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United Kingdom Swimming ace Timmers: “I have something left”
Louis Croenen witnessed how Michael Phelps clinched his 20th Gold medal. In tennis, David Goffin is in the last 16, while in sailing Evi Van Acker again had a dodgy day.
Pieter Timmers is Belgium’s top ace in the swimming competition. He qualified for the 100 metres freestyle by setting a Belgian record of 48.14 seconds. “And I believe I can still do better”, he promised.
Timmers had the 6th best time of the 8 finalists, so he will need to go below the magical threshold of 48 seconds to catch a medal. “I have something left”, he smiled. “This is what I trained for, 4 years long.” Nathan Adrian of the U.S. posted the fastest time of the finalists (47.93).
Croenen witnesses how Phelps’ wins clash of the Titans
This being said, Croenen had achieved his main goal, making it to the last 8, and he also had the honour to witness the clash of the Titans, with the ‘Baltimore Bullet’ Michael Phelps (photo) taking his revenge on Chad LeClos, who narrowly beat him in one of the shock wins 4 years ago in London. Phelps took his 20th Gold.
Relay Team tired, but refugee scores
Still in swimming, the men’s relay team finished in last place in the 4×200 metres freestyle final. Louis Croenen, Dieter Dekoninck, Glenn Surgeloose and Pieter Timmers were never able to compete with the others and had to be content with 8th place. There had been a lot of bickering about their participation; the late decision and the long uncertainty clearly had a negative impact.
Rami Anis (photo), taking part in the Olympics in the Refugee Team, did well and set a personal best in the 100 metres freestyle. The 25-year-old, who fled Syria and trained in Belgium, said it was “a fantastic feeling”.
Goffin keeps medal hopes alive
Goffin is the only Belgian left in the singles tournament after Kirsten Flipkensfaltered against Germany’s Laura Siegemund, 4-6, 3-6. Flipkens, who earlier beat Venus Williams, looked tired and never found her best play. She also sustained a leg injury and had some heavy discussions with the chair umpire. Flipkens was also ousted from the women’s doubles with Yanina Wickmayer.
The pressure is on for Van Acker
The extra final race, with double points, will take place next Monday. Everything is still possible, but Van Acker can no longer allow herself a very poor result now, so the pressure is on. Van Acker has 16 points now and sees her main rivals all ahead of her: Xu Lijia (China, 7 points), Annalise Murphy (Ireland, 12), Anne-Marie Rindom (Denmark 13) and Marit Bouwmeester (Netherlands, 14).
Flandersnews.be / Expatica