Renwick clinches double

WITH the 400m freestyle gold medal already in the bag, Robbie Renwick became the first swimmer to qualify for two individual events at this year’s Olympic when he added victory in the 200m freestyle at the British Gas British Championships last night.

Clearly at home at the new London Aquatics Centre, City of Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games Champion won in 1:47.33 and will be selected for both the individual event and the 4 x 200m freestyle relay. But Stirling’s Jak Scott, fifth in 1:48.61, and Aberdonian David Carry, sixth in 1:49.20, both missed out.

“It’s a fantastic feeling again,” said the 23-year-old, who set a Scottish record in the 400m freestyle. “I know I can go faster but I was a bit tired after the 400m. But it is great to know that I am the British No.1 and now the hard work really starts. Just five months until the Olympics.”

In the semi-finals, Hannah Miley, already a qualifier in the 400m individual medley, was fastest in the 200m event in 2:12.63, and Caitlin McClatchey, the two-time Olympian, was quickest in the 200m freestyle and both Scots will be chasing medals tonight. McClatchey, the 2006 Commonwealth Champion, was delighted with her time of 1:57.45 after some tough times with illness. “It’s been a hard couple of years but I’ve always been desperate to get to London and I’ve been working hard,” said the 26-year-old. “I’m looking forward to the final. I would love an individual place, but I would be happy to make the relay.”