Europeans 2006

[Bazza]

Well I know that they are still a few months away, but I was thinking recently about the Europeans coming up this summer. Obviously it will be the first time we have attended them since 2000 so it's difficult to know what to expect, but it looks like it could be a very high standard. Yet despite this I feel on paper we have quite alot of medal hopes/chances, so I did a little bit of research.

Firstly, I can say that of the last five European chamionships we did attend, an average of 7-8 medals were won, roughly in the ratio of 1 gold : 2 silver : 4 bronze. But looking at the performances our swimmers have produced of late, most notably at the Commonwealth Games, I think we can expect to do a bit better than this!

A quick look at the world rankings for 2005 gives us these placings:

1st:
Mens 1500 Free - David Davies
Womens 800 Free - Rebecca Cooke
Womens 50 Breast - Kate Haywood

2nd:
Mens 100 Free - Simon Burnett
Mens 200 Free - Simon Burnett
Mens 50 Back - Liam Tancock
Womens 200 Free - Mel Marshall
Womens 400 Free - Caitlin McClatchey
Womens 100 Breast - Kate Haywood
Womens 1500 Free - Rebecca Cooke??

3rd:
Mens 50 Breast - James Gibson
Mens 100 Breast - Chris Cook

So based on 2005 world rankings, we would fare significantly better than recent history. Of course performance on the day will count, but I haven't included 2006 swims, where we had some notable performers (and improvements), including the likes of Caitlin McClatchey on the 200, Kirsty Balfour, Terri Dunning, Matt Clay, Liam Tancock on the 100 etc, plus you have someone like James Goddard who wasn't swimming in 2005 but has the potential to medal in say the 200 back. Also I haven't included relays where we traditionally fare quite well and can expect to pick up at least a couple of medals.

Obviously swimmers from other countries will improve and emerge, and I don't think we should EXPECT to win 11 individual medals, but it is quite encouraging. :fingers:

[Taxiandbank]

look here for the current European rankings.
http://www.swimrankings.net/index.php?cmd=ranking_list&internalRequest=rankingSelectSearch&page=rankingDetail&ranking_nationId=1&ranking_styleId=topTimes&ranking_gender=1&ranking_agegroup=X_X&ranking_course=LCM&ranking_season=2006&ranking_firstPlace=1
and women
http://www.swimrankings.net/index.php?page=rankingDetail&ranking_styleId=topTimes&ranking_clubId=1&ranking_season=2006&ranking_course=LCM&ranking_agegroup=X_X&ranking_stroke=1&ranking_gender=2

10 men and 6 women lead the 2006 european rankings.
Another 10 in 2nd place and 12 in 3rd.

[Linny]

Womens 1500 Free - Rebecca Cooke??It isn't happening - programme (http://www.lenweb.org/competitions/Budapest_2006/Budapest_2006_Swimming_Format.pdf) - I assume that is what the ??s are for.

[Taxiandbank]

Apart from everyone's trials!

[Linny]

Sorry, the reason taxiandbank's remark look out of place is because I deleted the second part of my post having decided that it was inapropriate and taxiandbank must have replied before I deleted it. It was something along the lines of -
10 men and 6 women lead the 2006 european rankings.
Another 10 in 2nd place and 12 in 3rd.And perhaps this is a reflection on the fact that the other European nations haven't had any major long course competitions this year.

I still think this is the case but it was too negative and I am on a "positive remarks only" campaign! And by the way taxiandbank, you are putting your posts particularly well this fine day. :D

[Taxiandbank]

Sorry, the reason taxiandbank's remark look out of place is because I deleted the second part of my post having decided that it was inapropriate and taxiandbank must have replied before I deleted it. It was something along the lines of -


I still think this is the case but it was too negative and I am on a "positive remarks only" campaign! And by the way taxiandbank, you are putting your posts particularly well this fine day. :D

Flattery indeed

[Bazza]

Yes Linny that was what the question marks are for.

Yes I agree 2006 rankings are misleading as many swimmers have not had a major longcourse meet this year - unlike us many of them probably don't have to set national records to make the team, therefore may not bother peaking for their trials.

Sorry, was that negative? :D

[stinkpot]

I wonder how Liam Tancock and Dave Davies are going to recover from their injuries. Are we as a nation cursed? It seems, in recent times, after a successful meet we end up with some unfortunate accidents; Caitlin after Worlds and now two more! It’s getting worse, what's going to be the story in ten years time? :aarrgghh:

"This morning the whole of Team GB each fell down their stairs and all broke at least one bone in their bodies putting them out of the water from 4 to 6 weeks. They all said "We'll keep fit doing dry land will hope for a speedy recovery" Their coaches all said "This will give them a chance to work on their weaker areas, it will help us in the long-run""
:D

[Bazza]

I wouldn't worry - that injury didn't seem to affect Caitlin's performance at the Commonwealths, and last year Simon Burnett's injury didn't hurt his performance at Commonwealth Trials.