10/03/2012 British Swimming Championships

The this is London 2012's s spectacular Aquatics Centre. A

wonderful new building. This is a journey that thousands of people

will be making this week to watch an Olympic test event, a test of

this building's capability of hosting the event and the ultimate

test of our summers -- swimmers. Even if you are a household name,

It is all about qualifying for the Olympic Games. This man has been on

the British team for five Olympic Games. But it is too late to go for

it again. Remind us of what is involved in this trial process.

First past the post under a qualifying time. The second summer

has to do the top 16 time in the world. -- the second swimmer. How

different does this trial process a feel? All at the top has been about

London. The public are aware that London is going to happen. Normally,

no one is aware that we are having Olympic trials. It is on the

television all the time however. This is almost like the Olympic

Games itself. These guys are getting the opportunity to see the

whole venue. But it is high pressure. You are one of the

commentating team. We have a complete set of medals because we

have got Sharron Davies as well. Also Adrian Moorhouse. All eyes

first of all were upon at Great Britain's golden girl, Rebecca

Adlington. The most successful Olympic some were at the Olympics

for Great Britain in over 100 years. But there was no guarantee that she

would qualify to defend those medals. She was nervous ahead of

her first event, the women's 400 A bit of movement on the blocks

A bit of movement on the blocks point. Good strong stroke rate from

Adlington there. 100 metres left. Becky Adlington looking beleaguered.

will make the British team. Becky Adlington always knew that she was

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Britain's it took medallist ats from Beijing will be representing

Britain in London. The relief is great. A very impressive at swimmer.

statement of intent. It was a bit too hard. I just had to go out

there. If I did not attack it, it may have worked. It is such hard

core. We get a put five and the morning, we have done it for years.

But knowing they are going to be here in this atmosphere, it is

wonderful. She is definitely showing that she is in form for the

summer. It is lovely seeing how much this means to her. She did not

have her name on that sheet until she qualified here. She may have

been beaten, she could have been disqualified. You have to qualify

at the trial saw you do not go to the Games. At one point, she looked

record holder in 2009, but her asthma has been giving her a lot of

trouble. Seeing her back to almost a best, that is great as well. That

is the sort of time a lot to will take to win a medal. Medal chances

from both of them potentially the summer. The standard events is the

women's 100 metres butterfly. Fran Halsall and Ellen Gandy and Jemma

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new British record. Second is Fran idea how have asked I was going. I

could not see anybody around me. I just wanted to get on the team.

That was a British record. Fran Halsall, so close the world

championships last year. What do you feel are at their genuine

chances in the Olympics? Three of the girls there with a top eight in

the world last year. They are about one second away from where they

need to be. But they are definitely in the hunt. That race replicated

what the Olympic Games are going to be like. Jemma Lowe has another

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race to come. She will be bitterly because of a winner... Cannot Jemma

Lowe comeback? It will be very set the two fastest times in the

world this year. And that must have heard a huge amount. Ellen Gandy

wins. Jemma Lowe joins her on the Olympic team.

You do that in a very to pay for way. I was so nervous. I think my

race plan read out of the window. You set a very fast pace. I think

there are so did we out too fast and I could not control it enough.

I will learn from it next time. was so nervous, I just wanted to

get that first place. I have to go and come down now.

Huge relief for Jemma Lowe. She is on the team. But the race shows you

how excruciatingly painful but base can be if you get the tactics and

wrong. Four lengths of butterfly is excruciating if you get it wrong.

She got a little bit nervous. Fantastic for Jemma Lowe on the

back of the disappointment of not meeting the 100 metres butterfly. I

am very pleased for both of them. That race is being cheered by about

2000 people inside the Aquatics Centre. Come at the Olympic Games,

there will be over 70,000 people in here. There will be a lot of

Roberto Pavoni secured his place in the 400m individual medley, meeting

Joe Roebuck. After words, Pavoni was understandably delighted.

have been dreaming about this for years and now. It has absolutely

come true now. Robbie Renwick was the man to beat in the 400m

freestyle, and he cruised to an Olympic place. David Carry and a --

and agonisingly missed out by half a second. It is absolutely

phenomenal here. It is just going to be even more of a buzz knowing

it is home Olympics. It is going to be great. And the Commonwealth

Games gold medallist was at it again in the 200 metres free in a

much tighter race. Renwick looks like he is tightening up. Robbie

Renwick is going to add the 200 to the 400. After a torrid few years

of injuries, it finally came good for the Prestwick swimmer. He was

the surprise winner in the 500- metre breaststroke. And Craig

Benson came in twice - a rare second to make the British Olympic

team. -- came in second to make the right? Not so fast. He has achieved

all of his a success in the 500- metre backstroke. Once again, Liam

Tancock will have to double his distance to get on that podium.

Here is the class of the field. men's 100m backstroke final. Look

at that, right in the centre. Liam Tancock has about half of the

centre. He is a rocket and he is really going for it. It is always

traditional that when Tancock goes well he has to sit on top of the

water. It looks a really good there. The first 50. The rest of the field

is not able to live with him, I do not think. Chris Walker-Hebborn is

a 200 back stroke her. He should come back. He is looking good.

Edgar looks like Tancock has a little bit more control. -- it

looks like. That was excellent. I was talking to his coach and he

said that 300 would be great. That looked really good. A little bit

more control than we have seen before. Liam Tancock makes the team

for the Olympic Games. He was the only one to make it out of that

final. Not a bad time. Is that what you

were aiming for? Yes. I wanted to come and swim fast. Also medley, I

wanted to qualify for the Olympic team. I have done that. I am on

that team now and I want to swim faster in the summer. It is nice to

be a part of it and there is a lot more training to come. He has got

to get under 53 seconds to be in a medal zone. There are always two

Americans in there. He has got a great friend and but he needs to

work on the back end. -- he has got a great front end. Sometimes the

one that you are best at is not the one included in the Games.

would like to think he would be stood on top of the podium, but as

frustrating as it is for him, he has to do the two events. I used to

do the 50 butterfly and that was not alembic either a. He is a

clearly dominant force. -- not Olympic either. You have the three

fastest women of all time, British women. You have a Gemma Spofforth

and Lizzie Simmonds, but watch out for Georgia Davies. What a scrap

This will be very interesting indeed. A very good start from

Lizzie Simmonds and a good start from just a couple were as well.

She is just 15 years old. There is spot for it and Davies. Very strong.

-- Spofforth. It looks like Georgia Davies over first. It is. It is

quite fast. I have seen them go out quicker than that. Georgia Davies

is normally out quicker than the others. One lane up from her is the

European champion, Lizzie Simmonds. Gemma Spofforth is coming up as

well. There are only three spots available. It looks like she might

be in a bit of trouble. She is coming back. Gemma Spofforth gets

the touch. It looks like it might be Spofforth. She has got it.

Georgia Davies comes in bright behind. There is two will go. What

a finish! -- comes in right behind. Gemma Spofforth just squeaks in.

Georgia Davies comes in second. They will go. I am so pleased for

you. We were holding our breath. thought this might be one of the

last of my career so I wanted to give my all Andy pool. Some people

do not understand how close you all will be at the Olympics. -- Georgia

Davies. It has not quite snug in. A great race, but amazing to think

that half a second slower, Gemma Spofforth might have terminated her

career. She has got her groove back. She has been two seconds faster

than that in the past. I hope she can relax now. There have been some

family problems and she was hugely injured after falling off of a

bicycle. But she is coming back. Lizzie Simmonds is clearly

devastated to miss out, but she knew that she had another chance.

She doubled the distance over 200 metres.

The women's 200 backstroke final. Gemma Spofforth is in lane two. The

world champion from 2002 is in lane one. None of them is the fastest

qualifier. Gemma Spofforth is up and very slow

to react. That is unusual for her. Very good start from Lizzie

Simmonds. She is going for it again. A great start from the girls in

seven and eight. Simmonds is taking all of the 15 metres. Very good

start. She is doing what I thought she should do. A fantastic turn out.

She looks a very good at the moment. She still looks strong. She has got

to hold on. Stephanie Proud is coming back in five. Simmonds looks

good. She has got to stay relaxed and hold onto her stroke. She looks

very good. Lizzie Simmonds is going to make it. In the end it was very

comfortable for her. A very good swim. Well done, Lizzie Simmonds.

Massive relief. Lizzie Simmonds makes the team. She is the only one

who made the qualification time. It is fantastic to go to the

Olympics. It was still not the time I wanted. I didn't make the 100 and

it was tough to turn that around and make it positive. It was all

about doing the job and making the team. It was all or nothing for

Lizzie Simmonds. She was off like a rocket. She had the speed. She

literally dominated. I got very excited and nervous or her. She is

dominating in the event. -- nervous for her. It was her space and she

could have blown it. European champion, of course. In this event,

look out for Muller said Franklin. She was only 16 when she won the

first time. She could dominate, maybe not this time, but in the

future. You have to think about Michael Phelps. He was very good

when he was very young. Look at Ian Thorpe. She could literally when

six or seven medals. Some relief for Lizzie Simmonds. She is through.

Let's reflect on the successes for a sentimental favourite of British

women. We start with a breaststroke. Kate Haywood has moved to

Australian -- Australia to train. It appears to have paid off. She

had a mixed couple of years with injuries but she was called Millie

very impressive. I am so relieved. -- she was also medley and very

impressive. I am so relieved. Today I thought I should do my own race

and forget everyone else. That is what I did and it paid off. After

finishing behind her, the 200 provided Stacey Tadd with another

chance to get on the team. She got the time she needed, just. She

secured qualification by the narrowest of times. And killer

McClatchey was the one to beat, but reputation meant nothing. --

Caitlin McClatchey. She was 4th until the last 50 metres, when her

speed and strength saw her overhaul to get a spot at 2012.

Perhaps her success is in part due to some of the insights that she

gave in to what it takes to become a global medallist. She has been

training with Hannah Miley. Hannah Miley is a Commonwealth gold

medallist and she likes the events long and gruelling. Her favourite

is the 400 metres individual medley. She is all fired up for that on

Sunday. Hannah Miley leading after the fly

and the backstroke. That is really hard to do. Miley is leading. Aimee

Wilmott is looking good. Stephanie Proud is up in brief. Kerri-anne

Payne is doing reasonably well. Hannah Miley looks so strong on

this breaststroke. Look at the force up the sweep in. She is

recovering. Aimee Wilmott is doing well to hold on. Miley looks down

at the edge. This is very good swimming from Aimee Wilmott. I

think she is using Miley to dragged her along. As long as she comes

second and the time is after them at the 16th fastest in the world

last year, then she will go to the Olympics. Aimee Wilmott is in

second. Up in third is Stephanie Proud. Hannah Miley leads this

final of the women's 400 medley. Aimee Wilmott is second and a long

way back in there is Stephanie Proud. It really is all about the

time. There are two spaces. Miley will get hers. She has dominated

this race. Look how far up she is. That is the quality that she is.

She is one of our best hopes for a medal this summer. She is showing

her credentials. Aimee Wilmott will have to come back stronger. She is

stuck in no man's land. She can still do it. She just has to get a

34.99 seconds. She should be able to do that. Miley is dominating the

race but look out for Aimee Wilmott. It would be great for her to

qualify 28 years after her father. Miley wins the trial. A very good

swim indeed from Hannah Miley. Really impressive. Aimee Wilmott

absolutely killed it. Those two women are going to be going to the

alembics. Look at that! They are utterly delighted. -- to the

Olympics. Very impressive times trying and two better my time since

did 1010, and to go faster than that is just shows that what we're

doing is working. But anything can happen. You have to be very level-

headed. You have to be prepared and aware that there are always people

coming up behind you and you cannot assume that you will make it. I am

going in at the same level as everybody else. It has not hit me

properly yet. I cannot wait to tell month. So they Smith. Had that is

usually there on her own, it will be nice for her to go him to the

race it with a team-mate. -- Hannah. The individual medley is the first

final in this Olympic pool. Cam Hannah Miley win that? Possibly.

She was second in the world championships last year. If she

gets it right on the right day, she will go even faster so it is

possible. She likes to work hard. As does Michael Phelps. He

describes the 200-metre butterfly as his bread and butter. But on the

terms under water. Joe Robuck is making good terms as well. Great

skill. Rocca is just off his Robuck is digging in there. This

race is not over yet. Look at this. Joe Robuck has taken over the lead.

Michael Rock is in second. Joe Robuck has already qualified in the

400 medley. This is very fast indeed. Joe Robuck are just dead

said. That is an impressive time. Michael Rock has got third. That is

a bit of a surprise. Joe Robuck and Roberto Pavoni qualify. But Michael

Rock did not make it. I am also be to get another one. This is a bonus.

Does it help to get one in the back because you can relax? Definitely.

It is almost like a job done. It takes the pressure off postop it is

unfortunate. But they deserve their place in the team. Today, I was not

quite good enough of. That was settled by a single stroke.

Who'd a disappointment for Michael against him. They are used to do

doing 400 metres so they have a lot more in the tank. Which are you is

the most tough event? I would say their individual medley over 400

metres. There was one last-ditch attempt for Michael Rock in the 100

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is a good position as well. He is the British record holder. He

is coming back well. And he needs to because he is not on the Olympic

team yet. Antony James is coming back. Well done to it Michael Rock.

He has really stepped up here. Michael Rock makes the team. Jack

after the disappointment of the 200. -- I have been down.

Michael Rock thrashing of the water with pure relief for there. He was

under real pressure. He handled that brilliantly. He did not

qualify for the 200 metres, and I think that was the one that he had

hoped to win. He had to go home that evening and face up to that.

And then he had to build himself up again. There was a lot of pressure

on him going into that. Arguably, the big race of the week

for the men was a 200 metres breaststroke. Three British men who

trained together. Michael Jamieson and Adam Wallace were finalists

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in the 200. It they have gone off if he loses. They are going head-

to-head. This is going to be a really tight with just 50 metres to

go. Andrew Willis seems to have overtaken. Michael Jamieson coming

back was up the time is very fast. That was absolutely brilliant.

Andrew Willis it looks so good. Michael Jamieson s second. What a

great swimmer from Andrew Willis. Kristopher Gilchrist, the British

record holder does not make the team.

The it was a really competitive race. We just went for it. They

gave it everything. Earlier in the week, you were very disappointed.

But now you are going to the Olympics. I am so relieved now to

be going. It has been a frightening last few days. There has definitely

been something missing this week, I had been missing that extra little

spark. I did or if it was a fear of failure that drew -- that drove me

You have to feel for Kristopher Gilchrist.

I have been on the team with them for a few years. It must be very

difficult for them all because they are good friends and they train

together. They were probably hoping that one of them would have made

the 100. I think that everything went into this. UK back aged 35, so

there is still hope for them. It may not seem like it here at the

Aquatics Centre, but swimming is not just about qualifying and

medals. It is a great way for you to raise money for Sport Relief.

And this is how you can make a big the evening. It does not matter how

good you are, everyone can have a Back to business here. A great race

in prospect in the men's 200 metres medley. James Goddard is the

favourite, he is an all rounder, but he is specialising in this

event for the Olympic here. -- year. seen these guys. The really have to

work this time. If they are going to go under the qualification time,

they will really have to go for it. Joe Robuck makes a great time. That

is just stunning. He is looking very good indeed. I expected it

James Goddard to be leading. Now he is using backstroke. Luca James

Goddard, he looks super. -- look at James Goddard. He is leading half

way. But Joe Robuck looks good as stunning. Just macro -- Joe

Roebuck's turns are just stunning. He is being chased but he is still

at the top. Are they going to make the times? I am sure they are.

Roebuck wins it. They both made the team, and what a great swim that

was. Joe Roebuck wins the medley. He makes the Olympic team. James

Goddard adds his name to the team as well. Michael Phelps is number

three in the world this year. missed out four years ago. Busier I

have qualified in three events. -- this year I have qualified in three

events. It is brilliant. It is an amazing feeling. It is like a

weight off your shoulders. I have been trying to keep it together all

day. What a brilliant week for Jospeh Roebuck. He got into the

Olympics with three different events. Despite racing up against

Michael Phelps, there is the bronze in the 200m medley that is still

open. The third place is up for grabs. That is why James Gardiner

pulled himself out of the -- James Goddard pulled himself out to

concentrate on that. It is slightly worrying for him. He said he has

been suffering from a mystery illness that he did not want to

divulge. It is a pure belief that he got through. All of his eggs are

in one basket. The time mine does not change in a championship. You

are either a ready or you are not ready. We need to just make sure

that -- he needs to just make sure he can hold out till the Olympic

Games. There is great news on Thursday night. The very first

world record ever sat in this world -- in this Sir Terry Leahy. It was

done by Ellie Simmonds. -- in this pool. She went on to become the

interview. Many come regulations. You are very

pleased, are you not? I just cannot believe it! I have been in races

that I was not happy with. I knew I could swim faster. I had a bad head.

I cannot believe it. It already looks very promising for her this

summer, as it does for Fran Halsall. She has already qualified for the

Olympics in the 100 metres butterfly, so she can relax going

into the 100 metres freestyle. But with a place in the medley relay

and other spots in the sprint relay, this was going to be a competitive

race. Look out for her. You cannot miss her. Pretty in pink. Rebecca

Turner is looking great in brief. Smith in five. McClatchey in two.

metres individual freestyle. There is also the medley relay as well.

The winner of this is going to have quite some fun. Fran Halsall got

off a very fast indeed. She looks doing it. Fran Halsall looks really

good. She set a British record in one of those shiny suits. She is

going fast down the first 50. Smith is coming back. Ed looks like it is

going to be helpful. -- it looks like it is going to be Fran Halsall.

We said it Amy could dip under 54 at some time it would be great.

Fran Halsall, winning the women's freestyle. A very good time indeed.

Just at a Lloyd in 4th. He worked so hard for this. --

Jessica Lloyd. I am 24 now. This will be my first Olympics come up

which is quite late for some people. I am a -- Olympics, which is quite

late for some people. I am a late developer. I want to enjoy this

race and have a lot of fun. The pink suit is a lot of fun or so.

think it was Fran Halsall's could she said that this was the fastest

she has ever gone. It looks a really positive for her. She has

got people pushing her. That brings the best out in her. She is going

to have huge amounts of confidence for next year. She is only a

fraction of a second away from beating the rest of the world.

is going to be a very busy programme for her. I think she will

qualify for the 50 freestyle. If you throw in the heats and the

finals, that his nine races. There will be a lot of warming up and

pepping and nervous energy. Rebecca Adlington was the focus of

attention once again in the 800 metres freestyle. This is perhaps

the event which represent her best chance of getting another gold

medal at the Olympic Games. She is the reigning Olympic Commonwealth

champion. She has -- gold champion. She has been setting some

fascinating times. There will be no Jazmin Carlin in this one. She

appears to be suffering from Grand -- glandular fever.

Rebecca Adlington, lane four. She is a world record holder and an

freestyle. 16 at length in this pool. A great start for if Rebecca

Adlington. -- a great start for Rebecca Adlington. She has worked

it pretty hard and faster than she Eleanor Falkner is on target to

qualify. She has got to go under eight minutes and 29 seconds. She

is still working very hard and is chasing Rebecca Adlington. Rebecca

Adlington has been a little bit off for the rest of it this race.

crowd here are being treated to a swim that is world class. A lot of

people have come to this competition who were not able to

get tickets to the Olympics themselves. They just wanted to see

Rebecca and it is a treat to see someone like this in their home

pool. It is quality. Rebecca Adlington is going to go faster

than her record here. Two lengths to go. 100 metres. She gets the

bell. She is going to go under eight minutes and 20 seconds. --

think the crowd and know what is happening with Rebecca Adlington.

The fight is being waived and people are cheering Rebecca on to

this victory. People are urging Eleanor Falkner on. People are

She should be able to. What a great display this has been. The World

record holder is in the Olympic water -- pool and looks absolutely

fantastic. It is wonderful to see. Rebecca Adlington secures the first

spot. The second spot, well done, a loner for do. She is going to join

a Rebecca Adlington at the Olympics. Look at Rebecca. She looks fabulous.

She is barely breathing. She is breathing, she is breathing!

Really impressive stuff from Rebecca Adlington. Eleanor Falkner

makes the team as well. I just wanted to put in a good time. It is

important to see where you are forced up I kind of hope I would

poll five for this event -- where you are. I kind of hoped I would

qualify for this event. I always strive to improve. I am so glad I

have moved on from where I was last year. I am so glad I have improved

by two seconds. I can look for ways to improve ahead of the Games.

was Rebecca Adlington's target event. We are now joined by the GB

performance swimming director. What sort of time was Rebecca's time,

and what does it mean? It sets a high bar for the rest of the

competitors. And she did her it solo. She goes out hard and leaves

the race out and does her own race. That sent a signal to the others

and they know she is on top form. How valuable has the experience in

the Olympic pool Ben? -- in the Olympic pool been? It is a massive

positive for us. We will take a lot of things away from this. We can

start preparations for the Games now. There are still a few chances

for more people to qualify. Is that exceeding expectations? The last

few Olympic Games, you had the T2 in Beijing. How do you rate it? --

32 in Beijing. I think we will reach our target here. We have

another six swimmers that could qualify individually. We could have

a team in the High 40s. That is something. The secondary trials

will be in June. Remind us adore metal targets for the summer.

want to match or exceed what we did in Beijing. We won six medals.

Three of the medals came from the pool and three in open water. We

will talk air have a maximum of two medals. We are in the position to

do that. We have got to do it on the day. We wish you and the team