National record for Olympian Bandey (From Times Series)

Barnet Copthall swimmer Anum Bandey sets new national record for Pakistan at Olympic Games

12:11pm Saturday 28th July 2012 in Sport By Matt Bass

Anum Bandey broke her own national record at the Aquatic Centre this morning competing in the Women’s 400m Individual Medley but will take no further part in the Olympic Games after falling short of a place in the final.

The 15-year-old went in the first heat of the event this morning but her time of 5.34.64 saw her finish fourth out of the four in her race.

However, that time was over two seconds quicker than her qualifying effort (5.37.11), meaning the Barnet Copthall competitor set a new national record.

This was the second time the youngster had represented Pakistan in the pool and while she admitted to nerves before the race, she stressed how positive the event has been for her.

“You can learn a lot from here. I have learnt a lot from the older athletes. I am still young - I’m 15,” she explained.

“Competing in London has helped me improve. There are more competitors here than in Pakistan and my coach here is a former GB coach. He knows more information. It is good training here.”

On competing in her first Olympic Games, she added: “It was amazing. I was really nervous at the start.

“I had to break the national record which I did but I have been preparing for a year and to compete with all of these amazing athletes is an amazing experience.

“It’s one I will remember for a long time.”