Gold and a World Record Just in a Day for Kat

Twenty year old WAIS IASP athlete Katrina Porter of the West Coast Swimming Club was part of the World Record romp on Day three of the Telstra Australian Short Course Championships in Hobart, setting a new provisional world record and winning gold in MD 100m Backstroke.

Porter, who is currently studying a Bachelor of Business at Edith Cowan University, improved her PB from the heats to touch the wall in 1:24.65 claiming the gold medal and setting the new world standard. Porter’s swim puts her in an excellent position to gain selection for the IPC World Championships Team travelling to Brazil in November, which will be announced after the final event on Wednesday evening.

The West Coast swimmer, who won the 100m Backstroke in World Record time at the Beijing Paralympics last year, was surprised by her win. “I was not expecting to swim that fast tonight”, said Porter. “My short course races are usually not that quick. I’m really happy because it’s close to my Long Course time from Beijing and that’s really exciting for the future” said Porter.

“The pressure is now off and I can relax and enjoy my final day of racing tomorrow”, said Porter.

Coach Mel Tantrum was over the moon with Porter’s performance and is excited about her chances at the World Championships in November. “Katrina is better at Long Course racing, but her performance in the 100m Back was up there with her Beijing effort. It was a fantastic swim”, said Tantrum.

Fresh from competing at her maiden swimming World Championships in Rome last month, WAIS scholarship holder Blair Evans has scooped medals at the Australian Short Course Championship in Tasmania.

Evans earned a pair of silver medals in the 400m and 800m freestyle whilst also collecting a bronze in the 400m individual medley.

WAIS scholarship holder Aryton Dickey produced some good swims in the Apple Isle, achieving a silver medal in the 200m backstroke before taking bronze in the 100m backstroke.

– with Swimming Australia