Fannon Equals Irish Freestyle Record in Rome

Tom Fannon had the standout performance on the opening night of Finals at the Sette Colli International Meet in Rome on Friday evening.

Fannon, who set a new Irish Record to qualify for the Paris Games in the 50m Freestyle at the Irish Open and Olympic Trials in May, equalled that time to win the B Final in 21.94.

The National Centre Dublin swimmer spoke after the race ‘It’s mixed emotions, I’m happy obviously with a 21 point in season, but also, would have liked to have gone faster, even 0.01 under the record would have been nice, but to go 21.9 in season, just off the plane, two key sets, two lifts this week, I’ll take it’

Fannon will take confidence from the swim as he continues his preparations towards Paris ‘Last season I’d be going 23 in hard training, now it’s 21.9, looking good for the Games, it’s just about getting that first swim, there was a few mistakes this morning, so at the Games it’s about getting that first swim good, less mistakes, and then if I can do that in the morning, or hopefully faster, there’s a semi-final and final, hopefully progress through the rounds. I’m happy’

Daniel Wiffen, Darragh Greene and Mx McCusker all finished eighth in their A Finals. Wiffen clocked 3:51.64 in the 400m Freestyle, Greene 1:00.73 in the 100m Breaststroke and McCusker 52.62 in the 100m Butterfly. Both Greene and McCusker competed at the European Aquatics Championships earlier this week.

Day two heats in Rome will see Ellen Walshe do a double of the 100m Butterfly and 400m Individual Medley. Erin Riordan, Victoria Catterson and Fannon compete in the 100m Freestyle and Greene returns for the 50m Breaststroke. Daniel Wiffen will swim in the fastest heat of the 800m Freestyle which will take place in the evening session.

Day 1 Morning Results – Sette Colli International
Men 400m Freestyle        Daniel Wiffen 3:48.42 (1st) Q 3:51.64 (8th)
Women 200m Freestyle   Victoria Catterson 2:02.39 (35th)
Men 100m Breaststroke   Darragh Greene 1:00.55 (8th) Q 1:00.73 (8th)
Men 100m Butterfly        Max McCusker 52.38 (2nd) Q 52.62 (8th)
Women 50m Butterfly     Ellen Walshe 27.42 (25th)
Men 50m Freestyle          Tom Fannon 22.22 (9th) Q 21.94 (1st) =ISR

Day 2 Schedule – Sette Colli International
Women 100m Butterfly    Ellen Walshe
Women 400m IM             Ellen Walshe
Women 100m Freestyle   Erin Riordan, Victoria Catterson
Men 100m Freestyle        Tom Fannon
Men 50m Breaststroke    Darragh Greene
Men 800m Freestyle        Daniel Wiffen (Swimming fastest heat in evening session)

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