Wood and Wilson ‘keep the ball rolling’ as they reach first Olympic final

Abbie Wood believes Team GB’s gold medal success in the pool is helping inspire other members of the squad to ‘keep the ball rolling’.

Wood qualified for her first Olympic Games final after finishing second fastest in the 200m Individual Medley semi-final in a time of 2:09.56.

She was joined by team-mate Alicia Wilson, who clocked 2:10.59 to finish third behind Wood and also secure a final place in her maiden Games.

Wood revealed how both her and Wilson were full of emotion before their swim after seeing Tom Dean and Duncan Scott seal Britain’s first one-two in an Olympic swimming final for 113 years.

She said: “Adam getting gold, we hoped that would set the team up, that really showed with the boys, and now me and Alicia making the final.

Amazing from Abbie and Alicia!

Congratulations to @abbielouisew and @Aliciamwilson1 who have sealed their spots in the 200m Individual Medley Final #Tokyo2020#TeamGB#InspiredToTrypic.twitter.com/dxSNa50c45

— Swim England (@Swim_England) July 27, 2021

“It just keeps the ball rolling, it’s really exciting and I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house with Deano and Duncan.

“Getting one-twos has never been a thing for Britain. It was really special – Alicia and I were tearing up during the warm-up. 

“It’s been a really good morning for Team GB. I’m glad I did my job as well and hopefully tomorrow I’ll be going in a bit more clear-headed and can keep the energy going.”

Wilson added: “For me, it’s about getting your hand to the wall first, as quick as you can and try to out-touch the people around you. 

“These Games are wide open. It’s not really about the times – it’s hard because it’s a race against people.”

Freya’s frustration

Freya Anderson missed out on a place in the 200m Freestyle final as she finished seventh in her semi-final to take 12th spot overall in a time of 1:57.10.

The 20-year-old said: “I don’t think it was there this morning. I left myself too much to go but I got to compete in the semi-final of the Olympics

“This year has been really interrupted for me dealing with injury and illnesses so I’m just happy I actually made it her in one piece.

“I didn’t have the race I wanted, but then seeing Deano do what he did, I’m so happy for him. I’ve never, ever seen him do a bad session – I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more.”

Anderson will be looking to bounce back when she swims in the 100m Freestyle heats on Wednesday 28 July.

Mixed emotions for Dawson

Kathleen Dawson said she felt a mixture of emotions after finishing sixth in the 100m Backstroke final.

Dawson clocked 58.70 and admitted: ““I can’t help but feel a little disappointed, especially having gone faster in the heats and the semis.

“It felt like the best race I could’ve put out, so I can’t dwell on it too much – I just have to look forward to the relay now,.

“I also can’t help but feel proud that I’m a part of this part of history. Five of the fastest all-time swimmers were in that race. 

“Even though I didn’t put up a time that matches, that was the fifth-fastest time in history to win, it’s such a stacked event to be in.”

Dawson will be in action in the Mixed 4x100m Medley Relay and she said: “I’m just going to look to get as big a gap between myself and the next person so that Adam can take over and feel pretty confident. 

“I managed to watch Tom and Duncan’s 200m Freestyle final before my race – it was amazing to see the boys do so well. 

“They both deserve it so much so it was amazing to see.”