Aussie “Pocket Rocket,” Alice Mills Notches Third Win at Cairns Grand Prix

By Ian Hanson

CAIRNS, Australia, May 25. AUSTRALIAN Swimming High Performance Director Greg Hodge today said the “outstanding racing” produced by the Telstra Dolphins at the Cairns Grand Prix placed them in a good position, nine weeks out from the World Championships in Barcelona.

Hodge said he was pleasantly surprised with the speed of the team after the third session concluded at the Trinity Anglican School today.

“Last year we produced some outstanding times, this year we saw the swimmers display some outstanding racing and good speed, so that’s encouraging,” said Hodge, who admitted Cairns would almost certainly play a major part in next year’s Olympic preparation.

“Next year we are planning to invite 120 swimmers and also add the Japanese and New Zealand teams to the meet.”

Hodge also praised the performances of Australian Swimming’s “pocket rocket,” Alice Mills, who added her fifth individual win for the meet, winning the 50m freestyle in 25.46 – the 35th sub 26 second swim of her career.

Earlier in the meet, Mills collected wins in the 100 and 150m freestyle and the 200m IM.

Today's winners:

Matt Welsh 150m backstroke 1:29.45
Frances Adcock 150m backstroke 1:40.12

Travis Nederpelt 150m butterfly 1:27.95
Jessica Schipper 150m butterfly 1:36.60

Craig Stevens 600m freestyle 6:08.96
Amanda Pascoe 600m freestyle 6:32.40

Ian Thorpe 200m freestyle 1:50.60
Elka Graham 200m freestyle 2.02.70

Leisel Jones 150m breaststroke 1:48.80
Mark Riley 150m breaststroke 1:40.53

Trent Steed 400IM 4:31.50
Jennifer Reilly 400IM 4:49.18

Alice Mills 50m freestyle 25.46
Ashley Callus 50m freestyle 23.12

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