MARE NOSTRUM TO TEST MENTAL TOUGHNESS
A squad of swimmers refining preparations for this summer's
European Championships (50m) together with a team of talented
youngsters earmarked as potential 2012 Olympians will be in
action at next month's Mare Nostrum tour.
British athletes will take part in two of the three series
events staged around the Mediterranean when they visit Canet,
France (7th-8th June) and Barcelona, Spain (10th-11th June).
The open-air series is a draw to the world's greatest swimmers
and this year will be no exception. However, for the British
contingent the focus is on developing mental toughness as
they will compete, unlike their opposition, without the benefit
of rest beforehand.
"Both meets are about the process and not the outcome,"
explained British Swimming National Performance Director Bill
Sweetenham. "The meets are to be taken on the run without
any rest leading up to competition.
"Britain's swimmers will face tough, hard racing in
an unprepared state. We're creating adversity for the athletes
and what they lack in physical preparation they will have
to make up for in mental readiness. That's the exercise."
While the senior athletes look forward to the Europeans in
Budapest at the end of July the younger element will use the
meet to gain valuable experience against some of the sport's
biggest names.
"The younger group will struggle with the standard of
competition at the Mare Nostrum but they need to gain this
type of valuable experience just six years out from the London
Olympics.
"British Swimming has targeted athletes aged 14 to 18
who have the necessary talent to succeed at the London Olympics,
and the Mare Nostrum is just one element in a whole programme
of initiatives to make sure they have the best preparation
for 2012.
"A key element to any Olympic preparation, whether for
Beijing or London, is the need to train and race outdoors
and the Mare Nostrum offers this. Canet will be especially
tough with strong, blustery winds effecting performance."
Many of the swimmers attending will stay in Spain following
the Barcelona leg to make the most of the warm weather training
and outdoor facilities.
|
