Gray seeking positives (From Swindon Advertiser)

Gray seeking positives

6:00am Saturday 16th March 2013 in Sport

TILLY Gray feels that missing out on a medal in the 100m butterfly at the British Gas International Meet will help her in the long run.

The former Swindon Dolphin swimmer took gold in the 200m fly in Leeds but finished fourth in the race over half that distance.

However, the 21-year-old believes that failing to make the podium will provide her with even more motivation to fulfil her goals in the sport.

“I was absolutely gutted I didn’t get a medal in the 100m fly considering my PB from the week before (at the British Universities and Colleges Championships) would have got me a silver medal,” she said.

“But it was kind of good that I didn’t get a medal to an extent as it keeps me focused, not that I’d ever back off.

“It’s exciting going into the next block of training heading into World Championship trials, and making that isn’t unrealistic. The qualifying times are quicker for the Commonwealths but I want to aim high.”

Gray grabbed gold in the 200m fly at the John Charles Centre for Sport - her strongest event - and was thrilled to touch the wall first.

However, she admitted she was ‘mindful’ that British record holder Jemma Lowe, who finished sixth in the Olympic final last year, was absent from the field.

“I’m over the moon really, I didn’t expect to win,” said Gray.

“I was hoping the time would be quicker considering how painful it was, but we are in such heavy training.

“Jemma (Lowe) didn’t swim but at the end of the day you can only race who’s there.

“She is a world-class athlete and is ranked ninth in the world, so I’m very mindful of that.”