Golden start for NSWIS swimmers

Swimmers Matthew Abood, James Magnussen and Eamon Sullivan became the Institute’s latest world champions after a stunning swim in the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay at the 2011 FINA Aquatic World Championships in Shanghai.

On the opening night of the swimming schedule, the NSWIS trio joined fellow Australian Matthew Targett to triumph over France and the USA in a time of 3:11.00. Magnussen posted an opening split of 47.49, setting up Targett (47.87) and Abood (47.92) perfectly before the experienced Sullivan stormed home in 47.72 seconds to win by 0.14 seconds from the French quartet.

The win marked the first time the USA had been beaten in a relay since 2007 and will provide a great psychological advantage for all Australian swimmers as they continue on the road to the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Day one of the swimming proved to be a successful venture for NSWIS athlete Geoff Huegill, who qualified second fastest for tonight’s final of the men’s 50m butterfly. Huegill’s time of 23.26 was a new personal best in a textile suit.

Elsewhere in Shanghai, the Australian men’s water polo team, the Sharks, was knocked out of medal contention after an 8-9 loss to Spain.

The Sharks, featuring five NSWIS athletes, looked all but gone at half-time as they headed into the break down 2-7, but a third and fourth quarter fight back kept the Spaniards on edge. The miraculous comeback was not to be however, with the Sharks now scheduled to face off for placings.

Today’s action in Shanghai will see four NSWIS athletes compete in the Australian women’s water polo team, the Stingers, as they take on Italy in an effort to reach the semi-finals.

In the swimming events, Huegill will be attempting to top the medal dais in the men’s 50m butterfly and Jessica Ashwood will compete in the heats of the women’s 1500m.