Competing at the Derby Open meet at the prestigious Ponds Forge Arena in Sheffield, 24-year-old Militis set a new Island record in the men’s 100m freestyle with a time of 52.62 secs – but feels he could have gone faster.
‘It felt good that I’d broken an Island record again’ he said, ‘but I think I could have gone quicker.
‘I took an extra stroke at the end of the race instead of stretching – that meant I was 0.04 seconds off the World trials qualifying time and I lost the race!’ Militis finished second – but his disappointment is an indication of his hunger to continually hit new heights.
Although he has missed the world trials time for this event, he will compete in the 50m fly, 50m back and 50m freestyle at the trials meet in March.
Militis also returns from Sheffield having won gold in the 50m butterfly, silver in the 50m and 100m freestyle and bronze in the 200m freestyle competing against a host of Britain’s Olympic swimmers.
Meanwhile Simon Le Couilliard (17) underlined his great potential, winning gold in the men’s 200m butterfly and bronze in the 50m and 100m butterfly.
The AIB Tigers juniors were also in great shape with Mike Le Couilliard (13) winning gold in the boy’s 200m backstroke, Kerrie Smith claiming bronze in the girls 200m backstroke and Amira Ahmed making the national qualifying times in the 200m butterfly, 200m freestyle and 400m freestyle.
Militis was among 11 AIB Tigers who travelled to Sheffield.
He applauded the facilities at the Ponds Forge arena and says the experience can only be a good one for the Jersey competitors.
‘Sheffield’s the best place for swimming in Britain – it’s always good to compete here and it’s been a great experience for the young swimmers.’
