adminCHINA’S pool star Sun Yang threw down a marker for yesterday’s 400m men’s freestyle final at the world swimming championships with the Olympic champion fastest in the morning’s heats. The 21-year-old Sun clocked 3mins 44.67secs in Barcelona with Canada’s Ryan Cochrane, who finished second to the Chinese at both the 2012 Olympics and 2011 Shanghai world championships, second fastest in 3mins 45.74.
Teenager Katie Ledecky, the 800m freestyle Olympic champion, was the fastest into the 400m women’s final as the American swam 4mins 03.05 – a second faster than her nearest rival.
Ledecky has a punishing schedule in Barcelona, including the 400, 800 and 1500m freestyles, after winning the trio of events at the USA’s Olympic trials.
“I’ve put in the work in preparation this year, so I am ready for it,” said the 16-year-old.-online.
Online Reporter
derick.khumalo