Rodgers breaks European record at Funchal 2016

Susie Rodgers put in the highlight swim on day two of the IPC Swimming European Championships 2016 in Funchal, setting a new European record.

The S7 swimmer claimed a gold medal in the 50m Butterfly, making it to the wall in a time of 35.90. This was over a second faster than the time she posted in the heats.

“I am so happy to go under 36,” Rodgers said. “I’ve been working quite hard on that one. Last week was a bit of a mixed bag for me at trials so it’s really nice to come out and get a good time.

“The atmosphere is great here with loads of cheering and you’ve got to enjoy that when you race.

“It’s great to see the hard work paying off. If PBs and records happen all the time then you take it for granted but it’s such an amazing feeling.”

Ollie Hynd added to his silver medal from day one by retaining his title in the S8 400m Freestyle, after leading the field from the 100m mark.

The Paralympic champion put a significant distance between himself and the rest of the field in the final stages, finishing in a time of 4:25.77 while British teammate Josef Craig touched for silver in 4:35.87.

“It was a tough swim tonight,” Hynd said. “I was close to my world record. It’s annoying to be that close to it twice but I’m looking forward to getting back into training and just trying to bring it down again.

“To stand on the podium with Josef who is one of my best mates on the team is special.”

The final race was closely contested, with first and second in the S9 100m Backstroke separated by merely 0.8 seconds.

City of Sheffield’s James Crisp ultimately took victory, touching in 1:04.18 to take gold ahead of Poland’s Patryk Biskup.

“I see the last 19 years as a bit of a warm up to this year,” said Crisp.

“This is the year that counts and it’s good to know I am there or thereabouts and fighting to the medals still.

“I’m really happy with where I am. I’m pleased I went faster than Glasgow last week as well. I have to change my training a little bit now I am in my 30s but I feel strong and fit.”

• Click here to view full results from the IPC Swimming European Championships 2016.

Photo credit: Pedro Vasconcelos / IPC