VIS scholarship holder, Sian Whittaker, has been a dominating force in the pool at the 2017 World University Games in Taipei, taking home gold in both the 100m and 200m backstroke.
Heading into the 200m, Whittaker was the second fastest qualifier and looking like a strong medal contender. The VIS scholarship holder got off to a steady start, maintaining second place right through to the final turn before letting it rip in the last 50m to take the win in 2:09.50capturing Australia’s first gold medal for the Games by 0.42 of a second.
“That was how I hoped it would pan out, I was coming in ranked second, so wasn’t the quickest in the final but I’m happy with the time and extremely happy with the place, so all-round happy,” she said.
Whittaker then backed up her stunning 200m performance with an exhilarating finish in the 100m, that saw her claim her second gold of the Games.
Hitting the halfway mark of the race in 6th, the VIS scholarship holder unbelievably managed to chase down American leader Hannah Stevens in the final five metres, to claim the win 1:00.14, only .09 of a second ahead of the American.
Heading into the Games, Whittaker was already a strong medal contender in the 200m backstroke, but never considered the possibility of two gold medals.
“I thought maybe the 200m, it’s been stronger than my 100m, but after last night’s swim (in the semi) I sort of believed I could get the double,” she said.
Meanwhile out on the track, VIS scholarship holder, Georgia Griffith gave a gallant performance in the Women’s 800m to finish 4th overall.
After qualifying for the final 5th fastest, it was also going to be a tight final race for the VIS scholarship holder, who snagged 4th place in a time of 2:03.52
Image: Uniroos Australia
