SWINDON’s Jazz Carlin saw her London 2012 Olympic hopes hanging by a thread last night after controversially pulling out of the final of the 800m freestyle at the British Swimming Championships last night.
Carlin, a bronze medallist at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, missed out in the 200m and 400m freestyle, meaning all her hopes had been pinned on a top two-finish at tonight’s 800m.
However, Carlin, who has struggled with Glandular Fever late last year and has missed a number of training sessions in the run up to the championships, decided against going head-to-head with the likes of double Olympian Rebecca Adlington in the final of the 800m.
The only saving grace for Carlin is just one of the two Team GB spots for London 2012 in the 200m freestyle were filled earlier this week, with Rebecca Turner taking gold but second placed Caitlin McClatchey missing out on the Olympic qualification time.
That means the secondary berth will be up for grabs at June’s ASA Nationals – an event Carlin will be hoping to return to form for later this year.
Carlin’s coach Bud McAllister said: “Our focus now is to get Jazmin back to full health and fitness for the ASA Championships in June so she can compete for the remaining individual spot in the 200m freestyle event and the relay.
“At her best, the qualifying times should be within her capability so that’s what we will target now.”
Meanwhile, Hannah Miley celebrated her 19th birthday on the eve of the Beijing Olympics - four years on and she's almost a veteran.
Miley, with her 14 British titles and collection of world, European and Commonwealth medals, is certainly a role model for British swimming's rising stars.
Her commitment to the cause is legendary, a demanding schedule that clearly proves she believes rest is for the wicked.
After banking qualification in her signature medley races, Miley was third in last night's 200m breaststroke final and progressed to the 800m freestyle final.
Youngsters Ellie Faulkner and Becky Turner have both recently spent time training with Miley and her father and coach Patrick.
And something clearly worked after they’ve both booked their places on the Olympic team.
“It is amazing how in four years can change you from a junior to a veteran,” joked Miley, who admitting her race schedule was starting to take its toll.
“I’m always happy to give advice to anyone who asks and I’ve got good and bad experiences to share.
Elsewhere, Grant Turner failed to progress to the 50m freestyle final.
Turner clocked 22.95 seconds that ranked him 12th - although his time was just four hundredths off a place in the top eight that progressed.
Hannah Miley is a member of Team Kellogg’s – Kellogg’s has been supporting British Swimming for more than 15 years on a ‘grassroots to gold medals’ programme of swimming. For more information visit www.kelloggs.co.uk/swimming
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