Payne hopes her versatility proves key in Sheffield

Posted: Friday 20th March 2009 | 12:46

KERI-ANNE Payne hopes her jack of all trades tag can bring her 400m medley success at the British Gas national championships.

DOUBLING UP: Payne (left) hopes her versatiloty can see her through in Sheffield (Getty Images)

The 21-year-old claimed open water silver in Beijing and currently rules the roost in the marathon 10km event in Britain.

Back in the pool, Payne has already claimed 200m medley silver and 800m freestyle bronze in Sheffield, but is yet to top the podium.

But having booked her place in the 400m medley final by winning her heat in 4:49.72 minutes, Payne is convinced it is her turn to claim gold.

"The race went pretty well, I was just working the first 200 metres then backed off but made sure I won the heat," said the South African-born swimmer.

"I think it is going to be quite a close final but it seemed quite easy so I am looking just to get back out there.

"I have got two medals already and I'd love to add a third. I would like to think that main event is the medley races

"I think physically I am in good shape I am not sure about how rested I am at the minute. I think I am not tired but not as good as I was this time last year - but I'm improving all the time."

RELATED:
Adlngton back to her best in Sheffield

While it is only the race winners that automatically secure themselves a place at July's World Championships in Rome, Payne will certainly be in the Italian capital for the open water event.

And while the Stockport Metro swimmer admits she would love to double up in the pool, it is the marathon event that is her main focus.

"It does certainly seem that the open water is going better at the moment," she added. "I have got a World Cup open water swimming event in May in Israel so just between now and then I'll be getting back into training and preparing for that."

In the 400m medley final Payne will face stiff competition from 19-year-old Hannah Miley, who was fastest in qualifying in 4:40.83m.

The Garioch swimmer set a new European record in the 200m medley, as well as taking 200m butterfly silver.

In the men's 400m medley, it was Lewis Smith who set the pace in qualifying, touching home in 4:21.74m.

The Edinburgh-born swimmer will be pushed all the way by 200m medley champion James Goddard as well as 29-year-old veteran James Gibson, who rolled back the years to capture 100m breaststroke gold in Wednesday.