Morrison's silver boosts medal tally in Madeira

18 May 2021

Conner Morrison took Britain's medal tally to five in three days at the World Para Swimming European Open Championships in Madeira by retaining his silver in the Men's SB14 100m Breaststroke.

The University of Aberdeen man won European silver in Dublin back in 2018, and he hinted at more podium success this time around after a strong showing in the heats. 

Morrison found himself sixth at halfway of the final, but he built well from there, overtaking a duo of rivals to touch fourth overall but behind only Vasyl Krainyk of the Ukraine in the European stakes, with Brazilian pair Gabriel Bandeira and Joao Pedro Brutos de Oliveira in one-two. 

Despite the strong finish, Conner hit the wall an agonising 0.2 seconds off the Paralympic consideration time in this event as he looks to earn selection for a maiden Games.

"I really didn't expect to get the silver. I was going in here for the consideration time - I didn't make it, but I'm still chuffed at the silver," he said.

"I hope greater things come my way in the future. These Europeans, I love the pool here, the staff have organised everything brilliant. I didn't expect to see this many nations here either." 

Abby Kane was back in the pool on Tuesday morning after her first outing in Monday's SB13 100m Breaststroke. This time, it was the Women's S13 100m Freestyle for the North Ayshire athlete, who placed ninth in the heats to narrowly miss out on the final. 

Her favoured event - the S13 100m Backstroke - comes on Wednesday. The fourth day of action will also see a first outing of the meet for Stephanie Millward, who is competing in the Women's S9 100m Freestyle.