Jackson: victory marked change of fortune after health problems
Olympic 400metres freestyle bronze medallist Jo Jackson and European 200m backstroke champion Lizzie Simmonds both claimed impressive victories at the British Gas ASA National Championships to qualify for the World Championships in Shanghai.
Jackson produced a powerful swim in the 200m freestyle in Sheffield, while Simmonds was a clear winner in the 100m backstroke as both swimmers responded to the disappointment of not qualifying at the first trials in Manchester in March.
Jackson produced her fastest time for two years as she held off the challenge of former double Commonwealth champion Caitlin McClatchey to touch in one minute 58.32 seconds.
"It's such a relief. I wanted to go quicker tonight but to get the qualifying time and book my spot for worlds, I can't explain how happy I am."
Jo Jackson Quotes of the week
It represents a change in fortune for Jackson who claimed two silvers and one bronze medal at the World Championships two years ago in Rome.
However, for the past 18 months ill-health and asthma so severe her ribs popped out in training have blighted Jackson's career since.
Following Manchester, the Loughborough swimmer switched coach from Kev Renshaw to Ben Titley, a move which coincided with a general improvement in her health and by extension training and competition.
An impressive swim this morning saw her qualify fastest and her relief at making the team was palpable.
"It's such a relief," said Jackson. "I wanted to go quicker tonight but to get the qualifying time and book my spot for worlds, I can't explain how happy I am.
"This time last year I didn't think it would happen so I am so relieved and that is what the smile is for.
"It has been really hard but I put in a lot of effort these last few months changing so much and its definitely starting to pay off.
"I still think is more there and me and Ben are going to go away and work on different things."
Attitude
The failure of Simmonds to qualify in March was one of the most notable shocks in Manchester.
The friendly rivalry between GB team-mates Simmonds and Gemma Spofforth has spurred them on with the pair sharing two gold and two silver medals at last year's European Championships.
Florida-based Spofforth had already made it on to the team meaning just one spot was available.
The 20-year-old led from start to finish to win in 59.86, 1.67secs ahead of Ekaterina Avramova.
The Loughborough ITC swimmer was beaming after the race and on what the difference was between the trials in Manchester and in Sheffield, Simmonds said: "Head. I've just been enjoying it.
"I had a dip there and found it quite hard to pull myself out of that.
"With not qualifying in the 100 I got a bit more down and when I didn't qualify in the 200 it was the be all and end all.
"I then reassessed it and looked at my swimming and thought 'this is something I should love doing' and I do love doing it.
"Since then that has been my mindset.
"I came here and have had a smile on my face all day."
Round-up
World record holder Liam Tancock eased to victory in the 50m backstroke in 25.05.
A hot prospect for the future Siobhan-Marie O'Connor won the 200m individual medley in 2:14.14, inside the qualifying time.
Hannah Miley, European and Commonwealth champion over the longer medley race, had already booked her spot with the 15-year-old possibly joining the Scot.
The European Junior Championships come first for O'Connor in Belgrade starting on July 6 but this does not preclude her from travelling to Shanghai.
Robbie Renwick (3:48.60) and David Carry (3:49.42) both made it on to the team in the 400m freestyle.
Michael Rock won the 200m butterfly (1:57.35) although both spots for Shanghai had already been filled.
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