Ian Sarno wins 200m Breaststroke U/13 National title and breaks NSW record

Ian Sarno got the Marlins off to a good start on day 1 at Perth's Challenge stadium when he qualified fastest for the final of the 100m Breaststroke after the morning heats. However, after leading for virtually 99 metres of the final, he was out-touched by the slimmest of margins and had to settle for the silver medal.

But day two brought Ian's pet event, the 200m Breaststroke. In the morning heats, Ian again qualified fastest for the night's final with what seemed like an effortless swim. The team were cautiously optimistic about Ian's chances that night, but Nationals finals have have a habit of throwing up surprises, so no-one, least of all Ian, was taking the result for granted.

In the final, Ian set a scorching pace from the start. After a 100m split of 1.12.77, the Marlins watching knew Ian's 200m time was going to sensational, as Ian’s best always comes in the second part of the race.

By the beginning of the third lap, Ian was in front by at least three body lengths and looked to have it won. But he didn’t let up, and increased the distance to the second swimmer, winning in 2.28.84s and setting a new NSW record.

He took nearly a second off the old NSW mark, and is now only two seconds from the Australian record.

Ian said afterwards that he’d been “in the zone” and that he had felt absolutely no pain as he ripped off 4 seconds off his personal best.