CANBERRA, June 29 -- Triple Olympic gold medalist Libby Trickett on Wednesday night failed to win her a spot on Australia's team for the world championships in Shanghai of China next month.
For the first time since August 2009 when she quit the sport, Trickett returned to competition in Adelaide of Australia on Wednesday night.
The 26-year-old was competing to get herself a spot in Australia's 4x100m freestyle relay team for next month's world titles in China.
But Trickett, needing to win the swim-off in a time under 54.99 seconds, came sixth in 55.68s at the South Australian Aquatic Center.
The final relay spot went to winner Marieke Guehrer, who clocked 54.29s.
"It hurt like hell, but I absolutely loved every minute of it," Trickett told ABC Sports on Wednesday.
"To have your first race as something that means so much is pretty intimidating.
"I tried to go into it with a really open mind and I'm really happy with the execution of that race and that's what's giving me confidence at this point.
"I started to tear up a bit with my coach before because just to see where I've come in nine months (since announcing her comeback) it's amazing to me and I'm just so proud of where I'm at and really looking forward to the future.
"I would have loved to have the opportunity to be part of the world championships team because all my best friends are on that team ...but I'm so thrilled for Marieke, she swam such an amazing time."
Trickett said she will aim to get herself a spot in the Australian team for next year's London Olympics.
The big, hot belching of dinosaurs
Foreigners receiving more legal support
Lady Gaga cancels Indonesia show
Calls for anti-China protests will worsen island impasse
官方发布2158道中餐饭菜英文译名-禽蛋类[1]
UK binge drinking 'at crisis levels'
Nation's farmers cater to taste for foreign foods
'New' name for island sparks fury
Yao now stretches his considerable reach into book world
Twisters leave at least one dead in Japan
Hu urges G20 to safeguard fragile recovery
老外称中国驾照多处翻译错误 性别成雌雄同体
Fake stewed pig ears pose health risks
Student sentenced for burning classmate
UN report sounds alarm to clean up oceans
New standards for fuel to reduce pollution in city
45 feared dead in Russian jet crash
Alien species a growing menace: experts
Owners unlikely to license pet dogs
Water source in HK, Macao safe
Cyber attacks affect 'both nations'
Deep-sea rig starts drilling
Software piracy declined in 2011
Millions paid to milk scandal victims
Credit rating stays despite slowdown
Li calls for closer ties with Australia
HK students aim for mainland universities
Tourists may get 3-day visit window
官方发布2158道中餐饭菜英文译名-菇菌类
US seeks China's nod for sanctions against DPRK