Aimee Willmott leads home English trio in 400m IM

Aimee Willmott went under the qualifying time for Gold Coast selection in the Women’s 400m Individual Medley for the second time of the Swim England National Winter Championships 2017.

The University of Stirling-based swimmer had already made the time this morning, touching in 4:41.81 against the consideration time of 4:42.88. However, she bested her own time again in the final with a 4:36.89 effort.

Willmott said: “I’m really happy with that. Coming into the meet I knew I had the time in me, I’ve done it countless times before but after the injuries I’ve had I was a bit nervous that I would struggle before the end but I surprised myself.

“It’s great to have other girls in the field going 4.40 as it’s good to push each other.”

Second place went to Rosie Rudin of City of Sheffield, who also made the consideration time. The 19-year-old was a few seconds away from Willmott, touching in 4:39.95.

Abbie Wood’s 4:40.30 effort was also enough to duck under the QT, securing her the final place on the podium.

Rudin commented on her swim: “It was very emotional as I had a very disappointing year. So I wanted to come here and prove to myself that I could do it. After the World’s I sat down with Russ [Barber, Rudin’s coach] and we talked about what I could learn from it and what to do going forwards which was really good.”

Abbie Wood said: “I’m very pleased. To get that time at this time of the year was good. Aimee (Willmott) and Hannah (Miley) really push me and Rosie on, so trying to catch them helps us to get a good time, which is really helpful on an international platform. I’ve got a few other events this week so I’m going to do as well as I can.”

City of Leicester’s Michaella Glenister swam a huge PB time in the B final of the 400m IM. She shaved over three seconds from her previous time set at the European Youth Olympic Festival this year. She claimed gold with 4:53.76.

Wilby clinches 200m Breaststroke gold

James Wilby of Loughborough National Centre put in a terrific effort in the Men’s 200m Breaststroke event. He was head-to-head against Bath National Centre swimmer Andrew Willis down the final 50m.

He took the win in 2:10.28, just 0.09 seconds away from the consideration time for the Gold Coast. Willis, who already has his seat on the plane, touched in 2:11.10 for silver. Bronze went to Toby Mackay-Champion in 2:14.15.

Peters wins Men’s 50m Butterfly title

Jacob Peters of Poole SC won the Men’s 50m Butterfly A final. The 17-year-old was one of the younger swimmers in the field, but showed great composure to take the title in a time of 24.28.

This matched his personal best time set at this year’s British Summer Championships.

The silver medal was won by City of Manchester’s Sam Horrocks for his 24.37 effort. Bronze went to Alexander Bowen of Loughborough, for his time of 24.40.

  • Click here to see full results from the Swim England National Winter Championships 2017.
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