TAIT RETURNS HOME WITH SIGHTS SET ON BEIJING
Double Commonwealth Champion Gregor Tait has returned to
his native Scotland where he will train with and compete for
his former club, City of Edinburgh.
The 27-year-old, who won gold in the 200m Backstroke and
200m Individual Medley at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games,
has returned to Edinburgh following a two-year spell at City
of Cardiff.
With his sights set firmly on the Beijing Olympics in 2008,
Tait felt he needed fresh impetus and, after weighing up his
options, felt the City of Edinburgh programme, under head
coach Fred Vergnoux, offered the best opportunities.
"This summer I felt like I'd come to a bit of a crossroads.
I'm two years out from the next Olympics, which is my only
focus, and I want to make sure I have everything I need to
give myself the best chance of success," said Tait.
"In my head I went through everything I know I'll need
ahead of Beijing and, for a host of reasons, Edinburgh was
the best option for me. It's a wonderful programme under a
great head coach in Fred (Vergnoux).
"Edinburgh's been more of a home to me than any other
place and was a big draw in my decision process. Sometimes
you look beyond swimming as well and Edinburgh is a city where
I'd like to spend the rest of my life."
Tait has enjoyed the past two years spent at the City of
Cardiff club under the guidance of head coach Dave Haller.
"I really enjoyed my time in Cardiff. Dave (Haller)
taught me a lot not only about swimming but also about myself
and life in general. His input has been invaluable and I feel
he's worked wonders," said Tait.
"I needed a change to make the most of myself. I did
it two years ago and I feel I've stepped up. I knew the time
had come to do it again. It's about trying to find that little
bit extra that will make all the difference at the Olympics
in 2008."
Tait is excited about the prospect of working with the many
friends within the sport that he has in Edinburgh as well
as his new coach.
"The different approach to training that Fred (Vergnoux)
brings, as well as the alternative psyche he attaches to it,
is all so very new and exciting and it's what I need - it's
a fresh approach," said Tait.
Vergnoux is pleased to add another world class swimmer to
the club's ranks and is sure Tait has the drive and the commitment
to help the club achieve it's aims.
"It was a difficult choice for Gregor (Tait) but I'm
happy and respect the fact he's come back to Edinburgh,"
explained Vergnoux.
"His main target is the Beijing Olympics but there are
many competitions for him to excel in before then and we're
going to give him the opportunities to do so.
"The programme he has joined is very different to what
he is used to and he's excited about the challenge ahead.
I think that's very important for an athlete.
"Gregor is very dedicated and loves swimming. He has
a very professional attitude and commits to a plan that he
will work hard towards."
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