LONDON, July 31 (Reuters) – World champion James Magnussen
resurfaced from his disappointing showing in the relay to top
the qualifiers for the final of the men’s 100 metres freestyle
at the London Olympics on Tuesday.
Magnussen had boasted before the Games that he would win
gold medals in the blue-riband sprint and the 4×100 freestyle
relay but he had a shocking lead-off leg in the relay and
Australia finished only fourth.
He was in much better form on Tuesday, advancing to the
final as the fastest qualifier after winning his semi in 47.63
seconds.
“It is a relief more than anything to feel what it is like to
go fast. I felt really good tonight and that I still have plenty
left in the tank,” Magnussen said.
Nathan Adrian, who won a silver medal for the United States
in Sunday’s relay after beating Magnussen in the lead-off leg,
was second fastest overall, posting a time of 47.97, while
Brazilian world record holder Cesar Cielo was fifth overall in
48.17.
Magnussen was the overwhelming favourite to win gold before
the Games after winning the world title last year but said his
self-belief had been shaken by the relay result.
“I had doubts, something that I haven’t done throughout my
whole career,” he said.
“I have always been so confident. It was probably the
reality check that I needed. If I can win this one it will be
for the other boys in the relay team.”
(Reporting by Julian Linden; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)
© Thomson Reuters 2012 All rights reserved
