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Photo credit: contributed.
A local Kelowna graduate landed a fourth place finish at the 12th FINA World Championships held in Doha Qatar on Sunday, December 7th. Kierra Smith of the Liquid Lightning Swim Club put up a good fight in the 200 metre breast stroke, claiming a 2:18.30 time.
Smith finished closely behind Japan's Kanako Watanabe and Rie Kanetou, while Denmark's, Rikke Moeller Pedersen, took bronze.
The 20 year old, Immaculata Regional High School graduate earned herself a personal best on Sunday as she dropped more than three seconds off her previous personal best.
“It's frustrating to come fourth but I surprised myself coming in here and making a final. I did everything I could but I choked on water on the third to last turn and I am sure that slowed me down. I can work on it and learn from it,” commented Smith.
Smith finished 11th in the 100 metre breast stroke on day two of the championships.
“She needs to know in her own mind that she's able to win at any given level before she can step on a podium,” said Smith's coach, Emil Dimitrov. “She's physically able to compete at worlds but she just needs to be convinced of it herself.”
Smith is heading back to the University of Minnesota for a week of exams before returning to Kelowna for Christmas break. Her next Canadian competition will be the Pan Am Games Trials in Toronto in April 2015.
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