Main, Ashby through to semis

Both New Zealand swimmers in action today slipped into tonight’s semi-finals.

Counties Manukau swimmer Corey Main was 15^th of the 16 qualifiers in the 200m backstroke. Main, 21, recorded a personal best of 1min 57.51s and got through with 0.1s to spare.

Main said he felt comfortable today. “That felt good, much better than the 100. I was pleased with how I came home,” he said. “I think 1.56 low could make the final. That’s a big PB for me, but I'm up for it.”

And Waikato swimmer Bradlee Ashby edged into the 200m individual medley semi-final when he swam 1min 59.77s to grab the 16^th and final qualifying spot. He had a bare 0.03s to spare.

Ashby swam right up to his personal best of 1min 59.76s and said he had to dig deep over the last 50 metres.

“It was right on my PB. I know I can go faster, but I am so pleased to make a semi,” he said.

CAPTION: Bradlee Ashby in action in Rio. Credit: Ian MacNicol.

Rio Olympic