Kira Toussaint’s Absence Leaves London Roar Missing A Vital Cog In Their Machine

Kira Toussaint: Photo Courtesy: MIKE LEWIS / ISL

Kira Toussaint‘s absence was keenly felt by London Roar on day one of the International Swimming League Final after she was ruled out with a viral infection.

Toussaint posted to Instagram on Wednesday that she was “getting ready for the ISL final with the mighty London Roar.”

Coming into the final, she was ranked first over 50 back, third in the 100m and eighth in the 200.

However, come Friday at the Pieter van den Hoogenband Swim Stadium and there was no Toussaint on the start sheets as illness and doctors’ orders took their toll – although the Roar management insisted it was not due to Covid.

The Netherlands swimmer has been a vital member of the Roar team with six wins in the 50 back and three in the 100 over the regular season and playoffs.

Photo Courtesy: Mine Kasapoglu / ISL

In her last outing in match five of the playoffs, Toussaint secured 23pts for Roar with victory in the 50 back and second places in the 100 and 200.

The 27-year-old reached the backstroke skins final where she finished behind Ingrid Wilm of LA Current while picking up a further 21pts.

She also led off the winning women’s medley relay and anchored one of the Roar’s 4×100 free squads that earned points in fifth.

In the final on Friday, Minna Atherton placed fourth in the 200 back – matching her finish last time out – with Katie Shanahan jackpotted in eighth.

Come the 50 and Atherton was joined by Emma McKeon, who stepped up for the team, with the pair finishing fifth and eighth respectively.

Atherton took four points but her fellow Australian was the sole swimmer jackpotted.

In no way is this a criticism – Atherton is the 100 back world record-holder with a 54.89 best – but losing the consistency, quality and versatility that Toussaint possesses is going to be a huge miss in terms of the team and depth.

Toussaint’s absence was apparent in the women’s medley relay in which Cali Condors were DQd with Energy Standard elevated to top spot and the subsequent choice of stroke in the skins and Roar in second.

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