Britain’s top swimmers are headed to Manchester for the British Gas International Swimming Meet.
The five-day event, which takes place from 24-28 June, is the last major meet before the Commonwealth Games and will include a host of athletes who have been selected to represent their home nations in Glasgow.
Olympic silver medallist Michael Jamieson, world and Commonwealth medallist Fran Halsall and Commonwealth medallist Jazz Carlin are amongst the athletes who will be using the competition as part of their preparations.
Jamieson, who won gold in the 100m and 200m Breaststroke at the 2013 meet, said: “I’m really looking forward to competing in Manchester. It’s another good opportunity to race in a competitive environment and see where I am a month out from the Commonwealth Games.”
Carlin, who posted the fastest 800m Freestyle time in the world this year at the British Championships, added: “I’ve had some great swims so far this season so I’m really looking forward to seeing what else I can produce, starting with the International next week.”
The competition also serves as a key preparation meet for athletes heading to the European Junior Championships next month and the IPC European Championships in August.
Junior races will be held alongside a multi-classification programme that will see double Paralympic champion Ellie Simmonds and six-time Paralympic gold medallist Sascha Kindred compete, as well as world champions Amy Marren and Hannah Russell.
Kindred said: “With the IPC Europeans only six weeks away I’m really looking forward to the International Meet and getting in some strong, fast swims that will help my preparation.”
Included within this year’s programme are two international time trial relays. Entries for the 4x100m Medley and 4x100m Freestyle relays are expected from all the home nations as teams take advantage of competing together under race conditions prior to the Commonwealth Games. There will also be a club relay competition with heats and finals.
To promote faster morning swims by all athletes, finals will be held during the morning session with heats the previous evening.
The British Gas International Swimming Meet is being held at Manchester Aquatics Centre. Tickets for all sessions are available via Ticketmaster.