Oliver Morgan continued his ‘hitting a personal best every time I swim’ era in London last night.
Racing in the final of the men’s 100m backstroke, the 20 year old Birmingham University star from Bishop's Castle crushed a new career-quickest time of 52.70 to take the gold and establish a new British national record.
His time erased the longstanding supersuited mark of 52.73 Liam Tancock put on the books at the 2009 World Championships.
Morgan has been building into this performance over the past year, although this 52.87 marked his first-ever foray under the 53-second barrier.
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Entering these championships, Morgan’s personal best rested at the 53.26 produced at the 2023 World Championships.
His 52.87 morning effort rendered him Great Britain’s No2 ranked performer, but now his 52.70 puts him ahead of the rest and into the history books as the fastest Brit ever.
Morgan’s time easily cleared the Aquatics GB-mandated selection standard of 53.68 needed to add his name to the Olympic Games roster.
In addition to Morgan’s new record standing out as an accomplishment on its own, it’s especially promising for the British men’s medley relay.
The opening backstroke leg has been a point of weakness for the nation.
However, Morgan’s time, paired with Adam Peaty‘s 57.94 head-turning 100m breast performance, bodes well for what the squad can do this summer.
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