Swimmer Jazz Carlin, 24, claimed the gold medal with a finishing time of just over four minutes, helping to erase memories of her disappointment at the 2012 Olympic qualifiers in the London Aquatics Centre. On that occasion, she was competing with a bout of glandular fever, but this time there was nothing holding her back.
It represented the second-fastest finish she has achieved in this event, and fell within the World Championships qualification time, ensuring she will compete this summer in Kazan.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Carlin acknowledged that her previous race at the Aquatics Centre did not work out the way she had hoped, but stated that she was a much different competitor now and aimed to show that at the international competition. She added:
“I feel a lot stronger mentally, it is all about accepting the journey and the highs and lows – you have got to get used to that and become the best you can be. Hopefully the next couple of years can go my way.”
Carlin grew up in Swindon before moving with her parents to Wales when she was 16. If people from the town wanted to support her at events like these, they can use banner printing in Swindon to do so.