• British Swimming Championships

Adlington storms to gold No. 3

ESPN staff
March 11, 2011
Rebecca Adlington swam the fastest time in the world this year © PA Photos
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Rebecca Adlington scooped her third gold at the British Swimming Championships by storming to victory in the 800 metres freestyle.

Adlington came home in 8.20.23, the fastest time in the world this year, ahead of Jaz Carlin in second and Keri-Anne Payne in third.

After the race, Adlington turned her attention to success at this year's World Championships, an event that has brought her heartbreak in the past. Four years ago she failed to make the 800m final, while last time out she could only manage two bronzes.

"I can't wait for Shanghai now. The World Championships haven't been that happy for me in the past, both the ones I've attended so far I've left in tears," said Adlington.

"In Melbourne I was a bit overwhelmed by it all and in Rome I'd just not done enough work after Beijing and it cost me. Hopefully it will be third time lucky in Shanghai and I'm just looking forward to getting out there and racing.

"It wasn't an easy race because some of the other British girls are very strong and I expected it to be close than it was.

"I had a little look at my time at the halfway stage and thought I was going a bit quickly but it's not always easy when you're out there on your own."

Elsewhere, Steph Proud was the surprise winner of the 200m backstroke final after finishing ahead of Lizzie Simmonds in second and Gemma Spofforth, who was well back in fifth.

"I don't get intimidated by swimming against Gemma and Lizzie because I've been doing it for years and they are great athletes," said Proud, who clocked 2.09.41.

"I know the time could be faster and I've got more in me and I know I'm quicker."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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