Olympic hero Rebecca Adlington wows Tollcross crowd to take gold

Jul 2 2009 By Matthew Leslie

Rebecca Adlington

REBECCA Adlington made waves at Tollcross Leisure Centre as she edged out rival Jo Jackson in a thrilling 800 metres freestyle final.

The British duo delighted the east end crowd at the Scottish National Championships which saw Adlington pip Jackson to win gold. The double-gold medallist from the Beijing Olympics was neck-andneck with Jackson before winning in 8min 16.81secs - three seconds outside her own world record.

Jackson finished in 8min 17.81secs - the fourth fastest time ever.

Adlington said: "I really didn't expect that time. It is the fastest I have been without resting - which is great.

"I wanted to stick with Jo as much as possible. It's so good we push each other on. I wouldn't want anyone else up there with me."

Jackson added: "Becky pulled me through that race but with only 100m left she pulled away and I didn't have anything left."

Adlington also took gold in the 200m freestyle with Scotland's Caitlin McClatchey taking bronze - a feat which books her place in the GB team for the World Championships in Rome later this month.

McClatchey said: "I am pleased with that performance. I am not fully tapered yet - that will come as we make the final preparations for Rome.

"I wanted to race well and cement my position on the relay team. After the disappointment of the relay in Beijing, I feel there is some unfinished business and I am excited at the prospect of righting that."

Inverurie's Hannah Miley bagged gold in both the 200 and 400m individual medley and put her success down to a hearty breakfast.

She said: "Before training, I have cereal and two slices of toast with Flora and honey - apparently, there's an old wives' tale about honey preventing colds and I haven't had one this year.

"Afterwards, I have cereal, two slices of toast, two rashers of bacon, three eggs, a yoghurt and a banana - it's my favourite meal of the day."