Huegill snatches bronze

NSWIS swimmer Geoff Huegill has continued to impress in the lead up the London after taking bronze in the men’s 50m butterfly at the 2011 FINA Aquatic World Championships in Shanghai.

After posting the second fastest time in the semi-finals, Huegill went on to win bronze behind Cesar Cielo of Brazil and fellow Australian Matt Targett. Huegill’s time of 23.35 was slightly slower than his time in the semi-final, but still good enough to snatch bronze by 0.03 seconds from Frenchman Frederick Bousqet.

Also in Shanghai, the Australian women’s water polo team, the Stingers, were knocked out of medal contention by Italy after a tense penalty shootout.

The Stingers, featuring four NSWIS athletes, clawed their way back into the fight with a 6-4 third quarter before scoring the opening goal in extra time. The Italians levelled with two minutes to go in extra time before taking the penalty shoot out 3-5.

Although the team will play for fifth to eighth spot, they will be joined by reigning Olympic and world champions the USA, European powerhouse the Netherlands and first round foes Canada, who all lost in the quarter finals.

Today’s action in Shanghai sees four NSWIS athlete take to the pool as part of the Australian Sharks water polo team. The Sharks play Japan in the ninth to 12th playoffs.