SWIMMERS READY TO MEET TOUGHEST CHALLENGE
Team England's swimmers go into the Commonwealth Games tomorrow
off the back of a preparation camp that has delivered readiness
and relaxation in equal measure.
While Head Coach Ian Turner appreciates the challenge faced
by his swimmers is massive against a strong Australian squad
buoyed by a nation's support, he's nonetheless confident his
swimmers will do themselves justice over the next six days
in Melbourne.
Turner, on the eve of the Games, has revealed how pleased
he's been at the progress made, the work ethic adopted and
how the team has evolved over the past two-and-a-half weeks
in Australia.
"The mood of the Team England swimmers is very positive.
It really is one of expectation," said Turner.
"We've selected a team from some very tough qualifying
criteria and although we realise that medals here in Australia
will be very difficult to come by we'll be in there to seize
every opportunity we can."
England's swimmers flew into Melbourne on Sunday following
a two-week preparation camp on the Gold Coast.
They utilised a 12-lane, outdoor, 50m pool at the impressive
Southport School which has become a home-from-home for England's
swimmers over recent years and is in fact an offshore centre
for some of Britain's top male athletes.
"It's been a very stress free holding camp for us on
the Gold Coast," said Turner. "This has been achieved
thanks to The Southport School facilities which are very familiar
to the majority of the squad.
"The camp was a relaxed affair while the athletes fine-tuned
their preparation and I'm sure we'll reap the benefits of
this when the Games begin.
"Personally, I'm delighted with the way it's gone. I've
had to coach my own group while observing others but everyone
seems focused on the tasks ahead and eager now to get involved."
Turner has warned, however, that medals in Melbourne for
visiting nations will be a rare commodity and certainly from
Team England's perspective there will be no repeat performance
of the medals gained in Manchester four years ago when home
support had a massive effect.
"What we gained four years ago will go against us in
Melbourne. You really can't put a price on the support of
a host nation but it's massive," said Turner.
"What we're going to see at these Games is an extremely
strong Australian team, especially the female half of the
programme, enjoying that immeasurable support.
"In saying that, there will obviously be opportunities
in the middle distance events and we'll endeavour to make
the most of those.
"However, Australia won't be the only tough opposition.
In South Africa, Canada and New Zealand we have three impressive
and emerging nations we must compete with. Add to that strong
individuals from the other home nations and it makes for an
exciting and competitive Games.
|
