Wales Swim Duo Georgia And Alys So Close To World Medal Glory

By Liz Byrnes in Gwangju

Georgia Davies and Alys Thomas narrowly missed out on medals at the World Championships in Gwangju, South Korea.

Davies was equal fourth in the 50m backstroke, 24 hours after claiming her first medal in four World Championships in the mixed 4x100m medley relay after Thomas had come fifth in the 200m butterfly.

The 28-year-old Davies swam a season’s best of 27.65secs only to be locked out of the podium by one place and 0.14secs.

She said: “I was on such a high after last night in the relay and I was hoping that I could come in tonight and swim a little bit faster than I did last night. I was hoping to make the podium so to come fourth I am gutted. It feels like I was so close but not close enough.

“I showed progression from heats to semis to final, but I know I’m capable of faster than that, so it’s tough to take. I’ve got two days off now to chill and get my body feeling fresh, and then we’ve got the women’s medley relay on the last day.”

Thomas was third on the final turn but she was overhauled on the last 50 to touch in 2:07.48 and miss out on a medal by 0.44secs.

The City of Swansea Aquatics swimmer had mixed feelings, saying: “I gave it a good go and tried my best to get in there, but it perhaps didn’t happen the way I wanted it to.

“I feel a bit bitter-sweet about the race; on the one hand it’s my first world final, but on the other I felt I had more in me than a 2.07. 

“I’m probably going to kick myself over a few things for a few days, but I’ll go away and process and rationalise it all and ultimately fifth in the world isn’t that bad!”

Alys Thomas was so close to a medal in South Korea

Thomas had to adapt to expectation and attention after she won the Commonwealth title in a time good enough for fourth at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

It had been testing for the Welshwoman who feels that her work warranted a better outcome.

“I think it’s about doing myself justice in terms of the work I’ve done each season,” she said.

“I think I’ve worked harder than a 2:07 this season so I am a little bit disappointed in that respect. If you just look at time versus work put in – has it paid off? I think I’ve fallen a little bit short.”

Next up for both women is the 4x100m medley relay on Sunday which is the final event of the competition.

Thomas didn’t assume she would be selected although it is highly likely but said: “Obviously it’s an honour to step up for the relay team. Just wait and see.”