Ashby, Gichard in day four heats action

It was New Zealand’s youngest team members, Bobbi Gichard and Bradlee Ashby, in action of today’s heats at the FINA World Championships in Kazan, Russia.

It is the pairs first world championships and has been an important step up in their international swimming career providing excellent experience against the world’s best.

Waikato teenager Bradlee Ashby faced defending world champion Ryan Lochte (USA) in his heat of the 200m individual medley and clocked 2:02.96 to be 25^th fastest.

Ashby will next compete on Friday in heats of the 100m butterfly.

Bobbi Gichard clocked 29.15s in her least favoured event the 50m backstroke today to be 29^th fastest.

The 15 year old now looks ahead to her more favoured 200m backstroke event in a couple of days time.

Glenn Snyders is the only Kiwi in action in tonight’s finals session in the 50m breaststroke final where he qualified sixth fastest.