Lewis Clareburt continued to mix it with the world’s best swimmers today when he qualified for the 200m individual medley.
The Wellingtonian swam fourth in his semi-final in a time of 1min 57.55s, fractionally slower than his heat time. His semi-final was won by Shun Wang of China in 1min 56.22s and Wang was the fastest qualifier for the final.
For the second successive race Clareburt looked out of the reckoning entering the final 50 metres of freestyle, but again he uncorked a sizzling sprint finish. His time for the final 50m was 27.22, by far the fastest of anyone in his race and again he picked up several placings in the home stretch.
Clareburt was delighted, but also slightly surprised to have made his second final in Tokyo.
“I didn’t expect to be in two finals here, especially after I had that bad 400IM final. It took a lot to refocus and start again and I was lucky I had so much support. It was tough, but it’s a learning experience for me. I’ve never had a bad race and then had to back it up.
“I’m happy that I’ve made my second final – two out of two…I can’t complain.”