Spofforth hints she’ll compete in Commonwealth Games

The 24-year-old had indicated that the 100m backstroke final, where she finished fifth, could have been her last individual race, but after competing in the 4x100 medley relay, Spofforth was singing a different tune.

And while the former world champion and record holder will definitely be taking some time away from the sport, it may be a temporary, rather than permanent, hiatus.

She said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed it and I came into this meet thinking that would be it, but I think I will keep the door open and I might keep going. The Commonwealths are in Glasgow and that would be awesome.

“I am going to take a long break and revaluate things. I don’t think I will train the same way, maybe I will just focus on the sprint. I am definitely keeping the door open.

“Four years is a very long time. I will take some time out but I have not had a proper holiday in about four years so, hopefully, I will able to take this passion I have now.”

Spofforth, together with Siobhan-Marie O’Connor, Ellen Gandy and Fran Halsall, were not able to bow out on a high in the medley relay.

Although Spofforth’s backstroke leg put them in fifth position, they fell away on the breaststroke and never recovered the ground, eventually finishing last in a time of 3mins 59.46sec while the United States set a new world record in taking the gold.

That brought to an end a rather deflating week for Team GB in the pool which consisted of just two bronze medals and one silver.

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