Swimmer Molly Renshaw storms into Rio 2016 final with new British record

Selston swimming sensation Molly Renshaw is through to the final of the women's 200m breaststroke in Brazil in record breaking time.
Molly Renshaw with Cllr Paul Bayliss, Derby City Council.Molly Renshaw with Cllr Paul Bayliss, Derby City Council.
Molly Renshaw with Cllr Paul Bayliss, Derby City Council.

The 20-year-old stormed the water in her semi-final last night, finishing second in her race to set a new British record of 2:22.33.

It was a time that ranks her third fastest overall as she now prepares for an Olympic Games final tonight, alongside fellow Brit Chloe Tutton.

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Renshaw said: “It’s nice to have the British record back. That swim was amazing. I’ve wanted to go 2:22 for quite a while. After being off that at trials, it’s nice to be finally making the big drop here.

“I knew I had to go out a lot faster than the morning. My back end is strong but I know if I want to make the big drops, I’ve got to make them in the front 100m.

“So I tried to take out the race but still stick to my long counts and keep the hold down the last 100m.

“It’s amazing to be third fastest for the final. I think I came into this ranked 12th so to be up there feels amazing. I’m sure people will step it up but hopefully I can as well.”

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Renshaw had earlier finished second in her heat in a time of 2:23.37 and said she took confidence from her 100m race earlier in the week.

She was fractionally off a personal best and a place in the semi-final over the shorter distance but was encouraged by her performance.

She said: “This was just a bonus swim for me and it was great to get into the pool, experience the crowd and prepare for the 200m.”

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