Belinda Hocking leaps from the start in one of her races in London. Photo: Getty Images
Despite being a good chance to claim a medal for Australia in the 200 metre backstroke event, Murrumbateman-based swimmer Belinda Hocking failed to qualify for the final in London last week.
Hocking had shown tremendous form leading into the Games and was considered one of only a few swimmers that could challenge eventual winner and teenage sensation Missy Franklin.
But it wasn’t to be for Hocking who swam a time of two minutes and nine seconds and finished fifth in her semi and missed out on a final berth.
Teammate Meagen Nay made it through to the final but finished just outside the medals.
Hocking burst onto the scene four years ago in Beijing when she qualified for the 200m backstroke final at the age of just 17.
She grew up in Wangaratta and travelled huge distances everyday to train. But six years ago her family re-located to Murrumbateman so Hocking could train at the Australian Institute of Sport.
It proved a masterstroke as her swimming has gone from strength to strength ever since.
Hocking claimed a silver medal in the world championships last year and that achievement meant she was looking to a medal in London.
But, in the end, she wasn’t fast enough to swim in the final.
The Tribune has tried to get in contact with Belinda but by time of going to print was unsuccessful. We will try again when she returns to Australia.
