Snyders finishes seventh in 50 BR final

Veteran North Shore swimmer Glenn Snyders remains among the sport’s fastest breaststrokers, finishing seventh in the 50m final on day four of the FINA World Championships in Kazan, Russia today.

The 28 year old, based under renowned American coach Dave Salo in Los Angeles, followed up his sixth placing in the same event in Barcelona two years ago, and was just 13/100ths of a second off fifth in 27.36. It was a blink slower than his semifinal time, but both times were his fastest in the last 18 months.

“Being in the final with the fastest guys in the world was pretty special. We had two world records as well in the heats and semi, so I was really happy to be in the final,” Snyders said.

“The swim was ok. There were a couple of things I could have done better. I was happy to get those times in the 50, after the disappointment in the 100 where everyone swam unbelievably fast that morning and I was disappointed to get 18^th.

“After the first day I told myself to bounce back and go for a good time in the 50 which I did and made the final.

He returns to the pool for the 200m breaststroke tomorrow, an event that will test the sprint specialist.

“I have nothing to lose. I am just going to go for it, swim my heat well and post a good time.”

He is also enjoying the Russian experience.

“It has been great so far. The pool is built in a football stadium. It’s big, the crowd are noisy and enjoying it. The atmosphere was great tonight.

Earlier world championship teenage rookies Bradlee Ashby and Bobbi Gichard took on some of the sport’s superstars.

Waikato’s 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.

Hawkes Bay’s Gichard clocked 29.15s in her least favoured event, the 50m backstroke to be 29^th fastest.

As well as Snyders in the 200m breaststroke tomorrow, Corey Main competes in his favoured 200m backstroke.

Finals Results, men 50m breaststroke: Adam Peaty (GBR) 26.51, 1; Cameron van der Burgh (RSA) 26.66, 2; Kevin Cordes (USA) 26.86, 3. Also: Glenn Snyders (NZL) 27.36, 7.

CAPTION: Glenn Snyders in action in the 50m breaststroke final. (The image is  free for editorial use only. Credit: Ian Macnicol).