Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Gavin Brettell qualified for his first European Championship appearance in Sheffield last night - and extended James Parrack's cruel run of near misses in the event. Brettell, 18, from the City of Birmingham, overhauled Parrack over the final quarter in the men's 100 metres breaststroke at the Optrex European Championship trials to guarantee his place in the Great Britain squad for Vienna in August.
For Parrack, who has competed at Olympic, World Championship and Commonwealth level, it meant that he had missed out on his attempt to gain European selection - after narrowly failing in two of his three previous attempts since 1989.
All the winners at the trials are guaranteed selection, plus the runners- up if they are inside a qualifying time. Parrack recorded 1min 04.09sec - 1.37sec outside the necessary time.
Parrack, the 1990 Commonwealth silver medallist, came close afterwards to announcing his retirement.
The City of Leeds 28-year-old said: "At this moment I am fighting against the obvious conclusion to be drawn from that swim."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments