Swimming: Jazz Carlin strikes the right note

JAZZ Carlin confirmed a record-breaking ninth British medal at the Aquatics World Championships in Kazan after taking bronze in the women’s 800 metres freestyle.

Britains Jazz Carlin celebrates after winning World Championship bronze in the 800m freestyle final. Picture: Getty

Carlin finished behind all-conquering Katie Ledecky, whose time of eight minutes 07.39 seconds smashed the American’s own world record by more than three seconds as she claimed her fifth gold medal of the meeting. Carlin’s bronze ensured the British team went one better than the eight-medal haul achieved in both 1975 and 2003.

And it made up for the 24-year-old’s disappointment at finishing fourth in the 400m freestyle on the opening night of the championships – and also in Barcelona two years ago.

Carlin finished strongly to come less than a second behind silver medallist Lauren Boyle of New Zealand, and her time of 8mins 18.15secs was enough to hold off Australian Jessica Ashwood.

Afterwards Carlin paid tribute to Ledecky, telling the BBC: “It’s a tough race with the other girls out there and I didn’t realise how fast Katie was going, but to do 8.07 is incredible.”

Reflecting on her ability to bounce back from her 400m disappointment on the opening night, Carlin added: “I’m a bit older now and obviously I have to look after my recovery a bit more.

“So to come in and get a bronze medal with my family here just makes it that bit more special. It’s a bronze medal for the British team and it’s been a great week for everyone.”

Liam Tancock and Fran Halsall booked final places in the men’s 50m backstroke and women’s 50m freestyle respectively.

Scotland’s Dan Wallace competes in the 400m individual medley today.