New Zealand's Commonwealth Games gold medallist Lauren Boyle has set a new 1500m world record after blitzing to victory at the Wellington Winter Swimming Championships.
New Zealand's Lauren Boyle wins Gold in the Women's 400m Freestyle Final, Glasgow Commonwealth Games, 2014. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Boyle, preparing for this month's Pan Pacific Championships on the Gold Coast, finished in 15:22.68 to take more than four seconds off the previous record set by Spain's Mareia Belmonte Garcia late last year.
Lauren Boyle of New Zealand prepares in the Womens 800m Freestyle Heats on Day 4. Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Lauren Boyle Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The 26-year-old, who won gold and silver medals in Glasgow, went through the 800m mark in 8:08.05.
She will contest the 1500m freestyle on the final day of the Pan Pacific Championships where she will go up against a strong field including American teenager Katie Ledecky who recently broke the long course world record over the distance in 15:34.23.
Her record will be subject to ratification by the world body FINA following a mandatory doping test and an official survey of the pool at the Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre.
