Aimee Canny (right) dominated the SA Swimming Championships in Gqeberha, winning the women’s 200m individual medley against Rebecca Meder and setting a new national record in the 200m freestyle, while both swimmers qualified for the Commonwealth Games. Picture supplied.
Image: Supplied.
In a thrilling battle in the women’s 200m individual medley, it was Aimee Canny who emerged victorious ahead of defending champion Rebecca Meder at the SA Swimming Championships in Gqeberha on Wednesday.
With Medley having gone faster in the morning heats, it set up an intriguing final with Canny.
Canny, though, out-duelled her much-fancied opponent as she touched the wall in 2:10.9, as Meder claimed second in 2:11.29.
Both swimmers also dipped under the Commonwealth Games qualifying marks with their efforts.
“That was a really exciting race. I knew coming into it, it was going to be really fun tonight,” said Canny afterwards. “I knew Rebecca was going to be there the whole way of that race and it was really fun to kind of swim with her, and I knew we were in it together,” she added.
Meder, meanwhile, was not quite as pleased.
“I wanted a 2:10. But I don't even think I'm fully tapered coming into this competition. The goal was just to get the job done… it's been good,” said Meder.
On Tuesday, Canny collected wins in the 200m freestyle and 100m breaststroke. In the 200m, the 22-year-old Canny touched the wall in 1:56.64 as she bettered her own national record in the process.
Not long after that triumph, Canny was back in the pool for the 100m as she beat out defending champion Meder, Simone Moll, and Kaylene Corbett for her second title on the night. Canny claimed the victory in a time of 1:06.57.