Lizzie Simmonds progressed to tomorrow’s final of the 200m backstroke with a third place finish in her semi-final this morning.
The Team GB swimmer clocked a time of 2:08.96, but British team-mate
Gemma Spofforth just missed out on the final. She finished fourth in the same semi in 2:09.19, but that was only the ninth fastest time from the two semis.
Simmonds: “It was tough getting up for that race after last night, but I couldn't be happier with how it went. I've made an Olympic final. It's the stuff you dream of.
“Anything can happen now, there are some tough girls in there so we'll have to see. I'm very excited.”
James Goddard came sixth in the men’s 200m individual medley final in 1:59.24, ahead of
Liam Tancock, who was eighth in 2:00.76.
It was a race in which Michael Phelps (USA) produced another outstanding performance, winning his sixth gold of the Games in a world record time of 1:54.23.
Goddard said: It was a very tough race with three of the best swimmers of all time, Phelps, Lochte and Cseh.
“I tried to stay with Cseh as long as possible, but it didn't last long,” he added “I'll go away from here, assess my weaknesses and come back stronger.
“Not many people will be able to tell their children and grandchildren that they have been in an Olympic final when Phelps made history.
“He’s just phenomenal, absolutely incredible,” said Goddard.
Gregor Tait finished eighth in the 200m backstroke final in 1:57.00. He said: “My aim for the Games was to make the final and try to improve on my time, I've achieved the former and come close on three occasions to getting that pb.
“I'm happy with the way it’s gone this week but that's probably the last time I'll swim the 200m backstroke. I'll have a look at other events.
“That was the fastest final of all time and I feel proud and privileged to be a part of it.”
Fran Halsall finished eighth in the 100m final in 54.29 seconds.
She said: “At just 18 I'm delighted to have made the final and I've got three pbs as well this week so I've achieved my aims. I'm not happy with the time but was distracted at the start by the noise and cheering.
“I've still got the 50 free and medley relay, I'll get up for those and my team-mates,” she added.
Go to www.teamgb.com and click on 'Results' to view all the latest Team GB results. Click on 'Team GB' to view profiles of all Team GB athletes.
For further information
Please note Beijing local time is seven hours ahead of BST – if you are based in the UK please contact the London press office, which is operational from 6am to 9pm BST.
London office: 020 8871 2677 ext 215, 233, 227 or 247, or try the 24/7 hotline on +44 7725 372598
Overall queries & canoeing: Miriam Wilkens (Chief Press Officer) +86 1507 720 4293
Badminton, gymnastics, hockey & judo: Emma Griffin (Press Officer) +86 1507 720 4296
Archery, boxing, fencing, tennis & triathlon: Louisa Huddy (Press Officer) +86 1507 720 4295
Cycling, modern pentathlon, shooting, taekwondo & weightlifting: Becks Middleton (Press Officer) +86 1507 720 4294
Athletics: Chris Broadbent (Press Officer) +86 134 88 65 25 41
Equestrian: Winnie Murphy (Press Officer) +852 632 357 66
Rowing: Caroline Searle (Press Officer) +86 1507 720 4414
Sailing: Lindsey Bell (Press Officer) +86 1509 227 0939
Swimming: David Richards (Press Officer) +44 7789 926136