Wellingtonian Gareth Kean was below his best but snuck into tonights final of the Commonwealth Games 200m backstroke.
Kean, who celebrated his 19th birthday yesterday, was ranked third equal on time going into his morning heat, but was well off his best pace.
He has a personal best of 1min 57s, set a few weeks ago, but today managed just 2min 00.86 and snuck into the final as the eighth qualifier. The next best time was 2min 01.37s.
I cut it fine, said a relieved Kean, but if youre in, youre in.
Kean, coached by former backstroke great Gary Hurring, was slow coming home. He covered his first 100m in 58.80s, had a bad third quarter and then picked it up on the charge for the finish.
I didnt talk to Gary before the race but I know what he likes. He would want an even split. Its something to go back and think about for the final.
Keans fellow New Zealander Daniel Bell missed a place in the final. His time of 2min 02.34s placed him 12 of the 17 starters. The fastest qualifier was Englishman James Goddard in 1min 59.30s.
Meanwhile Southlander Natalie Wiegersma was 13th fastest in the womens 100m butterfly. Wiegersma swam 1min 01.17s to qualify for tonights semi-finals.
The fastest qualifier was Welsh woman Jemma Lowe in 58.91s.
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