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Jackson And Pellegrini Out Of Duel

Dec 4, 2009  - Craig Lord

Two of the biggest names, and rivals, in women's freestyle swimming have dropped out of the Duel in the Pool between the US and an E-Stars European select of Brits, Germans and Italians in Manchester on December 18-19.

Joanne Jackson (GBR) is recovering from a lung infection that stemmed from a bout of 'flu, while Federica Pellegrini has suffered a clash of dates and opted for an awards dinner with the political classes in Italy (no idea if one of the the crown clowns of European politics, Silvio Berlusconi, will be there or not) over racing with European teammates against the US in Manchester.

British Swimming confirmed that Jackson has been suffering "with severe illness for the past six weeks and a respiratory infection means she is unable to swim" at the duel. Pellegrini, says organisers, called off after being "called to attend an official ceremony in front of the highest political and sports authorities in Italy."

Jackson, coached by Kevin Renshaw in Loughborough, and Pellegrini, whose long-time coach Alberto Castagnetti passed away after heart surgery in October, will be replaced in the 400m freestyle by next-in-liners, Jasmin Carlin (GBR), for certain, and Alessia Filippi (ITA) if logic follows. Rebecca Adlington (GBR) leads the Europeans against a strong US squad that includes Katie Hoff, Allison Schmitt, Dagny Knutson and Amber McDermott, all pretty useful over eight laps s/c free.

Information on the event, including where to buy tickets, can be found on the Duel website.

In further news from Britain, Loughborough University Swimming Team last night received the Team of the Year Trophy at the BBC East Midlands Sports Awards. Loughborough Swimming, a jewel in the crown of the university, received the award in recognition of an outstanding year in the pool. 

Ian Armiger, Director of Swimming at Loughborough, said: "This award epitomizes the Loughborough culture of co-operation, support and the pursuit of excellence. It's for all those involved in Loughborough University Sport."