Evans Wins 200m National Crown

Western Australian Institute of Sport swimmer Blair Evans has secured herself a position at this year’s Commonwealth Games after winning the 200m freestyle national title in a major upset.

18 year-old Evans swam the 200m in preparation for her favoured distance events in the 400m and 800m freestyle. And with the 400IM also on Evans’ checklist, the 2010 Australian Swimming Championships could be one to remember for the City of Perth swimmer.

Up against the Beijing Olympic 200m relay gold medallists of Bronte Barratt, Kylie Palmer and Stephanie Rice, Evans produced the fastest swim over 200m in the world for 2010 to touch out an illustrious field in 1:57.38mins.

For Evans the result was a difficult one to come to terms with.

“I can’t comprehend what I’ve just done,” said Evans.

“I only cracked the two minute barrier for the first time in this event last year, so to come out and beat the best 200m girls in Australia is just an amazing feeling.”

WAIS Swimming Performance Manager Greg Hodge believes the end of the week could hold more in store for the Matt Magee coached charge.

“With the 400, 800 and 400IM to come and Blair in the best shape of her short career physically and mentally, we are hopeful of more success as the week progresses,” he said.

There was disappointment for dual Olympian Travis Nederpelt who finished sixth in the final of the 200m butterfly as he continues his comeback following a sabbatical.

“Unfortunately he could not build on the comeback momentum form he showed in the heats. He held on to sixth place but in a time slower than the morning, in a swim he described himself as technically one of his worst,” Hodge said.

“He still has the 100m fly and 200m medley to come so let’s hope he uses his considerable experience to get the best out of himself.”