12 Aug 2016

Boyle fails to qualify for 800m freestyle final

7:47 am on 12 August 2016

Rio 2016 Olympics - New Zealand swimmer Lauren Boyle has just missed out on qualifying for the 800 metre freestyle final in Rio, ending her Olympic campaign on a disappointing note.

Boyle recorded the 9th fastest time, while fellow New Zealander Emma Robinson was 16th fastest.

Lauren Boyle warms up before the women's 800m freestyle heat.

Lauren Boyle warms up before the women's 800m freestyle heat. Photo: AFP

Defending champion, American Katie Ledecky, who is chasing her fourth gold of the games, was fastest in an Olympic record time.

Boyle, considered New Zealand's best medal prospect in the pool, also failed to get past the heats of the 400m freestyle.

Lauren Boyle in the women's 800m freestyle heat.

Boyle recorded the 9th fastest time. Photo: AFP

After her 800m race Boyle told Sky Sport missing out on the medal race would be tough.

"I guess it's my worst nightmare to come to a competition like this, I'm not here to participate, I'm here because I want to perform and it's quite upsetting not to be able to compete to the capability that I believe I have."

Boyle's campaign was set-back by an infection just before the Olympics and she has also had a hip issue.

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