Fran Halsall says she is in the perfect place to compete for an Olympic medal in today’s 50m freestyle final in Brazil.
The former Loughborough College student won her heat to rank second fastest overall and beat Australia's Bronte Campbell and home favourite Etiene Medeiros to the wall to qualify fourth fastest in the semi-final.
“It was nice to win my semi-final and it means I have earned myself the right to compete for a medal. That was what it was all about going through the rounds and making sure I have got a lane in the final,” said Halsall after the semi-final yesterday.
“I have done that and fourth fastest is kind of the perfect place to be.
“One of the blue lanes is a little bit less stressful than the yellow ones in the middle so that is really nice. I couldn’t have asked for a better swim.
“I got in, won my race, so I am racing well, the morning felt really easy so if I can put the two together tomorrow I will be there or thereabouts I think.
“I have had a great preparation, I didn’t come into the village until four days ago.
“I was excited but not as excited as being in this arena. I kept my emotions low and I feel really good. I have had the best season I could have possibly had.
“I am standing behind the blocks saying to myself whatever happens, happens. I couldn’t have given any more this season or this cycle.
“I have been as professional as I can be, stayed on top of things, stayed on top of illness and done everything my coach has asked me to do.
“If I get the result great, if I don’t it is because other people are better than me on the day. I feel really relaxed with that and I am here just to see what I can do.”
Former Loughborough College student Fran Halsall of Great Britain competes in the Women's 50m Freestyle Semi- finals on Day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games (Vaughn Ridley/SWpix)