Scottish Nationals: Andrew Hunter, Ian Hulme, Lewis Smith Add Themselves to Rome Roster; Hannah Miley Doubles

By Todd Cooper, Swimming World Scottish correspondent

GLASGOW, Scotland, June 28. THE final eve of racing at the Scottish National Championships was highlighted by a number of additions to the British team bound for Rome next month, as well as Hannah Miley picking up her third and fourth titles of the meet.

Andrew Hunter produced a scintillating last 50 meters to emerge victorious in the men's 200 free. After turning at the 150-meter mark in fourth position, Hunter powered down the final 50 to win in 1:47.67, and secure an individual swim at next month's World Championships. Robert Bale finished second in 1:47.86, while David Carry picked up third in 1:48.39.

"It feels real good to secure my spot," said Hunter. "I've been representing Great Britain for three years now at senior level, and I've never had an individual swim. I'm really psyched for the next few weeks now."

After finishing second at March's Trials, Lewis Smith ensured qualification for Rome by winning the men's 400 IM in 4:15.92. Joseph Roebuck grabbed second in 4:19.18, while Ieuan Lloyd (4:27.65) rounded out the top three.

"I feel relieved now," Smith said after the race. "I've had two chances to make the team, and they both passed me by, so to get it, it's a lot of relief."

In the men's 100 fly, Ian Hulme and Anthony James battled it out to see who could capture the second individual place for Rome. In the end, it was Hulme who edged out the fast-finishing James 52.09 to 52.13. Matthew Bowe completed the podium in 52.40.

"I can't believe it, I'm still in shock," said an ecstatic Hulme. "It's been loads and loads of hard work, I'm over the moon. I'm 25 now and this will be my first senior team. Hopefully, in Rome, I can get that 51. It'll be really good to race the rest of the guys in the world."

Miley continued her good form winning the women's 200 breast in 2:31.50. Emma Bird (2:31.61) and Stacey Tadd (2:32.05) finished second and third, respectively.

Miley later returned to the pool to pick up her fourth title of the meet winning the women's 1500 free in 16:46.11. Megan Gilchrist finished second in 16:49.32, while Jessica Thielmann wound up third in 17:04.42.

"It's been a training week for me," said Miley, who amassed 18 races during the course of the meet. "For the 400 IM you have to have endurance, you've got to have speed and middle distance, it's kind of all combined into one, and I'd already done what I needed to in March, so I continued with my training without it disrupting my planning for Rome. I'll probably start coming down for worlds about three days before I race."

In the women's 100 free, Katherine Wyld put herself in contention for a relay spot in Rome by winning in 55.52. 50 free specialist Emma Wilkins grabbed second in 55.84, while Amy Smith picked up third in 55.89.

Craig Gibbons followed with a time of 26.10 in the men's 50 back, while Darren Ward took second in 26.50. Scott Hathaway finished third in 26.63.

Louise Pate topped the women's 50 fly in 27.57. Eloise Barber captured second in 28.07, while Sarah Eaglesham finished third in 28.26.

Full Results

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use