Swimming: Two earn places in GB team

Jul 1 2009 by Stephen Robertson, Stirling Observer Wednesday

STIRLING swimmers Andy Hunter and Lewis Smith enjoyed a memorable weekend in Glasgow as they both secured spots on the GB squad at the World Championships in Rome.

Hunter booked his place by winning the 200m freestyle.

He said: “In the four years that I have been representing Great Britain at senior level I have never competed in a solo event. I have been waiting a long time for this.”

He was in fourth place as he made his final turn but powered down the last 50m to secure victory. He finished in a time of 1:47.67 minutes, just ahead of Robert Bale from Loughborough University.

Hunter said: “I tapered down for this but will now spend the next few weeks building my fitness levels back up before my taper for Rome.

“I wasn’t thinking about anyone else’s preparation. I focused on my own race and am really pleased that I came out on top.”

A short time later his training partner at Stirling ITC also had to hold his nerve for the final of the 400m.

Lewis Smith was in the second place spot for Rome before the race and knew he had to swim at his best to fulfil his ambition of heading to the World Championships.

He said: “I have already had two chances to qualify for Rome so there was a bit of extra pressure on me. I am very relieved.”