Team GB diving coach Andy Banks insists the upcoming World Series event in Fort Lauderdale will prove perfect preparation for British diving trio Tom Daley, Tonia Couch and Sarah Barrow ahead of this year’s World Championships.
Banks and co will head to Florida for the fourth instalment of the World Series at the start of what is a busy month – the three also competing in back-to-back events in Mexico at the end of May.
And Banks believes taking part in the open-air competition in America will be a good acid test for the 2013 World Championships in Barcelona where his athletes will have to face the same conditions.
Olympic bronze medallist Daley will compete in the 10m platform, whilst Couch and Barrow will appear in both the synchro and solo events during the competition which starts on Thursday May 9.
Daley produced a podium-topping performance in the third World Series event in Edinburgh last time out and British synchro champions Couch and Barrow finished just outside the medals, while the former bagged a personal best points total in the individual.
And given their recent form, Banks is predicting all three to prove their world class ability once again.
"The guys are in a relaxed and positive mood and have been prepared well for the round of events at our excellent Life Centre,” said Banks. “Apart from a few injury niggles, incurred in practice, they are good to go.
"The opener is at Fort Lauderdale which starts on Thursday (May 9-12) and is an open-air competition which we'll use to prepare for the World Championships in Barcelona at the end of July.
"Barcelona's pool is also outdoors and like this upcoming GP, offers its own challenges. Tom is doing just the individual 10m platform while Tonia and Sarah are booked to dive in both the synchro and solo events.
“It'll be a good test for them and there is bound to be a lot of very good athletes all looking to do well, too. So, it'll be competitive, but our guys are world class and have proved they can look after themselves.
“But for the present, it's all about getting them the best preparation for competing at Barcelona."
© Sportsbeat 2013