Freya Anderson shines on the big stage
Competing at 16 against Olympic gold medallists should be intimidating – but for rising star Freya Anderson there were no nerves in her maiden global competition in Budapest.
After taking part in the heats of Wednesday’s mixed medley relay, Anderson made her individual bow at the World Swimming Championships in the 100m freestyle.
And the Ellesmere College student did so in style, shaving a tenth off her personal best in the heats before going 53.91 in the semi-finals to break 54 seconds for the first time.
That was not enough to see her through to today’s final, but she is already the third fastest of all-time over the distance among British swimmers, despite her young years. And the teenager said the lack of expectation made it an easy transition in her first senior international meet.
She said: “I’ve been wanting to dip under 54 for a while so it’s good to get under. There was no pressure on me, it was just a case of coming here and racing so it’s good.
“It’s not that scary (going up against a world-class field). I just stick to myself and I know what I’m doing and try to ignore everyone else. It’s quite a good experience. I’ve not been too nervous.
“I know they are really good, but I just keep to myself and know that my swim is my individual swim. Because I’m so young, it’s good to have the experience now so that in the future I’ll be better.”
Fellow Ellesmere College student Conor Ferguson made a whirlwind appearance at the event, flying in on Tuesday for yesterday’s 200m backstroke heats.
While his main focus is the World Junior Championships next month, the Irishman was still able to record a time of 1:59.03, and is confident he will be in even better form when he heads out to Indianapolis.
He said: “I came here not in my best shape, I’ve got world juniors in four weeks’ time. This is just great experience.
“It’s my fastest heat swim ever. I’m going to take that as a win, it’s just a great experience.”
You can help the next generation of young British swimmers by getting involved in SportsAid Week this September with five-time Paralympic champion Ellie Simmonds OBE. Visit www.sportsaid.org.uk/sportsaidweek to find out more about how you can support the week of fun and fundraising.
