EUROPEAN JUNIOR SQUAD OUT TO MAKE THEIR MARK
Great Britain's junior swimming elite will take on their
continental neighbours at the European Junior Championships
(EJCs) in Budapest this week from 14-17 July
The EJCs, which signal the start of a 26-day intensive competition
and training programme ending with the Commonwealth Trials
in Sheffield from 4-9 August, are open to girls aged 15-16
and boys aged 17-18 years.
A large proportion of Britain's 29-strong squad has qualified
at the lower end of the age group, which is a tribute to Britain's
age programme and means that many swimmers will be facing
competitors at least a year older than themselves.
The British team boasts an impressive array of talent, including
Scottish Commonwealth Games qualifiers Hannah Miley and Robbie
Renwick, and Hollie O'Connor and Scott Houston who medalled
at last year's Europeans in Portugal.
National Youth Coach Tim Jones believes is young
squad is up to the challenge ahead.
"The challenge is for the swimmers to be able to perform
again a short time after this meet, as there are some great
opportunities for the youth athletes at the moment,"
he said. "With 11 retirements from the senior team since
Athens, these swimmers are in the position to stand up and
fill the places.
"We want them to put in maximum performance and get
home in good shape so they're in apposition to perform again.
For most of the swimmers, this will be the first time they've
had the challenge of two hard, quality meets back-to-back.
"With last week's great results at the European Youth
Olympics it's important for us to keep the ball rolling. We're
the second British Swimming team in the pool this month and
the seniors will be racing in Montreal soon at the World Championships.
"A number of athletes have signalled their intent to
medal here and be in a position to qualify at the Commonwealth
Games Trials next month.
"Robbie Renwick and Hannah Miley have already swum encouraging
times to qualify for the Commonwealths, as have the two Stockton
butterfly swimmers Jessica Dickons and Jemma Lowe. Stacey
Tadd is also well ranked in three of her four events and we
are in a good position with our relay squads - we have a number
of opportunities.
Jones explained how the team hopes to build on the
momentum gathered in the new millennium.
"In the past four years, Britain has made big strides
forwards in regards to its juniors and our task this year
is to make sure we don't slip from that higher standard.
"We are hoping to succeed on a number of different levels
this week. We have put a number of protocols in place to mirror
the senior team and become a strong and professional unit.
In terms of athlete performance, given the limited preparation
time as a team, we intend to maximise our opportunities.
"We know from the start sheets that we have some good
opportunities here and it's our responsibility both as individuals
and a team that we don't let them slip by.
"As always, swimmers aim to swim personal best times
and get as close to the British Age Group records as possible.
We hope that we will figure in the medal table and perform
well as a team to gain a strong position points-wise."
The European Junior Swimming Championships
take place at the Alfred Hajos Pool, Budapest from 14-17 July.
Heats commence at 8.30am and finals are at 4pm (Please note
Hungary BST + 1).
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