Willmott lays down Olympic marker at ASA Nationals

Posted: Sunday 24th June 2012 | 10:23

AIMEE Willmott laid down a marker in her final race before London 2012 with an emphatic gold in the 400m medley at the British Gas ASA National Championships in Sheffield.

Having clocked the fastest heat swim of her career with a 4:40.79 in the morning session, the English record holder kicked on in the final length to touch in 4.38.68.

"This week I've had quite a few hard sessions so to do that time, I'm really chuffed," said Willmott, who will join world medallist Hannah Miley in the British Olympic team.

"I've been getting in the pool a bit later to get used to swimming fast at 10 o'clock and that's starting to pay off.

"I knew I would be tired after that morning swim so I just had to get in and give it everything. It really hurt but I'm really happy with the time."

Jack Marriott and Antony James were only separated after a photo finish in the 50m butterfly.

Marriott had become just the third Brit - with James and British record holder Mark Foster - to dip below 24 seconds with his 23.78 second heat swim.

And he took the touch in the final with a 23.77 sec personal best.

Meanwhile, Olympic bound Jemma Lowe secured a comfortable victory in her last race before the Games as she stormed to gold in the 200m butterfly.

The Welsh swimmer, who reached the World Championship final last season, had qualified fastest for the final and saw off her national competition with a time of 2.08.59.