RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug 7 — National swimmer Welson Sim fails to rewrite his national record in the 400m freestyle heats at the Rio Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium here yesterday.
In the heats, Welson came close with a time of 3:51.57s. His national record of 3:50.33s was set when he qualified for his debut Olympics at the National Age Group Championships in Singapore in March.
Despite not expected to be in the finals, he aimed to improve on his national mark in Rio but breathed a sigh of relief after coming out of the pool.
“I was under thunderous pressure because this is my favourite event and everyone put high expectation. Although I didn't make into the finals I am happy to come close to my personal best,” said the 19-year-old athlete.
As was relieved of the pressure, Welson said he would be more calm and relaxed to do even better in the 200m freestyle tomorrow.
“I am more free now and can concentrate to beat my national record in the 200m freestyle,” he added.
Welson erased Daniel Bego record of 1:49.21 set in 2013 during the same championships in Singapore with a new mark of 1:47.67s.
He will also compete in the 1,500m freestyle race on Aug 12.
Besides Welson, woman swimmer Phee Jinq En will start her only event, the 100m breastroke, tomorrow. — Bernama
