The European Short Course Swimming Championships began today in Debrecen, Hungary, where Adam Brown of Hatfield SC will be competing in the 30-strong GB squad.

With 38 countries sending athletes, the event, only four months out from the FINA World Short Course Championships, will showcase the best of European swimming talent, and many expect records to fall.

British Head Coach Kevin Renshaw leads the team in Debrecen and knows the challenges ahead for the athletes.
 
“Championships held in Europe always tend to produce fast races, and Debrecen will be no exception.  About half the squad here have come straight from competing at the Dutch Open (50m) Championships where the Dutch women’s 4x100m Freestyle relay squad smashed the World Record by three seconds.

With the team being made up of both experienced swimmers, and those making their debut on the senior team, Renshaw does not believe any member of the squad will be intimidated by the occasion.

“All 30 members of the squad here with us in Hungary have one thing on their mind, the Olympics.  Whether it’s selection for Beijing next year or London in 2012, all 30 swimmers have come here determined to put their own mark on the championships.

Renshaw continued, “It won’t be easy. The likes of Cassie Patten, Keri-Anne Payne (both Stockport Metro), Rebecca Cooke (Co Glasgow) and Chris Cook (Co Newcastle) have just returned from the Endless Summer training camp in Australia, where they were put through an exceptionally demanding training block and so they are coming into this meet very tired.

“However, all are striving for a place on the team to Beijing so I know they will dig deep into their reserves and use their talent and experience to compete hard.

Others in the squad competed well last weekend in Eindhoven and come to Debrecen with renewed confidence.  Renshaw said,

“We produced some excellent results in Eindhoven with Katy Sexton (Portsmouth Northsea) taking gold in the 100m Backstroke.  Katy has been away from the GB squad for a while and to see her return to form and enjoy her swimming is very special and should inspire others.

“Emma Bird (Nova Centurion) and Dean Milwain (Loughborough University) also competed very well with both taking bronze in the 200m Breaststroke and 400m Freestyle respectively in what were well judged races.  Both are eager to produce results going into next years Olympic Trials.”

While many in the team will not get to Beijing but are aiming for London in 2012, the event will provide senior international experience and all the pressures associated with that. 

Renshaw said, “All our athletes, whether experienced or making their senior debut, will have the chance to race against some of the world’s best swimmers.  In my team talk today, I urged them all to race and compete hard but also to enjoy and learn from the experience.

“We have a talented group of swimmers and coaches here, all of whom are focused and determined to succeed.  With many of the ‘big’ GB names away on training camps, this is a real opportunity for a new generation of swimmers to make their mark on Europe and beyond.”