New Delhi: Indian swimmer Srihari Nataraj stood 7th in the Men’s 100 m Backstroke finals with a time of 54.31 seconds. He improved his time in the semi-finals, where he swam the distance in 54.55 seconds. Nataraj, who is only the fourth Indian swimmer to qualify for the finals in Commonwealth Games, has given the nation some hope that Indian swimmers can finish on the podium in such tough international events.
The gold medal was won by South Africa’s Pieter Coetze who clocked 53.78 seconds, while Broadie Paul Willians won the silver medal on his home ground with a timing of 53.91 seconds. The bronze medal was won by Australia’s Broodley Woodward who won the silver last time.
.@srihari3529 finishes 7th in the Men’s 100m Backstroke final with a time of 54.31
Our talented Swimmer, who has one of the highest tallies of medals from the #KheloIndia Games over the years, competed in his 1st ever final at the #CommonwealthGames
Way to go!!#India4CWG2022 pic.twitter.com/rKRnm8YzHm
— SAI Media (@Media_SAI) July 30, 2022
Nataraj had one of the best reaction times of 0.58 seconds in the finals and was also in the 5th position till the first 50 m. However, he ended up being in the 7th position. In the 2018 Commonwealth games, in the semis, he clocked 56.65 seconds to take the 13th spot. This time he did better and made it through.
Srihari set a new national record last year in Italy by covering the 100 m distance in just 53.77 seconds. His personal best indicates that he can go for the podium finish in major international events. Clocking under 55 seconds regularly is a sign of great improvement.
He will also be competing in the Men’s 50 m and 200 m Backstroke events. His 50 m Backstroke event is scheduled for day 3 in Birmingham. On the other hand, Sajan Prakash will compete in the Men’s 200 m Butterfly event on day 3.
