Olympic champ Meilutyte seeks new experience at YOG

Ruta Meilutyte of Lithuania jubilates after the women's 100m breaststroke final at the 15th FINA World Championships in Barcelona, Spain, on July 30, 2013. Meilutyte claimed the title with 1 minute and 4.42 seconds. [Photo/Xinhua]

NANJING, China - For London Olympic champion Ruta Meilutyte, taking part in the Youth Olympic Games is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So she decided to skip the European Swimming Championships to come to Nanjing.

"I want to have a good time here and get to know about China," said the 17-year-old Lithuanian. "I have never been to Youth Olympic Games before and I think it will be a good experience."

"I will have chance to take part in more European Championships, but it is my only Youth Olympic Games," she added.

Meilutyte stunned the world to win the women's 100m breaststroke at the London Games in 2012 and broke the world record to win the event at the Barcelona Worlds last year.

On the first day of swimming action at the YOG, Meilutyte timed 31.67 seconds in the 50m breaststroke semifinal. "I will definitely be faster in the final, because the last 15m was quite easy tonight," she said.

She will also take part in the 100m breaststroke and 100m freestyle at the YOG.