Hamill's hopes hit by illness

A MYSTERY illness yesterday cruelled Samantha Hamill's chances of world championship glory.

Samantha Hamill feels the effect of an illness after her heat. Picture: Wong Maye-E

A MYSTERY illness yesterday cruelled Samantha Hamill’s chances of world championship glory.

The Kawana Waters swimmer sought medical advice on Saturday night after being struck down by an illness in Shanghai less than 24 hours before the heats of the 400m individual medley.

Hamill, 20, swam well below her best in the heat and had to be helped from the pool by Australian officials after suffering from exhaustion (pictured inset).

She recorded the 19th best time with only the top eight swimmers making it through to last night’s final.

Hamill’s coach, Peter Gartrell, said she was dealing with the disappointment well.

“She ended up going to the doctor last night (Saturday) because she felt really tired and sick,” he told the Daily yesterday after speaking to Hamill.

“The doctor seemed to think she had picked up a 24-hour bug. She tried as hard as she could, as we knew she would, but she said she just didn’t have anything in the tank.

“It’s just disappointing when you prepare so hard and long and then you get hit with something.

"It just doesn’t add up."

Hamill clocked 4.45:32 in yesterday’s heat while her personal best is 4.37:84. She won silver at the Commonwealth Games last year after swimming 4.39:95.

Originally published as Hamill's hopes hit by illness