Sullivan's Double In The 50

The Age

Saturday March 29, 2008

Stathi Paxinos, Sydney

EAMON Sullivan last night capped of an incredible Olympic selection trials by breaking the 50 metres freestyle world record for the second night in a row.

Sullivan has been in hot form this week and reinforced his standing as the fastest man on the planet when he lowered the record of 21.41 he set on Thursday night to 21.28 seconds.

"I was hoping for a 21.39 or 21.38, but to go that far under is just amazing, I'm just so happy with it," Sullivan said.

"It's just been unbelievable. What I've been working towards every day in my life is swimming fast and it's just all come together in one big swoop."

He was followed in by veteran Ashley Callus, who will be going to his third Olympics, after placing second in 22.02.

Meanwhile, the ever-green Adam Pine became the oldest man on the Beijing Olympic team when he won the 100 metres butterfly in 51.91 seconds, holding off one of the young guns Andrew Lauterstein in 52.13.

The 32-year-old Pine, who has contemplated retirement more than once over the past few years, showed there was still life left in his career.

"It's been a really long week but the 100 fly is always at the end, but for some reason I just remained calm and quietly confident," Pine said.

"I knew I had the best swim in me this week so to do three PBs in three swims I'm very happy with that."

"I love swimming and love being here at the meets and hanging around with all the young guys now. I went away to a camp a few weeks ago and was rooming with a 16-year-old. He was half my age.

"I was sitting in my hotel room (yesterday) knowing it could go either way and that's what's exciting about it. Not knowing whether I'm going to be on the plane to Beijing or whether I would be hanging up my goggles."

Lauterstein, who secured his berth on the Olympic team with his third in the 100 freestyle, making him eligible for the the 4x100 freestyle relay team, was ecstatic with his individual berth.

"I've never put so much effort into anything in my life, even though I've only been around 20 years," he said.

"I tried pretty hard at school and I've always think I've done the right thing when it's come to my swimming but this year my preparation's been flawless. I've done 10 sessions a week, been meticulous with my massage and physio.

"It's amazing to come out here and get those rewards for that little bit of dedication."

Meagen Nay, 19, overcame a shoulder injury, which forced her out of the 100 backstroke to win the 200 and follow in the footsteps of her late father Robbie Nay, a 1972 Olympian.

She won in a Commonwealth record time of 2 minutes 08.55 seconds from Belinda Hocking (2:08.93).

"It was one of the best races of my life, I didn't feel the shoulder, so everything just kind of came together," Nay said.

"It's a dream come true to follow in my dad's footsteps and swim at the Olympics and I wish he was here now, but it's just awesome.

"Mum's just been the biggest support for me and I'm just so glad she's here tonight."

Kylie Palmer secured her place on the team by winning the 800 freestyle.

© 2008 The Age

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