Blair Evans Heading to Rome
Western Australian Institute of Sport swimming athlete Blair Evans has booked her ticket to Rome as part of the 41 member Australian Dolphins team which will compete in the 2009 FINA World Swimming Championships in July.
Evans (Padbury) took out her first national title with a win in the 800m freestyle event after setting a new personal best time of 8:30.86min, which doubled as an A-Qualifying time.
In a close race, Evans made a break at the 400m mark to put a surge on her rivals. Showing experience beyond her 17 years, Evans managed to hold off the challenges of Melissa Gorman (QLD) and Olympic gold medalist in the 4 x 200m relay Bronte Barratt to record a brilliant win.
WAIS Coach Matt Magee said his City of Perth club product had followed out her race instructions perfectly, and that further success in Rome beckoned.
“The race went to plan for Blair,” Magee said. “We had a specific strategy in mind, and she executed that perfectly. She really worked to her strengths.”
“Her chances in Rome are pretty good. With a nice block of work, I expect she can swim a PB in Rome.”
Magee will have two of his emerging squad members representing Australia in Rome, with open water talent, Rhys Mainstone (Duncraig) joining Evans in the World Championship squad.
“To have two youngsters heading to Rome is a real testament to their decision making process,” revealed Magee. “They made choices that others around the country did not. They chose a winning attitude and were prepared to put in the effort that goes with that, and it is those changes that make a difference,” he said.
There will be little time to relax for Magee’s squad however, as they embark on a crucial 12 week training program aimed towards getting the pair in the best possible form for competition. This includes training camps in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, before rounding out preparations in Perth.
The 13th FINA World Swimming Championships will be held in Rome, Italy from July 19 – August 2, 2009.