FOREST FIRES SPARK SHIFT IN TRAINING
Athletes on a British Swimming camp in Singapore have been
forced to adopt a different approach to their training schedules
after forest fires in Indonesia caused the city to become
shrouded by thick smoke. Yet the acrid pollution sweeping
through Southeast Asia has been far from a disaster for the
squad. In fact it has taught valuable lessons to athletes
on a training camp designed to provide an experience of Asian
culture ahead of the Beijing 2008 Olympics. The squad of 10
swimmers is lead by British Swimming Head Women's Coach Ben
Titley who has been impressed by the way his athletes have
adapted to the situation that has been forced upon them.
Poor air quality has affected the type of training the swimmers
have been able to undertake at the city's outdoor pools but
they've managed to combine other workouts to ensure the quantity
of work remains.
"We may be in the middle of an Indonesian haze but it
hasn't really affected the camp," explained Titley. "We've
just learned to live with it and get on with what we came
here to do which is to put together a large block of training
to prepare us for the season ahead.
"The group has been doing a lot of land work instead
which has been of real benefit to some of the younger guys
such as Fran Halsall and Lizzie Simmonds.
"We've just adapted to the situation. We haven't missed
a session in the pool but we've looked at the air quality
and changed our sessions accordingly by looking at the volumes
we're doing and the intensity of them.
"When we've had to drop volumes of training we've supplemented
this with weight training and aerobic land work, such as gym-based
cycling and running. It's added a variety to the schedule
and has given the swimmers a real boost. "
The squad arrived in Singapore 10 days ago and for the first
week enjoyed a normal training routine. Since the smoke has
swept in, however, they're taking precautions to keep the
athletes safe and healthy.
"We're constantly monitoring the air quality. This dictates
how far we swim and how intense the workouts will be. This
hasn't been a problem though," said Titley.
"The swimmers have reacted to it in a very professional
way while our hosts in Singapore have been very helpful by
accommodating our needs and being flexible with our pool and
gym times."
Titley feels the camp has been of real benefit to the group
with many aiming to experience the Beijing 2008 Olympics and
high pollution levels that are expected.
"For athletes aiming to be in Beijing I feel this camp
has provided a valuable insight. It's highlighted the fact
there may be issues with air quality and pollution, and has
taught the athletes to take care of themselves in that environment.
"If it's really bad the athletes will know to stay indoors
and they appreciate they need to drink more, eat more fruit,
to take care of themselves in general and to alter their training
accordingly.
"It's a lot better for them to see this first hand now
then at an Olympics in two years time. It's been an important
lesson for them."
The squad heads to Canberra, Australia at the weekend where
swimmers will take part in an Australian Institute of Sport
meet. This is also where they'll begin the intensive stretch
of their six-week camp.
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