ANDREW WILLIS admitted to feeling ‘great’ after a stunning swim saw him win gold in the Men’s 200m breaststroke at the British trials and secure a place at this year’s Olympic Games in Rio.
The Bracknell and Wokingham Swimming Club ace, 25, saw off a competitive line-up to touch the wall in an impressive time of 2:08.08 last Friday and take top spot at the British Championships, which were held in Glasgow.
Willis, who trains at the National Swimming Centre in Bath, surprised those present when beating Craig Benson into the runners-up spot, while Commonwealth Games champion and pre-race favourite, Ross Murdoch, was back in third.
“It means so much to me, in that field, it is certainly a positive,’ said Willis, who clocked a winning time quicker than the consideration one of 2.08.52 set for the Olympics.
“I don’t know what to think really. I wanted it, I knew I had to stick to my own plan so I’m dead happy.’
Willis, who also swam for Team GB at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, joins Adam Peaty, Hannah Miley, James Guy and Max Litchfield in booking their seat to Brazil.
The rest of the squad is due to be announced on Thursday morning.
“I wouldn’t count anyone out,’ added Willis.
“I really like Craig (Benson), we’ve always got on and I knew he was having a great year. There were definitely a few up front there so you just can’t take anything for granted.
“It’s great to beat those guys. I thought Ross (Murdoch) might be a bit closer near the end, but it is so hard.
“It is such a great feeling and that is only going to help us, especially as a nation to progress as the big meets as well.”
Locally, Willis joins Binfield skeet shooter Amber Hill in making the delegation which will represent GB in South America later this year.
