NOT content with just one, Alice Tai made it two golds from two events with a new world record at the World Para Swimming Championships, but she retains there is plenty more still to focus on.
The New Milton superstar set a new world record time of one minute 8.4 seconds to win the S8 100m backstroke title, adding to her S8 100m freestyle crown from Monday, in a sensational showing at the London Aquatics Centre.
The 20-year-old’s success was one of three gold medals on the night for Britain, alongside victories for Tully Kearney (S5 200m freestyle) and Bethany Firth (S14 100m backstroke).
There were also silvers for Jordan Catchpole (S14 100m backstroke) and Stephen Clegg (S12 100m butterfly) and bronzes for Maisie Summers-Newton (S6 freestyle 100m) and Louis Lawlor (S14 100m backstroke) took GB to second in the medal table behind Italy, with 20 in total.
Tai, who was joined on the podium by fellow Brit Megan Richter in third, has six more events to come in the competition and is clearly not letting her opening successes go to her head too much with more medals, and Tokyo, in the back of her mind.
“It’s crazy to get a world record,” she said. “It’s even more special because I’ve done it in front of a home crowd with my friends and family literally sat right in front of me watching so I’m really happy.
“It’s lovely to get another gold. I’m not going to get too elated now because I’ve got six more events. Now it’s about really getting ready to perform in the rest of the events.
“It’s only day two of seven, hopefully I can continue these performances throughout the week.
“I’m just trying to stay focused because I’ve got a lot on my plate.
“My training has gone well, and my performances are proving that and hopefully I can keep on showing that as I move ahead to Tokyo.
“It’s absolutely crazy competing in front of this home crowd. I love having it in London as well because I live just down the road.”
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