Southampton swimmers prepare for Nationals with Success in Cardiff

Over the 3-4th July a selected group of Southampton swimmers travelled to Cardiff for their open meet in preparation for the summer National Championships. This weekend provided the final opportunity for race practice before the 'big day(s)' in July/August.

Dave Has His Say ‘Head Coach Comments’

The International Cardiff Long Course Open Meet is a high class Open Meet, with some of the best teams from around the country participating City of Sheffield, City of Cardiff, Loughborough University, City of Ulster, UEA Norwich etc. For CSSC Swimmers the concept this weekend was a ‘Nationals Championships Rehearsal’ a kind of dry run, to iron out the creases.

The weekend was about placing these swimmers under competition-stress in a very high class competitive environment and seeing where the swimmers were in terms of both physical and mental preparation for the National Championships.  The results of which were both positive and yes I have to be candid in some areas negative. Some swimmers, as the results will testify stepped up to the mark, whereas those that did not have to look at both those that are achieving and their own poor Pre-Race & Post Race Protocols (…some swimmers lack of ability or enthusiasm to perform a swim down was poor and reflexive on performance).

These carefully CSSC selected swimmers, produced 77 Top Ten Performances over the course of the weekend. They swam multiple events Heats & Finals with great tenacity. This should give these swimmers sound confidence and experience leading into the National Championships later this month, when they will be fully rested and tapered.