YOG 2010: Faulkner nets second swimming bronze in Singapore

By Tom Reynolds, Sportsbeat, in Singapore

 ELLIE Faulkner insists the glass is half full after collecting bronze at the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.

ON THE PODIUM: Ellie Faulkner follows compatriot Rachael Kelly onto the podium in Singapore with 400m freestyle bronze (Singapore Press Holdings)

The 17-year-old was a heavy favourite for 400m gold in the Far East, having clocked the fastest time in qualifying by more than a second.

But Faulkner could not produce the goods in the final and came home in 4:14.31 minutes - 3.94 seconds behind gold medallist Boglarka Kapas of Hungary.

Faulkner has struggled for form in Singapore and failed to make the final of both the 100m and the 200m prior to competing in her favourite event.

But while the City of Sheffield swimmer admits she had grand designs on a golden finale in Singapore, she insists she has every reason to smile after her trip to the podium.

"I am feeling fine, I have got a medal at the end of the day so I have to be happy with that," said Faulkner.

"I just didn't get going in the final, which is disappointing. But I have a medal, so I have to be happy.

"I could see the Hungarian girl and I tried to go with her but it was just hurting too much but I am on the medal table which is great."

Faulkner has already proved her pedigree at junior level, capturing gold in the 4x200m freestyle relay at the European Junior Championships in 2009.

And having missed out on the 200m final in Singapore, Faulkner is adamant she will have her head held high in the Far East.

"It has been a good week. I was feeling good after the 100m but then after the 200m and missing out on the final I felt a bit down," added Faulkner.

"So to come back and get a medal in the end is great - I have enjoyed the whole week and it has been a fantastic experience.

"I am happy and I am proud of the swim. I feel like I have got better with every swim and it's great to get a medal."

  Lloyds TSB, proud partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and supporter of Team GB on their journey to the 2010 Singapore Youth Olympic Games. Visit LloydsTSB.com/London2012