Simmonds progress going swimmingly

LIZZIE SIMMONDS has vowed to learn the lessons from her Beijing experience in four years time.

The Beverley teenager finished sixth in the 200m backstroke this weekend - her first ever Olympic final.

And the 17-year believes her career is the charting the right progress as she looks toward next year's World Championships in Rome, while prospect of a home Games in 2012 is always on the horizon.

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"I've improved one place from where I finished at the World Championships last year and, more importantly, I've swum three seconds quicker," she said.

"I went into the final seeded seventh and I placed sixth, which is as much as I hoped for. If I can keep improving at the same rate next year, I'll soon be flying high."

British coach Ben Titley has high hopes for Simmonds - who also competed in the 100m backstroke. And she underlined them with some mature displays in Beijing.

While the Water Cube crackled with excited expectation at the arrival of the record-breaking Michael Phelps, Simmonds soaked up the atmosphere and didn't seem fazed.

"It was an amazing experience to be in there and swim an Olympic final," she added.

"I'm very proud of myself for the way I handled the occasion. I wasn't nervous or terrified and I just tried to enjoy the moment, which I did."

Simmonds went out hard and was placed among the medals at the halfway stage. But the early effort took its toll as Zimbabwe's Kirsty Coventry produced a start to finish victory, which she secured in a new world record. Coventry had banked three silvers before the race but was determined to retain the title she won in Athens.

Simmonds could only watch in admiration - and vow to catch her up next time.

"Kirsty is a fantastic swimmer and I try to emulate her," she said.

"She's a really nice person as well and I respect the way that she swims and keeps her head together.

"I certainly feel like I belong in that company. I'm working my way up the ladder to the top and I'm pleased with the way it's going.

"I went out very hard to give myself a bit of a chance because if you are not in the race at the start, you never will be.

"I wish I had more in the final stages but go out that fast gives me real hope for the future.

"I knew my rivals were holding back a little bit in the heats and semis and were ready to go really fast in the final.

"I just concentrated on my race and didn't get carried away with what they did.  I had nothing to lose and I just gave it my best effort."

JAMES TONEY in Beijing