With trials around the corner, we take a look forward to some of the potentially big stories of the meet through the lens of the
GBSwimstars project. Since 2009 photographer Simon Wright has been cataloguing swimmers hoping to make their way to London in a project which has captured some of Britain’s biggest aquatic stars.
Rebecca Adlington has arguably one of the toughest jobs at trials with anything less than a dominant qualifying performance likely to lead to huge speculation about her ability to defend her Olympic 800m freestyle title
Domestically though, Adlington is streets ahead of her rivals over 800m so should have little difficulty qualifying of right. She also goes in the 400m and 200m free
James Goddard finished fourth in the 200IM in Shanghai, agonisingly close to Bronze, having been pipped by Lazlo Cseh in the final metres. He was unable to compete in the 200m backstroke in Shanghai, despite being the GB number one in 2011
Goddard has suffered persistent shoulder problems and has now dropped the backstroke from his programme, leaving Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte and Cseh to contend with for the podium places. His fourth place in Shanghai though virtually guarantees him a place in London.
Fourth ranked over 200m in 2011, Swansea based Webb has ground to make up on his rivals Michael Jamieson, Kris Gilchrist and Andrew Willis in what will be one of the toughest selection events at trials.
Double Commonwealth champion Carry leads the 400 free rankings for GB in 2012, his 3:49.29 in Flanders just a touch away from the Olympic qualifying time. Carry will be aiming for a third straight Olympic appearance at trials.
KerrieAnne is already guaranteed her spot in London courtesy of her 10km world title win in Shanghai and she will attempt to go one better than her silver in Beijing. It’s now time to see how her pool swimming holds up and whether she can snatch an 800m freestyle or IM place.
Emma Wilkins was a non-swimming relay squad member for Shanghai in 2011, but following that meet moved from Plymouth to Loughborough to train with Fran Halsall. We’re yet to see the full impact of that change, a solid relay split at BUCS aside, but a relay spot could again be up for grabs.
2011 was a difficult year for Gemma Spofforth who struggled with form and motivation. Hopefully now over that and back training in her adopted Florida, world record holder Spofforth will look to hold off a number of improving juniors to secure her Olympic berth.
On the contrary, 2011 was a breakthrough year for Hannah Miley who added a global medal to her trophy cabinet with 400IM silver in Shanghai. As well as the medleys Hannah will also chase a 200 freestyle relay spot at trials.
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