British Athletes Gearing Up for Mare Nostrum Series

LONDON, May 20. A squad of swimmers refining preparations for this summer's European Championships together with a team of talented youngsters earmarked as potential 2012 Olympians will be in action at next month's Mare Nostrum tour. British athletes will take part in two of the three series events staged around the Mediterranean when they visit Canet, France (June 7-8) and Barcelona, Spain (June 10-11).

The open-air series is a draw to the world's greatest swimmers and this year will be no exception. However, for the British contingent the focus is on developing mental toughness as they will compete, unlike their opposition, without the benefit of rest beforehand.

"Both meets are about the process and not the outcome," explained British Swimming National Performance Director Bill Sweetenham. "The meets are to be taken on the run without any rest leading up to competition. "Britain's swimmers will face tough, hard racing in an unprepared state. We're creating adversity for the athletes and what they lack in physical preparation they will have to make up for in mental readiness. That's the exercise."

While the senior athletes look forward to the Europeans in Budapest at the end of July the younger element will use the meet to gain valuable experience against some of the sport's biggest names.

"The younger group will struggle with the standard of competition at the Mare Nostrum but they need to gain this type of valuable experience just six years out from the London Olympics,” Sweetenham said. "British Swimming has targeted athletes aged 14 to 18 who have the necessary talent to succeed at the London Olympics, and the Mare Nostrum is just one element in a whole program of initiatives to make sure they have the best preparation for 2012. A key element to any Olympic preparation, whether for Beijing or London, is the need to train and race outdoors and the Mare Nostrum offers this. Canet will be especially tough with strong, blustery winds affecting performance."

Many of the swimmers attending will stay in Spain following the Barcelona leg to make the most of the warm weather training and outdoor facilities.

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