There was a great atmosphere within the team which had the pleasure of staying in the superb athletes village - most other nations were saying that it's the best they have ever seen. Unfortunately the swimmers had to miss Danny Boyle's opening ceremony because we competed the next day, and the ceremony didn't finish until 1am
Becky's first swim was the 4x100 free relay. She swam the last leg in the heat in 54.7 with the other legs swum by Amy Smith, Caitlen McClatchy and Jessica Lloyd. In the final, Becky made way for Fan Halsall and the team went on to finish in a superb 5th place. Her second swim was the individual 200 free finishing in 1.58.9, just off her best but a great effort. Frustratingly, she came 17th which meant she just missed out on a semi-final swim.
Her 3rd swim was the heats of the 4x200 free relay, where she swam the second leg in 1.57.8, helping the team to make the final. She then swam a pb of 1.57.3 in the final helping the team to finish in 5th place.
Becky said "The Olympics has been an amazing experience. I took a couple of races to get going and to get to my best, but on the whole I'm really pleased with how I swam. It was really frustrating coming 17th in the 200, as I was targeting at least a semi final, but I will come back stronger and make sure it never happens again. The final of the 4x200 was brilliant, and I loved walking out with all of the fans cheering us on. Thanks for everybody's messages and great support, it really meant a lot. Can't wait to get back to it and smash it again!!"
Ellie's first swim was the 4x200 free heats. She swam the third leg in 1.59.3, helping the team to qualify for the final. GB The team for the 4X200 was Caitlen McClatchy, Becky Turner, Ellie Faulkner (Hannah Miley final) and Jo Jackson.
Ellie's second swim was the 800 free. She touched in 8.38.0, and finished 22nd. She was very disappointed with her swim as she was hoping to make the final. What she didn't tell anyone was that she was treated for a kidney infection in the week before her swims which included a course of antibiotics and a day in hospital. Her bravery and self belief was amazing, and she stayed very positive throughout
Ellie said "I was really disappointed with my 800m swim, as I believed I could make the final, but I tried my best and have learnt lots from the experience. I was really happy that I helped the girls through to the final on the relay though, and was so chuffed with them getting 5th. The support for us was fantastic, so thanks to everybody for getting behind us! I am more motivated than ever now, and am going to train harder than ever to try to get a medal next time"
Overall the Olympic meet was an amazing experience for all involved. Team GB performed fantastically well, coming 3rd best Nation and the Olympics have been a resounding success. We played our little part, and I am so proud of Becky and Ellie. I know both would have wanted to swim faster, but that's why they are so good, and I know they will come back better and stronger from their experience. They conducted themselves impeccably and the club and city should be very proud of them. Can I take this opportunity to thank the club, the council and SIV for their support over the past 4 years, and all of the staff that have contributed to the squads success. It has certainly been worth it, and we're all looking forwards to Crispy swimming at the Paralympics now, and then onto Rio 2016!
