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Adlington poised to complete the set
ESPN staff
October 1, 2010
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Rebecca Adlington
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Double Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington is determined to make up for lost time as she prepares to make her Commonwealth debut.
Adlington was heartbroken when she was forced to miss the Melbourne Games four years ago after being diagnosis with post-viral fatigue following a bout of mild glandular fever. And with Olympic, world and European gold medals in her ever-growing trophy cabinet, the 800m world record holder has her heart set on completing the set.
With British Swimming opting to focus on the Delhi Games this season, Britain's swimmers were not in peak race condition at the European Championships in Budapest. However, the team came home with a record medal haul, and Adlington, who failed to medal in her best event, the 800m, showed impressive character to win gold in the 400m three days later.
"I learned a great deal from the whole experience in Budapest," Adlington said. "To win gold in the 400m freestyle, when not rested, shows I'm in great shape at the moment. Also the fact I was able to mentally turn myself round after a disappointing 800m was a big positive I can take to future events."
Adlington makes her Commonwealth debut, but having won two gold medals as a 19-year-old in Beijing, she will be considered a senior member of the squad. While gold will be her sole focus in Delhi, it will more crucially serve as a marker for her progress with London 2012 less than two years away.
"Like all athletes, I always dive in and try to win whatever the event is I'm competing in; however the most important aspect from Delhi is coming away knowing I'm on track for London 2012," Adlington said. "Following the event I'll be able to look at my results and analyse my training over the past year and work out what aspects need to be tweaked."
Rebecca Adlington is a Speedo sponsored athlete
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