SUPER G - GIAAN ROONEY FAN SITE
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Over 6,100 people flooded to the Sydney Aquatic Centre on Wednesday night - the biggest crowd ever to witness the meet in this it's seventh year - and I know I harp on about it, but it's yet again an indication of the popularity of the sport! :)
A stalwart of the unconvential but very popular entertainment based racing, event 3 saw the 21 year old Rooney the veteran of the all-Australian field of South-Aussie sensations Fran Adcock and Mel Morgan, young-gun Queenslander Zoe Tonks as well as the sprint-specialist and silver medalist in the Australian Championships, Kingscliff's Sophie Edington completed the line up for some fast competition in the backstroke splash 'n' dash.
This year's Skins saw the format of racing change slightly, with 2 swimmers eliminated after the first of three 50m laps were swum, as apposed to the one of previous years, a change which also bought about some different tactics.
Off and racing! - Race one gets underway
Race one was a tight affair with Edington and Rooney neck and neck but it was a victory for Sophie in an impressive time of 29.58, Giaan second in 28.73, Mel Morgan took third in 30.37, while Adcock (30.70) and Tonks (30.99) were the two eliminated.
(L-R) Rooney, Morgan and Edington prepare for race two
Mel Morgan (centre) off to a fantastic start in race two
As the above photo shows, Mel Morgan absolutely blitzed them on the start only to be be beaten to the wall after superior underwater work by Rooney and Edington saw their break-outs timed just that little better, which had them up and stroking well before Morgan and in backstroke with underwater work being such an important part of the race, it can sometimes be where a race is won or lost, which was the case for Morgan. It was a victory for Giaan in 30.08, followed by Edington (30.58) and Morgan (30.58) picked up the $1,200
So it was down to the final race between Rooney and Edington to determine who would be the 03 Skins champion and by now the fatigue was probably well and truely setting in, the girls laughing as the seconds ticked down to the final 50m of pain
Neck and neck early on in the race
There was nothing between the two early on in the race, but as the race went on Giaan built a near-body length lead as she steadily made her move, her technique still holding up fantastically towards the end, and indeed as it did throughout all races, head perfectly still - a sight awesome to watch for all those who love a good technique! :) - and was first on the wall winning the race in about 30.05, although the touchpads weren't really registering...!
Rooney powers to the finish
Run and won!
Giaan congratulates Sophie on the way to the interview area
In the post-race interview Sophie was all smiles as she collected her $3000, congratulated Giaan on her race and pretty much looked relieved it was all over! :)
"It doesn't get any easier does it?" smiled Giaan when asked about her win, speaking with Duncan Armstrong she revealed a change of tactics were needed this year, with two swimmers being eliminated from race one it meant you had to go all out - which was evident by the fast times - but by race two she admitted "my legs were starting to go a bit!" and it's a matter of just telling your legs it's only one more 50! :)
Congratulations Giaan, $5000 richer ;) and three-time Skins backstroke champion 2000, 2002 and 2003!
COMING SOON: More info on QANTAS SKINS 2003
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