Press Release

Swimmers impress through heats

7 September 2008

The ParalympicsGB swimming team continued to impress through the second day of heats at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

Thirteeen of the 18 swimmers progressed to their respective finals after some promising performances in Beijing's Water Cube.

Dave Roberts smashed the Paralympic record on the way to qualifying fastest for this evening's 100m freestyle (S7) final.

Roberts dominated his heat and touched in 1:00.82 with a five-second lead over fellow ParalympicsGB athlete Matt Walker.

"That was the quickest I have performed at a Paralympics which is good," Roberts said. "To get a Paralympic record is a good way to start my campaign. I eased up over the last 15m so I know I have more in the tank for the final.

"I am going back now to rest and prepare for the final."

Walker qualified third fastest after finishing in 1:05.49, while Jon Fox also progressed with 1:08.16 to ensure three Britons will contest the final. American Lantz Lamback, silver medallist at the world championships in 2006, was second fastest.

Louise Watkin lowered the European record in the women's 100m freestyle (S9). Watkin won her heat comfortably in 1:04.91 to take almost half a second off the previous standard. She is ranked number two in the final behind Natalie Du Toit of South Africa.

"That was good for a heat swim," Watkin said. "My aim was to go sub 1:50 and I achieved that so I am pleased. I came here to perform in my heat and now I will rest and prepare for the final with my coach."

Stephanie Millward set a new personal best in the same heat as Du Toit finishing second to qualify third fastest.

Lauren Steadman found it tough going and finished fourth in her heat, missing out on a final place.

The 100m freestyle (S6) saw three British women battling for final spots and it was Eleanor Simmonds who stole the show. She took the lead early and dominant over the final 50m to touch in 1:21.86, just outside of her PB and second fastest in the round.

"That felt really comfortable. My coach and I planned to go out fast over the first 50m and then use my lead to bring it home," Simmonds said. "It felt really comfortable out there and I enjoyed that swim. I am second fastest for the final and I am really excited."

Natalie Jones finished second just behind Simmonds but was ranked fifth for the final. Mhairi Love swam 1:29.76 in the same heat but it was not enough as she was ninth overall.

Heather Frederiksen won her 100m freestyle (S8) heat by three seconds in 1:09.93, third quickest going into the final.

"That was comfortable for me," Frederiksen said. "I just saw Jess Long break the world record and that has pumped me up for the final. I want to get in for the final now. I know what I can do tonight."

Games debutant Sam Hynd made a confident start on his first outing in the Water Cube. He touched home in 1:01.67 to finish fourth and qualify seventh fastest for the final.

"That was just off my PB that I got in my leg of the relay in Germany," Hynd said. "But it was my fastest time in an individual event. It has got me off to a good start.

"I went out quickly and had a strong finish which was my aim. That was all I needed to do this morning and I am happy with it."

Team-mate Sean Fraser swam a personal best in his heat but found the times too quick and missed out on a final spot in tenth with 1:02.45.

Anthony Stephens swam a well paced race in the men's 50m backstroke (S5). He qualified as sixth fastest in 43.24.

Two ParalympicsGB swimmers reached the final of the women's 400m freestyle (S13 ) after impressive swims this morning. Jenny Coughlin was fourth in her heat with 4:58.01, while Rhiannon Henry swam 4:53.98 to qualify in sixth place overall.

Matt Whorwood swam an excellent race in the men's 100m freestyle (S6) to claim his second Paralympic Games final place. He touched in 1:12.51 to qualify eighth quickest for the final.