Britain: World champ Liam Tancock today told SwimNews today that 2010 looks set to turn into "an exciting year" that will exceed the gloomier expectations of those who put interest in the sport down to shiny suits in the past two years.
A few days out from British nationals and England Commonwealth Games trials in Sheffield, the backstroke ace said: "I'm really looking forward to going through the process of qualifying to be a part of the Commonwealth Games. I want to go out there and swim really well next week."
The trials start next Monday in Sheffield and Tancock, coached by Ben Titley at Loughborough, will focus on the 50m and 100m backstroke. One of the fastest 200m medley men in the Commonwealth, Tancock has opted out of that event for the Games in order to "try some things out that I've been working on with Ben ... I'm doing a normal taper and mixing a few things around. For me I've done some pretty decent times already this year and I'll be interested to see where I am. Some might think it silly not to do the medley at Commonwealths but I say 'not at all' - this is part of a process in which we're looking to the future: London 2012. The ultimate goal is two years down the road."
Asked if he expected excitement in swimming to have waned because of the loss of shiny suits, he said: "I think it's going to be quite an exciting year, more so than some think. I love swimming and for me, this year is no different in that sense. I can't wait to race, which is what it's all about. Last time out it was more about looking at suits but this time it will be about swimming and close, exciting races.
"It's a great sport, with great athletes and that will shine through over everything else. I'm mad about it, I love swimming and its going back to that now: swimming. That's what I live for, what I train for and why I get up and work hard every morning."
On Aussie trials last week, Tancock noted that British swimmers - racing for their respective home nations - "were definitely the underdogs two years back but we came out fighting and did a great job". That Leigh Nugent, head coach Down Under, had issued a warning that Britain would be a tough opponent reflected Britain's growing stature in the international race pool, said Tancock. "I just think they're more aware of what we're doing ... that will not only push British swimming on but world swimming."
Tancock relished racing at the Commonwealth Games, which get underway in Delhi, India, in October. "It's a special atmopshere. I can't wait to go and swim against the Aussies. I'm friends with a lot of them. They're great people and athletes and everyone is friendly. It's an exciting meet and there are always quick times there. It's a special meet. There's a bit of history, excitement, fun - and it's a bit serious too."
And closely comparable in the thread of history too: textile 2006 and 2010.
The Games also offer the rare sight of an English athlete screaming his head of for the Scottish enemy: in point of fact, his girlfriend and freestyle ace Caitlin McClatchey, champion over 200m and 400m free in 2006.
"For me. I'd cheer anyone on but 'cos I go out with Caitlin its slightly different when she gets up," said Tancock. "But the Games are one of those exciting meets when we find ourselves cheering on the opposition too, which doesn't usually happen. And not just the swimmers but the parents too. In 2006, my parents were cheering on all our home natioins and anyone they knew just about. dad sat next to some Aussies and cheered for their kids too.
"It's a great atmosphere. Can't wait," Tancock concluded.
USA: The men's NCAA champs have been delayed by a day after several teams were struck by gastrointestinal illness. Several teams had a fair few swimmers hospitalised, according to reports in the US and the Twitter messages of several swimmers. The women's crown was won last weekend by Florida's Gators, coached by Greg Troy and Martyn Wylby and captained by Britain's Gemma Spofforth.
South America: The South American Games get underway on Thursday in Medellín, Colômbia. Brazil is without Olympic and world champ Cesar Cielo, who is focussing on training with coach Brett Hawke back at Auburn in the States, and 'fly ace Kaio Almeida, who is suffered from an infection in his sinuses. Brazil is the top team to watch, with 28 swimmers, including Felipe Silva, Thiago Pereira, Guilherme Guido, Fabíola Molina and Joanna Maranhão.
