Swimming Australia has received confirmation from the sport’s world governing body, FINA, that the 100 metre freestyle time of 52.99 that Libby Lenton swam at this month’s Duel in the Pool will not be ratified as a world record.
The time, swum by Lenton as the lead-off leg of a mixed 4x100m freestyle relay where she was racing a
Swimming Australia has received confirmation from the sport’s world governing body, FINA, that the 100 metre freestyle time of 52.99 that Libby Lenton swam at this month’s Duel in the Pool will not be ratified as a world record.
The time, swum by Lenton as the lead-off leg of a mixed 4x100m freestyle relay where she was racing a male swimmer, was 0.31 seconds faster than German Britta Steffen’s existing world record.
FINA Executive Director Cornel Marculescu contacted Swimming Australia Limited CEO Glenn Tasker with the news and quoted FINA rules GR 9.6.1.2.
“This event is not included in the FINA rules GR 9.6.1.2 and consequently this relay is not a FINA event and the World Record can not be approved,” Marculescu said.
The rule, in effect, means the record can not be confirmed because the mixed 4x100m freestyle relay is not an approved FINA event.
Tasker has acknowledged the ruling and says he feels for Lenton.
“Swimming Australia lodged the application for a world record in accordance with FINA rules but unfortunately the application has been knocked back because this event (4x100m mixed freestyle relay) is not included in the FINA rules GR 9.6.1.2,” Tasker said.
“Consequently this relay is not a FINA event and the World Record can not be approved.
“Swimming Australia has no alternative but to accept this ruling as there is no further course of action. “
It is an unfortunate situation and our hearts go out to Libby and her coach Stephan Widmer because it was truly an amazing performance from an amazing young Australian swimmer who I’m sure will continue to aspire to lower the world mark."
On hearing the news Lenton was disappointed but positive as she looks towards the future.
“I am a little disappointed because I know in my heart what time I swam and that time is faster than the existing world record,” Lenton said.
“However, having said that, the disappointment can take nothing away from the fact I now know I am capable of swimming under 53 seconds and I will continue to strive to improve every aspect of my swimming.”
Lenton has returned to training in preparation for the Telstra Grand Prix in Brisbane on May 18-20 and June’s Mare Nostrum Series in Europe.
Swimming Australia
