JUBILANT JACKSON SMASHES WORLD RECORD IN 400M FREESTYLE

Sheffield, England, March 17: Olympic bronze medallist Joanne Jackson of Great Britain has broken the world record in the women’s 400m freestyle on the opening night of the British National Swimming Championships in Sheffield, England, overnight.

Jackson powered home over the final metres to touch in 4.00.66 and edge out compatriot and Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington, who finished in 4.00.89, also under the previous world mark of 4.01.53 set by Italy’s Federica Pellegrini at the European Championships in 2008.

“I knew I’d been swimming well, I’d been swimming fast in training, but you never now how you’re going to swim at competitions,” Jackson said after the race. “To get that world record has just blown me away.”

The 22-year-old went stroke for stroke with Adlington throughout the race in a thrilling contest, and both women negative split the race (Jackson: 2.00.35 and 2.00.31; Adlington: 2.00.50 and 2.00.39).

“For Becky to get under the world record as well, I’m so happy. She really pushed me then, I wanted it so much.”