European Short Course Championships: Sara Curtis Speeds to Euro Record in 50 Backstroke
The sixth and final day of the European Short Course Championships in Lublin, Poland will be packed with action. There are 13 finals on the schedule, starting with the women’s and men’s 50 backstroke and concluding with the 200 medley relays. Already this week, the Netherlands’ Marrit Steenbergen has established European records in the 100 freestyle, 200 freestyle, 100 individual medley and 200 individual medley. What kind of highlights will punctuate the meet?
Here is an event-by-event recap of the Day Six finals:
Women’s 50 Backstroke
Italy’s Sara Curtis, home in Europe from her freshman year at the University of Virginia, stormed to the gold medal in the 50 backstroke with a European record. Curtis sped to a time of 25.49, which handed her a convincing triumph over France’s Analia Pigree (25.96). The bronze medal was secured by Dutchwoman Maaike De Waard, who recorded a mark of 25.97.
Men’s 50 Backstroke
By the slimmest of margins, Estonia’s Ralf Tribuntsov earned the European crown in the 50 backstroke. A 31-year-old, Tribuntsov turned in a performance of 22.68, which narrowly edged the 22.69 of Miroslav Knedla of the Czech Republic. Italy’s Francesco Lazzari rounded out the podium, going 22.76 for the bronze medal.
Women’s 50 Breaststroke
The gold medalist in the 100 breaststroke earlier in the meet, Eneli Jefimova (North Carolina State) added the 50 breaststroke title to her collection in commanding fashion. Jefimova made it back-to-back Estonian triumphs when she touched the wall in 28.81, which was well ahead of the 29.22 by Lithuania’s Ruta Meilutyte. Belgium’s Florine Gaspard grabbed the bronze medal in 29.34.
Men’s 50 Breaststroke
