Record double for Halsall

12 April 2012

Fran Halsall set two new British records on the second morning of the World Short-Course Championships in Manchester.

First she broke Sue Rolph's national mark from 1999 to qualify fastest for the semi-finals of the 100metres freestyle in 53.24seconds at the MEN Arena.

The 17-year-old then dashed away to prepare for the 50m butterfly and returned to break Ros Brett's 2005 mark in 26.10sec ahead of team-mate Jemma Lowe in 26.70.

Halsall said: "It's been an unexpected surprise this morning breaking two British records. I hadn't expected that.

"To be honest, I just went into the 50 fly to have a bit of a giggle.

"I haven't done it short course before, I don't even have an entry time and I thought it would be a laugh going head to head with Jemma, who was in the next lane.

"I did a personal best in the warm-up so I was feeling good and everything just seemed to go to plan during the race."