Atkinson misses out on hat-trick

LOUGHBOROUGH’S Charlotte Atkinson secured her second gold medal of the British Swimming championships on day three in Sheffield.

After clinching gold in the 50m butterfly earlier in the week, Atkinson won gold in the 200m butterfly setting a new PB of 2.07.06 and had her sights set on a golden hat-trick in the 100m butterfly on Sunday.

“I was so determined after the 50m to get the 200m. I’m just excited. Being fast in the 50m when it’s not my main event just gave me loads of confidence for the easy speed that I have in the 200m.

“I knew I felt good and I saw Jocelyn Ulyett qualify for Budapest and I thought ‘why can’t that be me’ so hopefully I’ll get to go too.”

But Atkinson had to settle for bronze in the 100m butterfly when she edged out by Alys Thomas who lowered her personal best time to 57.85 to deprive the Loughborough swimmer of the hat-trick.

Another medal went to Loughborough when Tim Shuttleworth won silver in the men’s 1500m freestyle behind Daniel Jervis.