London 2012: Michael Jamieson’s superb swimming silver rounds off terrific day for University of Bath sport
Michael Jamieson rounded off a terrific day for University of Bath sport by winning 200m breaststroke silver at the London 2012 Olympics tonight (Wednesday).
The Sports Performance student’s performance came just hours after Sports Technology graduate Heather Stanning and her rowing partner Helen Glover struck gold in the women’s pair this morning.
Michael set another British record of 2:07.43 tonight – his third GB record in three swims over the distance at the Olympics. Hungary’s Daniel Gyurta had to set a world record of 2:07.28 to edge Michael off the top spot on the podium.
Chemical Engineering student Andrew Willis, who like Michael was making his Olympic debut at London 2012, came home eighth in 2:09.44. He also has an English record to his credit from the semis.
The pair are both coached by David McNulty at the British Swimming Bath Intensive Training Centre at the University of Bath
Michael said: “It’s so much easier to swim when you’ve got a bit of confidence. I’ve had so many messages of support, it’s been unbelievable, I was desperate to get on the podium tonight to repay the support.
“I’ve gone over this in my head for so many years, I’m delighted.”
He also paid tribute to Andrew Willis, saying, “In a couple of years he’s definitely going to be the man to beat.”
Andrew (below right) said: “It was a tough race. I gave it my best and that’s all you can do. Michael deserved it and I’m really pleased for him.”
The pair had both been in impressive form in yesterday’s heats and semis, with Michael twice breaking his British record and Andrew equalling and then smashing his own English record.
They were cheered on by a crowd of athletes, staff and facilities users who watched the final on the video wall at the pair’s Sports Training Village training base.
It rounded off a fantastic day for sport at the University of Bath after Heather Stanning and Helen Glover’s gold medal winning performance in the rowing,
They became the first GB women’s rowing crew to win an Olympic gold medal and also the first Britons at London 2012 to win Olympic gold. The two learned to row on the GB Rowing Team’s Start programme at the University of Bath.
“It wasn’t until we crossed the line that I realised just how big the expectations were,” said Helen. “Hopefully it’ s a sign of things to come across Team GB. Let’s go for it, let’s make it our Games. I’d also like to think this will inspire more people to be active and enjoy sport.”
For a full round-up of the race and further reaction please go to:
It’s gold and a piece of history for Heather and Helen
There was disappointment for Stacey Tadd in the women’s 200m breaststroke heats and Chris Walker-Hebborn in the men’s 200m backstroke as neither progressed to the semis.
