A MEDAL proved elusive for Warrington swimmer Kathleen Dawson at the Olympic Games this morning.

The former Great Sankey High School student came home sixth in a high-quality field in the women's 100m backstroke field, clocking 58.70secs.

 

Dawson in action during this mornings final. Picture by PA Wire

Dawson in action during this morning's final. Picture by PA Wire

 

Australia's Kaylee McKeown claimed the gold medal, setting a new Olympic record of 57.47secs in the process to add to the world record of 57.45secs she already owns.

Silver went to Canada's Kylie Masse, with Regan Smith of the USA taking bronze.

Ex-Warriors of Warrington swimmer Dawson had mixed emotions after the race after taking on a field dubbed as the strongest ever in the event.

“I can’t help but feel a little disappointed, especially having gone faster in the heats and the semis," she said.

"It felt like the best race I could’ve put out, so I can’t dwell on it too much – I just have to look forward to the relay now.

“I also can’t help but feel proud that I’m a part of this part of history, five of the fastest all-time swimmers were in that race.

"Even though I didn’t put up a time that matches, that was the fifth-fastest time in history to win. It’s such a stacked event to be in."

Dawson will have another chance to mark her first Olympics with a medal in the medley relay races, the heats for which start later this week.

The new mixed 4x100m medley event looks set to see her line up alongside Adam Peaty, who won gold in the men's 100m breaststroke earlier this week.

Looking ahead to the relay event, she said: "I’m just going to look to get as big a gap between myself and the next person so that Adam can take over and feel pretty confident!"

Watch the final below