Borough of Kirklees swimmer Kyle Chisholm was elated with his showing at the British Swimming Championships at the London Aquatics Centre – and is now setting sights on the Europeans.
He finished second in the final of the men’s junior 400m freestyle, which is a European Games qualifying event.
Chisholm recorded a time of 3min 52.32sec as he finished second behind Millfield’s Cameron Kurle – and he was delighted with the fast pace of the race.
“I am happy,” said Chisholm. “It is what I have wanted to do all season.
“It was a fast race. We had Cameron Kurle in the middle lane, he’s come out of nowhere this season, he’s done a good job and he gave me a good race and that is what I wanted.
“I think that gives me a Europeans spot and it now just depends on the selection and which way they want to go. The top two were both under the Worlds and European Juniors qualifying time so that is great.
“It is a big springboard for this season but also for the rest of this week. There are some other races that I am going to be competing in and this is a great start.
“I’ve got the 200m butterfly, a few days rest and then I’m back on Saturday for the 200m freestyle and the 100m butterfly.”
Clubmate Daniel Cross was left bitterly disappointed with his opening performance.
After qualifying for the final of the men’s junior 100m backstroke, Cross recorded a time of 56.63sec to finish fourth, with Luke Greenbank taking gold, Joseph Hulme the silver and Craig McLean the bronze.
There was extra disappointment for Cross as the event doubled up as the selection race to earn a spot on the Team GB squad that will head to Bake this summer for those inaugural European Games.
And Cross admitted his inability to master a new pool and surroundings had ultimately cost him.
“I’m very disappointed with my performance – it didn’t go to plan and I know there was much more I could have done,” he said.
“I’m not used to swimming at this venue and that has cost me, it’s my own fault – I need to learn how to adapt.
“I’m frustrated with my time and my performance – I know I could have done so much more and that’s upsetting.”
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