Dec. 18, 2012

New Zealand Swimming's Interview with Lauren Boyle | Results from Short-Course World Championships

ISTANBUL, Turkey - Former Golden Bear Lauren Boyle wrapped up the FINA World Championships with her third appearance in an event final when she finished eighth in the 200-meter freestyle on Dec. 16 at Sinan Erdem Arena. The two-time Olympian put together a string of fine performances - including winning the 800-meter freestyle and setting three New Zealand national records - at the five-day meet.

Boyle posted a New Zealand record in the 200-freestyle heats with a time of 1:55.40 before posting a time of 1:57.27 in the final. On Dec. 13, she won the 800 free with a time of 8:08.62 that surpassed her own previous New Zealand record. In the 400 free, Boyle again broke one of her own national records with a time of 4:01.24 to take bronze.

"I am really excited again," Boyle told New Zealand Swimming after the meet. "I am really happy with how things have gone over the last five days. I am still a fair way off world records, so it's possible to improve more. I am happy with the improvements I have made. It is not going to be easy to improve from here, but I am still very motivated and determined to improve, and I am excited to keep swimming to see how good I can get."

She added, "I will have a few days out of regular training to freshen up my mind until after Christmas and then be motivated to be back in the pool. The target will be to prepare for the (long-course) World Championships in the middle of the year in Barcelona."