McLaughlin earns 400m freestyle title - Australian Age Multi Class Championships
McLaughlin of Eastern Shore presented a magnificent effort to earn the gold medal of 400m freestyle in Boys 16-18 years old category on the initial day of the 2011 Australian Age Multi Class Championships. The session took place at Australian Institute of
Sport (AIS), Canberra, on Friday, October 7.
McLaughlin, who has a multi-disability class S10, outshined his competitors in the distance freestyle event. The race was scheduled for swimmers having multi-class disability from S6 – S16, where the 18-year-old McLaughlin displayed a miraculous effort,
shattering the hopes of his challengers for gold medal.
He faced severe competition from 16-year-old Aungles, who began a head-to-head battle with him just after the start. Aungles had an aggressive start which placed him ahead of his challengers, but the 18-year-old champion elevated his swim and left his rival
behind.
With his exceptional efforts, he completed his first round in 1 minute and 06.07 seconds, leaving Aungles behind at a difference of nearly seven seconds. In addition, he sprinted his way in the second round to expand his lead to almost eight seconds, while
he strengthened it to fifteen seconds in the third round.
With his thrilling efforts, McLaughlin clinched gold medal of the event with a timing of 4 minutes and 42.95 seconds, extending his lead to almost twenty-nine seconds over his competitor.
Aungles, who has S8 and B7 disability, concluded his swim in the second fastest place, proving his eligibility for silver medal by producing a time of 5 minutes and 11.32 seconds. Next was Wests Illawarra’s AA Cannon, who falls in S14 disability. The 16-year-old
Cannon put in an inspiring effort of 5 minutes and 06.30 seconds, which was adequate and placed him on the podium for bronze medal.
The crowd enjoyed the notable efforts of multi-class swimmers in the 400m discipline, while these top finishers of the event were called upon the victory stand, where they received their awards and accolades. Furthermore, the championship is subject to continue
for two more days and will complete after the conclusion of all swimming events.
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