His semi-final time makes him the tenth-ranked swimmer in the event, as he prepares for today’s national final.
As coach Paul du Feu explained: ‘I’m pleased for him.
He’s swimming faster than at any time in his life.’ Le Couilliard’s new Island Abacus senior record goes hand in hand with previous performances this year, including the times he has been achieving in the 100m butterfly, where previously he has reached Commonwealth Games standard ‘over 1.5 sec inside the qualifying time,’ according to du Feu, who added that if the selection panel agree he can go to Melbourne next year, once there ‘he can compete in any other swims he likes, within reason.’ The criteria is to qualify for at least one event but, as there are six days of swimming events in Melbourne, swimmers will naturally want to test themeselves in other events, other than their specialist swims.
Having praised Le Couilliard’d efforts, du Feu added that he was equally as happy for 24-year-old Alexis Militis, who only just missed out on a place in the final in the 100m freestyle yesterday, with an Abacus Island record time of 52.33 sec, only 0.5 sec outside the qualifying standard needed if he is to represent Jersey in Melbourne.
‘Alexis has had a solid week and he should have another two opportunities to get the times he needs for the Commonwealth Games,’ du Feu said.
‘After the Games and leading up to the nationals both swimmers had been swimming two to two-and-a-half hours a day, six days a week.
When we get back home, they’ll both be training even harder, Alexis’ aim to get the time he needs for Melbourne before October/November.’
