The most impressive swim of the morning at the EnergyAustralia Swimming Championships was not done by an Australian, but was the performance of Swedish swimmer Jennie Johansson. Johansson posted a time of 1:06.68 in the 100 breaststroke breaking her own Swedish National record of 1:07.10 and is the second fastest time done in the world this year.
Johansson moved to Australia in January with the initial reported plan to train at Southport Olympic. Shortly thereafter, however, in February she wound up in Brisbane instead to train with the likes of Christian Sprenger and the Campbell sisters under coach Simon Cusack.
The top Aussies in the prelims were Lorna Tonks who finished in a time of 1:08.72 followed by Sally Foster who posted a 1:08.86 and Samantha Marshall who recorded a time of 1:08.95.
Another interesting story line in this event was 41 year old Linley Frame qualifying for the semi-final in a time of 1:11.39. The 1992 Olympian won the 100 breaststroke at the World Championships 22 years ago in a time of 1:08.81.
In the women’s 100 backstroke two familiar faces were seen securing the first and second position in the semi-final. Olympian Belinda Hocking qualified first in a time of 1:00.25 with her London teammate Emily Seebohm qualifying second in a time of 1:00.87.
Seebohm’s best time so far this year is a 59.77, which is the fastest time by any Australian swimmer.
Swedish swimmer Michelle Coleman finished with the third fastest prelim time of 1:01.33 while Megan Nay was the third fastest Australian qualifier finishing in a time of 1:01.43.
The top qualifier in the men’s 200 freestyle was Cameron McEvoy who posted a time of 1:47.84. David McKeon, who won the 400 freestyle in a very impressive time of 3:43.71, qualified second finishing in a time of 1:48.16.
17 year old Alexander Graham qualified third with a time of 1:49.16.
The 200 freestyle was also the first time James Magnussen hit the water. The 100 freestyle Olympic silver medalist qualified fifth recording a time of 1:49.32.
In the men’s 100 backstroke Ashley Delaney qualified first in a time of 54.19 followed by Bobby Hurley who posted a 54.55. Olympians Hayden Stoeckel and Daniel Arnamnart tied for third both recording a time of 54.99.
In the women’s 1500 freestyle the top qualifier was 14 year old Chelsey Gubeka who posted a time of 16:48.07. Bonnie MacDonald qualified second in a time of of 16:54.39 with Leah Cutting qualifying third finishing in a time of 17:07.75.
In the multi-class 50 freestyle Taylor Corry was the top female qualifier with Daniel Fox qualifying first in the men’s event.
Can doing the 200 really help out his backend that much? If Magnussen has better paced his 47.1 last year, he probably would’ve come back in 24.2. Michael Phelps’ homecoming speed is about the same whether he’s swimming a 142.9 or a 145 in the 200free.
Anyways, I want to see him go at least a 146 at this meet, but thats looking more difficult than any of us thought.
McKeon’s 400free speed suggests he could probably swim a 145mid. THe second place finisher said that FraserHolmes was faster than he is, in which case, its possible that he could be 145 as well based on the 400time it could’ve translated to. All this is to suggest that Australia… Read more »
I agree re: Magnussen
In any case, I think he needs to develop front end speed and lower his individual 50 free down to 21.5. He’s already great in the second 50.
I am a bit curious how far Magnussen can go in 200free.His coming home in 100′ s sugest he have a really NICE 200 on him.
Lately he’s been training for the 200 in an effort to improve his 100. In my opinion he seems a bit too muscular and bulky to be a top contender for the 200 for now, but as he’s getting low 1:49s after “a month or so”, who knows what could happen in a year or two.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/more-sport/james-magnussen-believes-he-has-the-key-to-swimming-the-100m-faster/story-e6frfglf-1226630563887