Jenna Forrester shocks Australia and herself with 200m backstroke gold on night one in Glasgow
Australian swimmer Jenna Forrester unexpectedly won gold in the 200m backstroke at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Originally a 400m freestyle and medley specialist, she was a late replacement for Kaylee McKeown and overcame a slow start to secure the victory.
Why it matters
Highlights the depth of the Australian swimming program and the unpredictable nature of elite sports competition.
Jenna Forrester isn't sure how she pulled that off. ( Getty Images: Michael Steele )
Link copied Share Share article Jenna Forrester wasn't even supposed to be there.
The 23-year-old travelled to Glasgow as a 400m freestyle and individual medley swimmer.
Then, when backstroke queen Kaylee McKeown succumbed to illness on the eve of the Commonwealth Games, selectors decided to throw Forrester in the 200m back too.
Such is the depth in Australian swimming, that's usually a pretty solid tactic to nab a podium double or even the vaunted sweep.
But usually it's not the afterthought climbing the top step.
"I really just went into tonight with a positive attitude," she said.
Lani Pallister wins Australia's first gold of these Commonwealth Games in the women's 400m freestyle, with more Aussies scooping up medals in the pool on the first full day of competition.
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