Erika Fairweather has qualified for the semi-finals of the 200-metre freestyle at the Tokyo Olympics after finishing fifth in a quick heat this evening.
The 17-year-old Kiwi clocked a 1:57.26, two seconds back from American superstar Katie Ledecky.
With 16 swimmers from four heats qualifying for the semi-finals, a fifth-place finish in heat two left Fairweather with a nervous wait before her qualification was confirmed as the 14th fastest swimmer, marginally ahead of world-record holder Federica Pellegrini.
It capped a busy day for the Kavanagh College head girl, who earlier finished eighth in the final of the 400-metre freestyle.
She will need to recover well overnight, with her semi-final set for 1.30pm New Zealand time tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Kiwi pair Eve Thomas and Hayley McIntosh have finished fourth and sixth respectively in the second heat of the women's 1500-metre freestyle, with neither quick enough to advance to the final.
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