Swim pair fall just short in Games bid

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Julian Fletcher and Lisa Blackburn came up short in the their Olympic qualifying bid at the Charlotte Grand Prix in Charlotte, North Carolina yesterday.

Fletcher placed 14th overall in the 100 metres breaststroke after reaching the ‘B’ final with a time of 1:04.13 while Blackburn came eighth in the women’s 100 metres breaststroke ‘A’ final in a time of 1:13.18, finishing eighth overall among all competitors in that discipline.

Earlier in the morning heats both swimmers set national records as they qualified for the evening’s finals.

Fletcher covered the distance in 1:03.89 while Blackburn touched the wall in 1:11.7.

Commenting on the pair’s performance, national swimming coach Ben Smith said: “I am proud of them making the finals at such a high level meet.

“They did not lower their times from this morning (qualifying heats) but they both swam okay.”

Fletcher and Blackburn will return to action in the 200 metres breaststroke today.

“Both of their main events are the 100 metres breaststroke but we will see what they can do in the 200,” Smith said.

Also in action today is Roy-Allan Burch, who has already qualified for the London Games. He swims in the 50 metres freestyle which is his main event.

Burch, who is currently based in North Carolina, warmed up for the meet with an inspiring win in the Open men’s 50 metres freestyle at a recent club meet.

“Roy has been able to consistently achieve good times and he’s feeling strong in the water and doing a lot of work outside of the water,” Smith said.

“He’s just happy with the level he’s at right now in the hope he can bring that time down when we get to London.”

Also due to compete this weekend is Olympic hopeful Kiera Aitken at the Acropolis Grand Prix in Greece.

Following this weekend’s event in Charlotte Burch, Fletcher and Blackburn will travel to California for the Santa Clara Grand Prix.

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