch 0.03 seconds clear in 2:08.91.
I was absolutely stunned when I looked up at the scoreboard - I didn't think I'd be winning gold.
Dickons is no stranger to the international podium, having won 200m Butterfly bronze at both the 2008 World Short Course Championships and 2006 European Short Course Championships.
Her time - the third quickest of her career - signals a major return to form in the long course pool where she hadn't ducked under 2:10.2 since 2008.
And despite claiming the scalp of Hoshi - who finished fourth in the same event at last month's World Championships - Dickons insisted she hadn't expected to be topping the podium in Shenzhen.
"I was absolutely stunned when I looked up at the scoreboard," said Dickons. "I'm really happy and I did a pretty quick time but I didn't think I'd be winning a gold medal.
"I knew it was going to be a really quick race and I knew there were some fast swimmers in there.
"I'm just so proud to win gold for my country and for my university."
Megan GIlchrist nearly added a second British medal in the 1500m Freestyle as she finished fourth.
And after reclaiming her Scottish record, the Swansea University swimmer admitted the performance had given her a weighty confidence boost.
"I feel like I can now step up beside these girls that I have seen competing at World Championships," said GIlchrist.
"It was nice to get the Scottish record back because I've held it before so I'm happy."
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9.16pm 21st August 2011
Helen Murray from EdinburghNo more need for your bead counter now Megan for the 1500m. Well done for that and your Scottish Record and also your 800m. Enjoy your hols.
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9.12pm 21st August 2011
Helen Murray from EdinburghWell done Jess, a great swim and result
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7.06pm 18th August 2011
Christine McCabe from BradfordBrilliant Jess, so pleased for you. Love and Congratulations!
