World championships close on a high

The 2013 FINA Aquatic World Championships concluded over the weekend, with NSWIS swimmer James Magnussen winning a second medal on the final night of competition.

Swimming the final leg of the Australian men’s 4x100m freestyle relay campaign, Magnussen powered home to secure Australia a bronze medal in the final, however after the USA were disqualified the Australians were promoted to silver.

The silver adds to the gold medal Magnussen won only days ago in the men’s 100m freestyle as he successfully defended his title from Shanghai two years ago.

Magnussen’s gold added to the three silver medals won by fellow NSWIS athlete Emma McKeon, who claimed the medals as a member of the Australian women’s 4x100m and 4x200m freestyle relay, as well as the women’s 4x100m medley relay teams.

Ami Matsuo also received a silver medal for her efforts in the 4x200m freestyle relay.

In other swimming results for NSWIS athletes, Daniel Tranter and Kenneth To finished sixth and 13th respectively in the men’s 200m individual medley; Jessica Ashwood claimed a 10th place finish in the women’s 800m freestyle; Magnussen and Abood clocked ninth and 11th place finishes in the men’s 50m freestyle, and David McKeon finished 12th in the men’s 400m freestyle and ninth as part of the Australian men’s 4x200m freestyle relay.

The world championships were also a success for the Australian women’s water polo team, which included six NSWIS athletes.

After defeating Russia in the semi-final, the Stingers, featuring NSWIS athletes Holly Lincoln-Smith, Nicola Zagame, Hannah Buckling, Lea Barta, Keesja Gofers and Jayde Appel, suffered a hard fought 8-6 loss against hosts and eventual champions Spain in the final to bag silver.

The Australian men’s team, including seven NSWIS athletes finished eighth.