Both New Zealand swimmers in action today slipped into tonight’s semi-finals.
Aucklander Corey Main was 15th of the 16 qualifiers in the 200m backstroke. Main, 21, recorded 1min 57.51s and got through with 0.1s to spare.
Main said he felt comfortable today. “That felt good, much better than the 100. I was pleased with how I came home,” he said. “I think 1.56 low could make the final. That’s a big PB for me, but I'm up for it.”
And Waikato swimmer Bradlee Ashby edged into the 200m individual medley final when he swam 1min 59.77s to grab the 16th and final qualifying spot. He had a bare 0.03s to spare. Ashby swam right up to his best – his personal best is 1min 59.76s.
Ashby said he had to dig really deep over the last 50 metres.
“It was right on my PB. I know I can go faster, but I am so pleased to make a semi,” he said.