Balfour unused to 'favourite' tag
Kirsty Balfour admits her performances at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne will put her in the unfamiliar position of favourite for the European Championships.
The 23-year-old claimed her fourth 100 metres breaststroke title at the British Championships, incorporating the European trials, in Sheffield in a time of one minute 9.26 seconds.
However, it was her display in Melbourne that launched her into world-class territory and means she will be ranked number one approaching the event in Budapest.
Balfour said: “I have never done a European long course before so to go in ranked first will be quite exciting.
“It was a breakthrough (in Melbourne). I swam at the last Commonwealth Games but this time it was my first medal at a major meet.
“It was a great experience, not just the medal but also the times I did. I was really pleased with them.”
