Robert Hurley wins Men's 400m freestyle title: Day one – 2011 Swimming World Cup, Tokyo
Robert Hurley of Australia demonstrated his astonishing effort by winning the title of Men's 400m freestyle on first day of the 2011 Swimming World Cup in Tokyo, Japan, on Saturday, November 12.
Tokyo is the final stop of the 2011 World Cup series, planned by the international aquatics sports organising body, Federation Internationale De Natation (FINA).
The 23-year-old Hurley entered the final as fastest qualifying swimmer. He displayed his tremendous efforts in the final round and sustained his fastest spot in the freestyle swim.
The Australian followed lead of his Japanese rival, Syogo Hihara in initial 100 meters of the swim. Hihara had a wonderful start and he completed his first two rounds in a fastest time of 53.33 seconds. He was followed by Hurley, who remained 0.65 seconds slower and covered the same distance in a time of 53.98 seconds.
The Japanese continued his dominance in the next two rounds and completed his first half in a time of 1 minute and 50.09 seconds. Hurley remained 1.10 seconds slower than him and ended his initial half with a second fastest effort of 1 minute and 51.19 seconds.
Subsequently, the Australian elevated his efforts in the second half and narrowed the lead of his Japanese opponent. Hihara completed his 300 meters of the event in a time of 2 minutes and 47.92 seconds. He was followed by Hurley, who remained just 0.05 seconds slower than him and covered the equivalent distance in 2 minutes and 47.97 seconds.
In the final 100 meters of the swim, Hurley geared up his pace and overwhelmed the efforts of Hihara by hitting the wall in a top ranked time of 3 minutes and 42.44 seconds.
He was trailed by Hihara, who remained 1.11 seconds behind him and stepped on the podium for silver medal with the timing of 3 minutes and 43.55 seconds. The third spot was secured by Hihara's team-mate, Youhei Takiguchi, who posted an effort of 3 minutes and 44.42 seconds for bronze medal.
The session ended after completion of 400m event while the podium finishers were awarded accolades after the conclusion of session.
Tags: