WARRINGTON swimmer Kathleen Dawson is safely through to the 100m backstroke semi-finals in the Tokyo Olympics.

The former Warriors of Warrington swimmer and Great Sankey High School pupil delivered the fourth fastest time in the six heats this morning on her Olympics debut in the Tokyo Aquatics Centre.

Warrington Guardian:

Tokyo Aquatics Centre. Picture: PA Wire

University of Stirling student Dawson, 23 - the British and European record holder - finished second in her heat when Australian Kaylee McKeown broke the Olympic record in 57.88secs. Dawson clocked 58.69secs.

“That was good, I’m happy I went high-ish 58 - I think that’s the first time I’ve ever been 58 in a heat so I’m very happy with it,” said Dawson.

The semi-finals, featuring 16 qualifiers, take place tomorrow, Monday, at 3.53am and 3.59am (UK time).

 

Heat six result:

1. McKEOWN Kaylee (Australia) 57.88

2. DAWSON Kathleen (Great Britain) 58.69

3. SEEBOHM Emily (Australia) 58.86