Published: Thursday, 7th December, 2006 12:00
Lindsay claims gold in Durban champs
By Sportsdesk
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Pic by: Dunfermline Press
PARALYMPIC champion Andrew Lindsay has struck gold again, this time at swimming’s world championships for swimmers with a disability in Durban, South Africa.
InCAS swimmer Lindsay, who has twice won gold at the Paralympics, won the S7 100 metres backstoke on Saturday night and followed that up with a silver medal in the S7 400m freestyle on Tuesday evening.
In the S7 100m, Lindsay fought off tough competition to take gold.
Fired up for the race, world record holder Lindsay was under pressure on the first length but belted it home over the second 50m to win in 1:15.31, a tenth of a second off his world best.
“I was going for the world record but I’m not far off so I’m happy with that,” he told Press Sport.
“I’ve been training well with Anthony Stickland at the High Performance Centre in Stirling and the work we’ve put in has paid off today.
“The competition has improved greatly over the last couple of years and the Argentinians and Japanese are starting to pose a real threat.
“The 100m backstroke is always tough though and I know I’m not invincible so it was really important to come here and win.”
The following day, the West Fifer lost out to GB team mate Dave Roberts in the final of the 100m freestyle.
Roberts successfully defended his title, clocking 1:02.13 with Lindsay sixth in 1:09.82.
But Lindsay rounded off his championships in fine style on Tuesday by swimming his quickest time ever for silver in the S7 400m freestyle, clocking 5:01.66.
Once again team mate Roberts beat him to the title but Lindsay wasn’t caring as he told Press Sport, “After my performance in the heats I knew I could get a PB this afternoon.
“My swim was really smooth and controlled this morning and I felt there was more in there.
“It really helps to race against a British team mate as there’s always the hope you’ll get a one-two and we achieved that today.
“It’s a great result and really good for the British team.
“That’s my last event now so I’m going to put all my effort into supporting and helping the team continue its good run of performances.”
The championships, at the Kings Park Aquatic Centre in Durban, finish today (Thursday).
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