Smith to go for record a day early

Michelle Smith will make a second attempt on the world short course record in the 200 metres butterfly on Saturday in Bishopstown, Co Cork, and not on Sunday as originally planned.

Smith announced her intention to challenge Mary T Meagher's 1981 record 10 days ago, but failed by over two seconds in the national championships at the Grove Baths in Belfast.

The American record holder's mark stands at two minutes 5.65 seconds for the eight-length swim, and although Smith fell short, her 2:8.15 represents the second fastest over the distance in the world this year. Smith announced after Belfast that she would not be competing again before the European championships, but felt that her training was going well enough for another attempt, which will take place between three and four on Saturday afternoon.

Smith will then finally decide whether to compete in the European championships in Seville, Spain, which begin on August 19th.