Jeffcoat makes no mistake this time

New Zealand swimmer Andrew Jeffcoat was bitterly disappointed to miss a bronze medal in the 100m backstroke the other day by the barest margin – just 0.07s.

He has made up for that now, and some, winning the gold medal in the 50m backstroke in a personal best time of 24.65s.

Jeffcoat, 23, was the second fastest qualifier, but got away fast in the final and even the frantic closing moments of the 50m race still seemed to have a margin in hand.

The silver medallist was South African Pieter Coetze, who recorded 24.77s.

“It certainly makes up for the disappointment of the fourth placing,” Jeffcoat said later. “I feel I stepped up tonight and I’m proud of myself and also of our team here.

“It’s been a great team to be part of, the best I’ve ever been in. There’s been so many PBs and we’re a very tight-knit team, very supportive.”

The New Zealanders have won seven medals in the pool in Birmingham, a fine effort.
Jeffcoat was asked what it felt like to look around and see his name on top of the scoreboard.

“That’s the moment you dream about. It’s such a special feeling, the best feeling I’ve ever had. I’m beyond grateful.”

In the women's 50m butterfly, New Zealander Helena Gasson finished seventh in 26.24s. The winner was Australian Emma McKeon in 25.90s.