The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)

MORRISON HAS EYES ON PARIS

-

Turriff para-swimmer Conner Morrison has already turned his attention to the next Paralympic­s after reaching the final of the SB14 100m.

The 24-year-old, who is coached by Gregor McMillan at Aberdeen University, made it through his heat after finishing in a time of 1:08.01.

He finished eighth in the final after registerin­g the exact same time, while team-mate Scott Quin (1.05.91) claimed bronze.

Morrison said: “It was the same time as I went this morning but I can’t be too disappoint­ed.

“I came here to make a final and that’s what I did.

“I wasn’t expecting any medals but hopefully in the next cycle when Paris comes, I can target a medal there.”

World champion Naohide Yamaguchi, of Japan, was unstoppabl­e and broke his own world record with a time of 1:03.77 to claim gold. Jake Michel (Australia) won silver in 104.28.

An emotional Quin was thrilled to finish on the podium.

He said: “It has been a long two weeks. When I came out here, I was track and traced on the plane, and had 12 sessions out the water.

“I’m not using that as an excuse, I’ve had a consistent season.

“Then obviously you’ve got the two young boys, a world record holder and the young Aussie lad, or rather the big Aussie lad.

“Honestly, I’m happy. The last two weeks have been hell, lots of emotions have come out and I’m emotional and a bit blown away.”

There was, however, disappoint­ment for Morrison’s Aberdeen team-mate Toni Shaw.

She was part of the Great Britain 34pt 4x100m freestyle relay team which was disqualifi­ed in the final.

The quartet of Stephanie Millward, Zara Mullooly, Grace Harvey and Shaw finished fourth but were disqualifi­ed for a takeover infringeme­nt.

Shaw said: “I was super excited to be racing with these girls.

“Obviously we are really disappoint­ed but earlier in the session we got to watch the rest of our team-mates absolutely smash it.

“I am so proud to be part of this team.”

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom