High drama on day nine

Day nine of Olympic competition saw an array of fantastic performances in London, including the Australian women’s water polo team and runner Steven Solomon.

The women’s water polo team, featuring three NSWIS athletes, came up against China in the quarter-final, and produced a stirring performance to win through to the semi-final of the competition. Nicola Zagame continued her excellent Olympic form by scoring a hattrick during the first half, where scores were deadlocked at 8-8. The tussle continued, and with 35 seconds remaining in normal time, NSWIS athlete Holly Lincoln-Smith levelled scores at 14-14, equalising with an amazing backhand shot. From there the match went into extra-time and a penalty shootout; Lincoln-Smith converting her penalty before fellow NSWIS athlete Alicia McCormack made two crucial saves to see Australia through to the semi-final, where they take on arch rivals, the USA.

Solomon was the other standout from day nine of competition, as he qualified for the final of the men’s 400m. Solomon set a new personal best in the heats to win through to the semi-final, before lowering it again to 44.97 to make the final at his debut Olympic Games. Also in action at the Olympic stadium was 1500m runner Ryan Gregson, who finished 12th in his semi-final to see his debut Olympic campaign come to a close.

Elsewhere at the Games; showjumper and NSWIS athlete Edwina Tops-Alexander remains equal first after the second qualifying stage, with fellow NSWIS athlete Julia Hargreaves 31st. Australia was eliminated from the team jumping competition, however Tops-Alexander and Hargreaves will continue in the individual jumping. The Australian men’s hockey team, featuring three NSWIS athletes, drew 3-3 with Great Britain, and shooter Daniel Repacholi finished 19th in the men’s 50m pistol.

Finally on day nine, sailors Nathan Outteridge and Iain Jensen finished in first position with two days left of racing in the men’s 49er, while Jessica Crisp sits 11th in the women’s RS:X with one day of racing to come.

Sailor Tom Slingsby headlines the action on day 10 as he aims for gold in the men’s laser, while Solomon backs up to continue his amazing campaign with the final of the men’s 400m.