PB victory from University of Bath sporting scholar Tom Dean helps London Roar reach final of 2020 International Swimming League
Sporting scholar Tom Dean recorded his first win of the 2020 International Swimming League (ISL) season in style as University of Bath-based swimmers helped London Roar book their place in the Grand Final.
Mechanical Engineering student Dean, who is supported by a Bill Whiteley Sporting Scholarship, clocked a personal best of 3:37.87 as he reeled in race favourite Danas Rapsys before holding off the Lithuanian to claim an impressive victory in the men’s 400m freestyle on Day 1 of the ISL semi-finals in Budapest.
Dean, coached by David McNulty in the University’s London 2012 Legacy Pool, also gained valuable points by finishing fourth in the 200m freestyle as Roar finished overall runners-up to Energy Standard – both teams now progress to the final, taking place this weekend (November 21-22).
Freya Anderson, a training partner of Dean in the British Swimming National Centre Bath squad based at the University, has been in fantastic form throughout the ISL competition and recorded five more top-three finishes for Roar in the semi-finals.
She once again teamed up with University of Bath alumna Anna Hopkin to help Roar to victory in both the women’s and mixed 4x100m freestyle relays, and also anchored the women’s 4x100m medley quartet to second place.
Anderson’s individual races saw her finish runner-up in the 100m freestyle, in a personal best time of 51.43, and place third in the 200m freestyle (1:53.07).
Holly Hibbott and Emily Large also contributed to Roar’s points total, while fellow National Centre Bath new recruit Matt Richards – coached by Jol Finck – again impressed during several swims for New York Breakers.
Click here to find out more about the swimming programme at the University of Bath.
Pictures: International Swimming League
