Day 2, 10 Aug 2008

City of Edinburgh Swimming’s Gregor Tait and Kirsty Balfour both made it through the semi finals of their respective events, the 100m backstroke for Tait, and the 100m breaststroke for Balfour.

Both athletes were very upbeat in the pre-race interviews. Balfour said,

“I’m feeling very positive. After I had got over the jet lag training has gone well and I am strong and happy, which is the way to feel in the lead up to a race.”

Tait was also in upbeat mood and said,

“I just want to get in there and do my best. I heard that at the Olympics only around 13% of athletes do a personal best, and I would like to be one of those athletes.”

Tait’s time of 54.62 after his heat was not a personal best, but was fast enough for him to have a second swim tomorrow morning. His preferred event is the 200m backstroke, which begins on Wednesday. Tait will swim in Heat 5 and has been drawn alongside current world record holder for the event, Ryan Lochte.

Balfour posted a time of 1:08.30, less than a second off her Scottish Record and which again gives her a second opportunity to improve on her best time.

Balfour’s preferred event, the 200m breaststroke is on Wednesday, where she will go in Heat 5 and has been drawn in Lane 1.