Clareburt seventh in 200m freestyle final

With three Commonwealth Games medals, two of them gold, Clareburt has had a great week.

He was swimming in the ultra-competitive 200m freestyle as a bit of an experiment, he said, and was pleased with the experience.

Though Clareburt was half a second faster than in his qualifying heat, he lingered near the back of the field throughout the final. His time was 1min 46.40s, which was some distance behind the winner, Australian Kai Taylor, who sizzled to a time of 1min 45.22s.

'It was everything I expected and more,' he said after his swim. 'There were seven other guys in there who could be Olympic finalists. I was between two guys who have been No 1 and 2 in the world.

'I didn't do my best time, but it felt good to be there.'

Clareburt, who has been training in Melbourne this year, said he was pleased to have made the final. 'It felt good to know I can race those guys. The medley races will always be my babies, but I train across all four strokes so why not have a go at some of them in individual events?'

Clareburt, who heads off imminently for the Pan Pacific champs, said he felt his swimming had improved after his time in Melbourne.

'I feel like I've got some momentum back with my swimming. I'm moving forward again after some time of being stationary. Being in Melbourne has definitely helped. I'm training with guys who are better than me or are challenging me every day.'

Chelsey Edwards finished seventh in the women's 50m freestyle. Edwards swam 25.17s in a race that was won by Australian Meg Harris in 24.23s.

'I'm proud of my swim,' she said. 'Every 50m free is so different, but I’m happy with making a Commonwealth Games final.'