By Bill Roumeliotis.
Apostolos Christou came 5th in the 100 metre backstroke final in the 16th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) 2022 at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre on Wednesday.
The Greek champion finished his race with a time of 49.68, slightly slower than the Pan-Hellenic record he achieved in Tuesday’s semi-final (49.66). He scored the best placing of his career in the event, but also in a world-class race in general.
The winner of the 100m backstroke race was American champion from the Rio Olympics, Ryan Murphy, with a match record time of 48.50.
In second place was the Italian Lorenzo Mora with 49.04 and coming in third place was the Australian Isaac Alan Cooper with 49.52.
“I took the honourable 5th place. I was aiming for a medal but it didn’t work out. I didn’t have a good start and it cost me…” Christou told The Greek Herald exclusively after the race.
“Looking ahead, I have to improve some small details and I believe I can do better and win a world medal.”
Christou also finished 4th in the 50 metre and 75 metre races.
Anna Hadjiloizou represents Cyprus:
18-year-old Anna Hadjiloizou finished in 4th place in the 100 metre freestyle qualifying race at the swimming championships. She finished in 29th place in the general ranking among 63 female swimmers. Anna’s performance is a new Cypriot junior record.
Hadjiloizou’s participation in the games is completed with her participation in the 50 metre freestyle event which will be held on Friday at 11.25 am.
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