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The start of something extraordinary

Boyle out of 800m free final

Lauren Boyle has narrowly missed progressing to the final of the 800m freestyle in Rio today.

Boyle just missed qualifying finishing 9th in 8:25.84, with Spanish swimmer Mireia Belmonte taking the final qualifying spot in 8:25.55.

Based on the Gold Coast Boyle was faced with illness during her final intensive period of training in the lead up to Rio.

Earlier in the week Boyle struggled in the 400m freestyle to finish 14th and was eight seconds off her best of 8:17.65 in today’s 800m.

Emma Robinson was also in action of the 800m freestyle. Finishing off her personal best of 8:31.27 she clocked 8:33.73 to place 16th overall.

American super star Katie Ledecky was the fastest qualifier with a new Olympic record time of 8:12.86.

Matthew Hutchins is the final Kiwi to compete in the pool in Rio with heats of the 1500m freestyle tomorrow before Kane Radford competes in the 10km open water swim in a few days’ time.

CAPTION: Lauren Boyle in action in heats of the 800m freestyle in Rio. Credit: Ian MacNicol

Rio Olympic