Fran Halsall has revealed that she is targeting Commonwealth Games qualification in five events at the British Gas Swimming Championships in Glasgow – with one coming out of the ordinary.
Halsall is no stranger to a busy schedule having competed in six events on her Olympic debut at Beijing 2008 and then five at the European Championships and Commonwealth Games in 2010.
The 23-year-old sprinter returned from those last two with a medal in each of her five events contested for ten in total and was to swim in five again at the London 2012 Olympics.
Halsall failed to win a medal at her second Olympics however and did a reduced programme of three events at the 2013 World Championships in Barcelona, which returned 50m freestyle bronze.
She’s back to five though ahead of the British Championships, which act as a Commonwealth trial, including the 50m backstroke – an event she has never competed in at senior international level.
“It’s going to be a great competition. I’m hoping to post Team England consideration times in five events, including the 50m backstroke. This will be a new event for me but I’ve been training hard and it will good to see how competitive I can be,” said Halsall, a freestyle and butterfly specialist.
“If I make the team, Glasgow will be my third Commonwealth Games. The Games are a great opportunity for younger swimmers to take part and gain valuable experience on a world stage, and for me it will be good preparation for Rio 2016.”
© Sportsbeat 2014