Swimming: Bobbi Gichard wins bronze at junior swimming champs

Bobbi Gichard. Photo / Paul Taylor.

Hawkes Bay teenager Bobbi Gichard has won a bronze medal at the world junior swimming championships in Singapore.

Gichard, 15, came third in the 100m backstroke final, clocked 1min 00.42s, her third successive personal best and a new national age group record.

Australia's Minna Atherton won the final breaking her own world junior record in clocking 59.58s. American Claire Adams took the silver in 1:00.19.

Auckland's Gabrielle Fa'amausili, 15, finished seventh, having set the pace in turning second at 50m. Fa'amausili recorded a time of 1:00.74, a fresh personal best.

"I didn't expect I could get third but after the race I looked up at the scoreboard and I was so stoked with the race and my time," Gichard said.

Swimming in lane seven, Gichard said she was unaware of her position in the race.
"I couldn't see anyone from my lane - I'm unsure if that was a good or a bad thing - but I didn't expect this."

Fa'amausili, coached by Igor Polianski at the United club, will be encouraged for her 50m backstroke later in the championship after showing outstanding speed in the first 50m. "I am happy to get another PB. I fell better swimming that race now, more confident. I am happy with the outcome and really proud of Bobbi as well," Fa'amausili said.
"My focus is to keep getting PBs and to focus on swimming my races and not worry about the opposition."