Magnificent Magnussen takes title

NSWIS swimmer James Magnussen left his mark last night in becoming Australia’s premier male sprinter after taking out the men’s 100m freestyle at the 2011 Australian Swimming Championships.

Magnussen, who swims under NSWIS coach Brant Best, secured an individual spot on the Australian team contesting the 2011 FINA Aquatic World Championships after clocking a smart time of 48.29 seconds, a new personal best by 0.39 seconds.

Magnussen outsprinted fellow NSWIS scholarship holders Eamon Sullivan and Matthew Abood, who finished third and fifth, respectively. Sullivan and Abood qualified for the Australian team as part of the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay.

Last night’s action also saw Kenneth To finish second in the men’s 200m individual medley. To unfortunately finished outside the qualifying time set by Australian head coach Leigh Nugent in 2:00.05, but may still receive a berth at the Shanghai championships after finishing nearly two seconds inside the FINA qualifying time.