Seebhom wins backstroke-freestyle double

EMILY Seebohm demonstrated her growing importance to Australian swimming by becoming the first woman to win the 100m backstroke-freestyle double at the national titles in 40 years.

The 17-year-old was a surprise winner in the 100m freestyle after Yolane Kukla was disqualified for a false start before Seebohm comfortably won the backstroke more than an hour later.

Seebohm is setting herself up for a monster schedule at this year's Pan Pacs and Delhi Commonwealth Games of up to seven events.

She has already earned three individual swims with the 50m and 200m backstroke to come later this week.

With her strong showings to date, she is also set to compete in the 4x100m freestyle and 4x100m medley relays for Australia.

"I am a little bit shocked about the freestyle," said Seebohm.

She said she was aware that someone had broken the start in the 100m freestyle and was initially thrilled just to finish second.

"I heard a bit of the backboard sound and thought 'Oh god' but I did not who it was and I guess when I saw I was second I was excited about that," she said.

"Then with the DQ and I got up and won it and was very happy."

Seebohm (59.21 seconds) had been hoping to become the first woman to go under 59 seconds in the 100m backstroke in a textile suit but said achieving that goal might have to come later in the year.

"It did not come here and I have Pan Pacs and Comm Games to come," she said.