Commonwealth Games: Elizabeth Dekkers Rallies Down Last Lap For 200 Butterfly Gold
In a country oozing vast talent in the pool, especially in the women’s ranks, it is not hard for a rising star to be overlooked. So, with the likes of Emma McKeon and Ariarne Titmus headlining the Australian contingent, Elizabeth Dekkers is one of those athletes who hasn’t received her due. Adding to her overshadowing is the fact that her fellow teen, Mollie O’Callaghan, has already etched herself as a world champion.
Now, perhaps, Dekkers will receive a little more notoriety.
Putting together a tactical race at the Commonwealth Games, Dekkers rallied down the last lap and pulled away from England’s Laura Stephens to capture the gold medal in 2:07.26. Stephens, who had the lead at the 150-meter mark, picked up the silver medal in 2:07.90, with the bronze medal going to Australia’s Brianna Throssell (2:08.32) ahead of countrywoman Abbey Connor (2:08.36).
Dekkers sat in second place at the midway point of the race and was within .01 of Stephens going into the last length. But with Dekkers surging and Stephens starting to show signs of fatigue, there was little doubt Dekkers would pull out the victory. The Aussie closed in 33.04, with Stephens posting a 33.69 effort on the last lap. Throssell used a 33.24 split on the last lap to elevate from fourth to the podium.
It has been a strong summer for Dekkers, who was fifth at the World Championships. Her time in Budapest was 2:07.01, just slightly quicker than what she managed at Commonwealths.
The race included a glaring absence, as Canadian teen Summer McIntosh decided to scratch the event from her program. After winning the world championship in the event in June, McIntosh opted to add the 200 individual medley to her schedule for Commonwealths. That move necessitated a sacrifice elsewhere, and the 200 fly was the choice.
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Well done Elizabeth, what a great swim, so proud of your effort!
Just amazing…. Fantastic race!!!!!