Dinos' Morningstar sets Canadian record at world trials

Photo credit David Moll, University of Calgary

VICTORIA – University of Calgary swimmer Erica Morningstar broke a Canadian record in the 200-metre individual medley Saturday at the world championship swimming trials at Saanich Commonwealth Place.

The four-day competition which determined Swimming Canada's team for the pool events at the 2011 FINA World Championships this summer in Shanghai, China wrapped up Saturday with 32 swimmers nominated to the team.

In the women's 200 IM, Morningstar won a heated battle over Julia Wilkinson of Stratford, Ont., clocking 2:11.23. That lowered the previous national mark of 2:11.32 set by Wilkinson last summer. On Saturday, Wilkinson just fell short of a fourth individual gold finishing in 2:12.89.

With the win, Morningstar gains a spot on the world team in her final opportunity while Wilkinson also went under the qualifying standard.

''I was a little unsure of myself the first few days of this meet,'' said Morningstar. ''My prelims went well this morning and I gained some confidence for the final. I knew with Julia it would be a close race because she is so strong in this event.''

Morningstar is the reigning CIS swimmer of the year and led the Dinos to their third straight national women's title Feb. 26 in their home pool.

Source:

Calgary Sports Info