Ingram third highest medal winner in Swimming World Cup

Melissa Ingram has finished with the third highest medal haul at the conclusion of the FINA World Cup series in Berlin today.

The Beijing Olympian picked up her last medal in finishing third in the 400m freestyle at the final meet in Berlin.

This brings her haul to 16 during her six World Cup meets including nine wins and six second placings.

This was the third highest total of medals for the series behind South Africa’s Katheryn Meaklim and Australia’s Marieke Guehrer who won the women’s overall points honours and the US$100,000 prize. The points system was based on times against world records during the series.

Ingram finished sixth overall in the points series with double points on the final round and bonuses for world records, with 12 new marks established during the series.

The 23 year old swimmer from North Shore followed her sweep of wins in the 200m backstroke with a third placing in the 400m freestyle today won by Coralie Balmy (FRA). She went within a fingertip of compatriot Laure Manaudou’s world record in 3:56.24 to win from Lotte Friis (DEN) and Ingram who clocked 4:05.78.

Ingram set new national records in the 200m backstroke, 200m and 400m freestyle during the series.

“Melissa has swum really strongly throughout the World Cup,” coach Jan Cameron said. “It was an invaluable opportunity for her to experience the pressure of weekly international competition, something we are just not able to get.

“She had to cope with the travel and different environments as well as training on her own.

“The competition was excellent and it will be a wonderful platform for her to press on now towards the world championships next year.”

Ingram also picked up some valuable prizemoney with US$1500 up for each win.

Ingram, who competed in South Africa, Australia, Singapore and three meets in Europe, will return to compete in the New Zealand Summer Championships in Christchurch next month.

Result, 400m freestyle, Berlin:
400m freestyle: Coralie Balmy (FRA) 3:56.24, 1; Lotte Friis (DEN) 4:01.64, 2; Melissa Ingram (NZL) 4:05.78, 3.

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