World champion Adam Peaty is putting his Olympic ambitions first as he prepares for next week’s European Championships in London.
Peaty and fellow British world champion James Guy are the stars for the home team but while wanting to give supporters something to cheer about, winning in Rio is what matters.
All 26 members of Team GB’s swim squad, announced last month, will continue intense training throughout the event, as they return to the Olympic pool for the first international swim event at the venue since London 2012.
“You need to make sacrifices and perhaps that could be winning the medals we could at the Europeans because it’s a stepping stone for Rio,” said Peaty, the 100m breaststroke world record holder.
“I’m focused on peaking at the Olympics, everything I’m doing at the moment is about that.
“We’ve already selected our team but lots of swimmers in Europe are still trying to impress their selectors. For some, the Europeans is also a trials meet, so those guys will be trying to be as fast as possible.
“However, you always want to make a home crowd happy and we’ll fight very hard to win as many medals as possible.”
After winning just three swimming medals at London 2012, Great Britain enjoyed a stunning World Championships last year, claiming nine podium places.
World 200m freestyle champion Guy will be looking to get Great Britain off to a flying start on the opening day of competition on Monday, as he seeks to add the European 400m title to the world silver he won in Kazan last summer.
“This is a process meet for us but it’s always important to give your home fans something to cheer about too,” he said.
“This is another week or preparation. I’ll be racing hard and fast every time I’m competing but I’m not backing off in training either, it will be a normal week in that regard."
Halsall is a seven-time European champion, winning three golds two years ago in Berlin, including the showpiece splash and dash 50m freestyle.
“We’re not rested because we are still in really intense training,” she said.
“However, I’m feeling in a good place and it’s about trying to stay relaxed. I put so much pressure on myself every time I compete but I’ve learned that I don’t swim fast when I try too hard.”
Sportsbeat 2016