Swimmers outside qualifying times
Dubliner Steven Manley finished fifth in his 200m freestyle heat today at the World Short Course Championships in Indianapolis, 1.41 seconds outside qualification.
The 22-year-old, who broke six national freestyle records last summer, clocked 1:48.62 from lane six in a race won convincingly by American Ryan Lochte (1:46.26).
The Irishman's time ranked him 14th of 45 starters, with eight qualifying for tomorrow's final.
Manley is competing on Kentucky coach Gary Connolly's wishes, after declaring that he would never swim for Ireland again due to his non-selection for Athens.
"Gary convinced me that I should compete. I'm putting the summer behind me and using these championships as a chance to gain more international experience," said the Terenure man.
Cork's Lee Kelleher ranked an agonising ninth in the women's 200m butterfly heats, in 2:12.74. With eight qualifying, the Sunday's Well swimmer was over a second and a half away from progressing, with Australian Jessica Schipper stealing the last spot.
Kelleher finished fourth in heat four, won by the fastest qualifier Mary Descenza of the United States (2:08.66).
