It was a mixed night in the Budapest pool for Britain as the home squad made their traditionally slow start to a major meet. There was considerable cause for optimism however in the shape of six qualifiers for tomorrow’s finals – a 100% conversion rate from the semi-finals
The ladies 4x100m freestyle relay heats saw Britain take a bit of a gamble as all four of the first choice squad were rested for tonight’s finals but the morning quartet performed admirably securing, 7th place and a lane in the final. Meanwhile 8 other Britons successfully negotiaed the first morning’s competition.
Commonwealth 1500m champion and Olympic bronze medallist David Davies has withdrawn form the European Championships just over three weeks out form the Budapest competition. The 21 year old has only just returned to full training following an operation to remove an abscess on his left ankle.
Francesca Halsall confirmed herself as the premier junior sprinter in Europe as she took the gold medal in the 50m freestyle and added a silver over 200m for good measure. She was joined at the top of the podium by Lizzie Simmonds who won the 200m backstroke with ease, while there were also a silver medal and a relay bronze for the British Team.