Jazmin Carlin saluted her training regime after she took over a second off her own Welsh record on the way to victory in the 800m freestyle on the first day of the inaugural British Gas International Swimming Meet in Leeds.

The 22-year-old, who failed to qualify for the London 2012 Olympics last year after being hampered by glandular fever and tonsillitis, clocked 8:24.42 minutes for a new Welsh record and fastest time in the world this year.

That was over seven seconds faster than Eleanor Faulkner in second place with Hannah Miley a further three adrift in third with Carlin admitting the win proved to her that with hard work does come rewards.

“I’ve been training really hard and it has paid off with a best swim,” said Carlin. “I’m a determined person and, although last year was disappointing for me, I knew there was more to come and I have been working hard.

“I’ve had my tonsils out which has been a big help as I’ve struggled with related illnesses in the past. I’ve been working really well with my coach Bud [McAllister] and I think we have got the best out of my training.”

Carlin was followed in setting a new record time by Siobhan-Marie O’Connor – the 17-year-old, who competed for Team GB at London 2012, breaking her English mark in the 200m medley.

The teenager led from start to finish to win in 2:10.53 – the second fastest time in the world this year – with Miley this time a second back for second while Sophie Allen was third in 2:13.33.

And O’Connor, who placed 21st in the 100m breaststroke and also formed part of the 4x100m medley relay team at London 2012, admitted her performance in Leeds has raised her spirits for the rest of the year.

“I’ve been training quite well and I’ve been to an altitude training camp. It was hard at first but I have really felt the benefits since I came back down,” said O’Connor. “It is good to produce such a good time so early in the season.

“It gives me a lot of confidence for the rest of the year. The good thing about the medley is that I get to train in all four strokes. Obviously I made the Olympics in the breaststroke but I want to keep my options open in terms of events for the future.”

Fran Halsall, who finished fifth in the 50m freestyle at London 2012, had to settle for third in a highly-competitive 100m freestyle final in Leeds that saw triple Olympic champion Ranomi Kromowidjojo claim the win.

Kromowidjojo, winner of the 50m and 100m freestyle titles at London 2012, clocked 54.14seconds with Dutch teammate Femke Heemskerk second in 54.78 and then Halsall third in 54.87.

Meanwhile Joe Roebuck didn’t quite set a national mark but he clocked a new personal best of 53.07 to win the 100m butterfly, recovering from being seventh at the turn to come home in first.

Fellow London 2012 Olympians Robbie Renwick, Chris Walker-Hebborn and Georgia Davies were all victorious in the 400m freestyle, 200m backstroke and 50m backstroke respectively while Ross Murdoch won the 50m breaststroke.

Olympic silver medallist Michael Jamieson admits the time for enjoying his London 2012 success is over as he gets ready for the British Gas International Swimming Meet in Leeds.

The 24-year-old won one of Britain’s three swimming medals at London 2012 last summer, powering his way to a national record in every round of the 200m breaststroke to claim silver.

He returned to the pool in December to pick up another silver medal in the 200m breaststroke, this time at the World Short Course Championships in Istanbul.

Jamieson will tackle the 100m and 200m breaststrokes at the British Gas International Swimming Meet in Leeds, which is taking place at this time of year as opposed to the British Championships.

They will instead take place in June, and as ever act as the trials for the biggest meet of the year the Barcelona World Championships, following a review into the performance of the British Swimming team at London 2012.

And Jamieson, who is targeting further silverware in Spain this summer and has been altitude training in Sierra Nevada, is adamant he won’t be dwelling on the past now it’s 2013.

“There’s no doubt that the Games changed my life,” said Jamieson. “Only three years ago I was considering quitting the sport because I couldn’t continue to put my parents under the financial pressures of keeping me in the sport.

“Finishing second in London was a huge step for me, the realisation of what was once a pipe dream, but it was still second and the desire to win a title is still there.

“The world of swimming moves on so quickly, so there’s no time to rest on last season. I probably have four years left in the sport and after the journey it took to reach London 2012, I want to continue to challenge for major medals over the next cycle.

“There is definitely added pressure and expectation now. It is something I’m going to have to deal with, but I welcome it. It’s down to me to find a strategy to manage it and to view it as something positive.

“I don’t think it will ever effect me negatively as no-one can put more pressure on than I do myself. I expect to be winning medals and I will be my harshest critic if that doesn’t materialise.”

Rebecca Adlington believes the future of British swimming is bright following their appointment of the coach who guided her to four Olympic medals.

Adlington announced her expected retirement in London today, calling time on the most successful swimming career in British history.

And just 24 hours earlier Bill Furniss, who coached Adlington since she was 11 at the Nova Centurion club in Nottingham, was confirmed as British Swimming’s new head coach.

“I think swimming has got the right people in charge now, the challenge is going to be turning all our finalists into medallists in the next few years,” said Adlington, who had made no secret she wanted a British coaching set-up to succeed the partnership of Australian Michael Scott and American Dennis Pursley after they quit following a disappointing home Games.

“Bill is a fantastic coach, he’s seen it all first hand and he’s so experienced. I wish him all the best and I’ll always be there to offer any advice if he needs it.

“Not working with Bill is the hardest thing about not competing anymore. He helped me grow as an athlete and as a person. It will be hard not to see him every day, having him there to guide me.

“But I’m so excited for him. It’s exactly the right time for him to take the next step and he will do a brilliant job.”

Adlington won double gold as a teenager in Beijing and claimed double bronze at the London 2012 Olympics.

She also won four world medals, including 800m freestyle gold in 2011, and double gold at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

But her retirement at the age of 23 is no major surprise – although she wants to stay involved in the sport and has been quickly installed as a dream contestant for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing – her favourite TV show.

“I don’t have any regrets and I certainly won’t miss getting up at 5am every day,” she added.

“I hope I will be missed and I hope that I made an impact. We need to have more belief in our sport in this country. We can be negative but a home Olympics means people have pushed us up rather than pulled us down.

“There is a long way to go because we’ve not got the facilities of Australia, China and the USA but I’d love to be involved in helping the talent coming up.

“I’ve been swimming since I was four years old, it just feels the right time to stop. I’ve not retired from swimming though, I’ve just retired from competing.”

Adlington’s career was praised by British Olympic Association chairman Lord Coe, who dubbed her a “national treasure”.

“Becky Adlington’s unforgettable success in Beijing inspired a generation to get in the pool and swim,” he said.

“Becky’s vision for the future of grass roots swimming in this country will create a wonderful legacy from one of our greatest Olympians.

“I have no doubt this vision will be pursued with the same drive, dedication and determination as Becky consistently displayed in the pool.”

And British Olympic Association chief executive Andy Hunt, the Team GB chef de mission at London 2012, hailed her “remarkable talent and tireless work ethic”.

“Becky Adlington has set a standard of excellence that future generations of Team GB athletes will aspire to reach,” he said.

“She represents the very best of what British sport, and the Olympic Movement, are all about. As Becky transitions now into a new phase of her career, we wish her the very best for continued success, and congratulate her on her remarkable career with Team GB.”

Rebecca Adlington has announced her retirement from swimming at the age of 23.

The two-time Olympic gold medallist has chosen not to defend her titles in Glasgow next year, and will now focus on her campaigning work.

She said: “I hate the word retire. I love swimming but as a competitive element and elite athlete I won’t compete any more.

“I’ll always be swimming even when I am 90 years old.”

She added: “I have achieved everything I wanted to. Some people want to milk it all they can. I’ve always said I wanted to finish on a high, despite my love of the sport.”

British Olympic Association chair Lord Sebastian Coe congratulated Adlington for her achievements.

He said: “Becky Adlington’s unforgettable success in Beijing inspired a generation to get in the pool and swim. Her down to earth personality and remarkable career achievements have made her a national treasure.

“Becky’s vision for the future of grass roots swimming in this country will create a wonderful legacy from one of our greatest Olympians.

“I have no doubt this vision will be pursued with the same drive, dedication and determination as Becky consistently displayed in the pool.”

Adlington became Britain’s first female Olympic swimming champion in 48 years with victory in the 400m freestyle at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The Mansfield-born swimmer then added a second gold by winning the 800m freestyle final in a world record time of 8:14.10.

She also won bronze medals in the women’s 400m and 800m freestyle events at London 2012.

Spofforth has retired from the sport at the age of 24 following a fifth-placed finish in the 100m backstroke at London 2012.

Tancock matched that performance in the men’s event, and will be 31 by the time the Rio Olympics begin.

Adlington, who won two golds in Beijing and two bronze medals in London, has ruled out appearing in Brazil citing her age as the main reason. She will be 27, Tancock’s age now.

But having missed out on a medal in London, and also four year’s previously in Beijing, Exeter-born Tancock revealed his desire to compete at the top level remains.

“I look at it as four more years time, it’s a lot of hard work, hard training, dedication and commitment, but I love the sport,” he said.

“I want to succeed and I want to push my body to the limit. I’m not looking any further than Rio, I think that will be my last meet, but I’m going to give everything to get there.

“If I break it down into the years before it’s going to be the World Championships next year in Barcelona, then we have got the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014 – so another home Games for everyone.

“It should be another amazing experience and there are a few great things to look forward to.

“I am excited and looking forward to the future.”

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The British poster girl of London 2012 rose to prominence as a precocious 13-year-old four years ago, winning an amazing two gold medals in China.

Over the last week, at her home Games, she doubled her number of Paralympic gold medals, and added an additional silver and bronze to complete the set.

She has undoubtedly been one of the stars of the summer in front of an adoring public, but it is clear her debut will forever be difficult to top for Walsall-born Simmonds.

“They have both been two different events,” said the 17-year-old, who now lives in Swansea.

“Beijing being my first games was outstanding and to come away with two gold medals was so unexpected at only 13.

“Then there is London being a home Games, and what I have been able to achieve getting those medals has been amazing in front of a home crowd.
“So they are both on the same level, both amazing.”

Simmonds’ golds this time around came in the 400m freestyle and 200m individual medley. She also claimed new personal bests in each of her events and picked up two world records.

“I has been emotional and very exciting to compete at a home Games, the atmosphere has been amazing,” she said.

“To come away with two golds, a silver and a bronze I couldn’t have asked for anything better to be honest.

“And to get PBs in all my events, and two world records, I have been so excited and can’t believe I’m coming away with those medals.”

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The Scot claimed a shock second place in the 200m breaststroke in London, only missing out on gold thanks to a world-record swim by Hungarian Daniel Gyurta.

Although many were tipping a successful Games in the pool for Team GB, Glasgow-born Jamieson admits he was only “an outside bet at best” for a medal.

But a stunning swim in his semi-final increased expectancy and he swam 2.07.43 minutes in the final – a fraction behind Gyurta’s new record of 2.07.28 minutes, at the Aquatics Centre.

“I thought I was capable of posting a time that would be in and around a medal, but to go 2:07 was a great surprise,” said the 24-year-old.

“I’m not sure I really believed I could win the final until about 25m to go.

“Gyurta is a fantastic swimmer and was the overwhelming favourite coming into the event. He has been challenging that world record all year.

“He is double world champion as well, so I am delighted I managed to run him so close.

“It gives me a lot of confidence for the coming seasons. I still believe there is room for improvement and I think I will change my goals now.

“Getting that world record now becomes a realistic target. Getting so close to it was fantastic but I look upon it as a silver won rather than a gold lost, definitely.”

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Rebecca Adlington is pledging to use her experience from bronze in the 400m freestyle to help defend her 800m title in London 2012 after she qualified for Friday night’s final.

Double Olympic champion Adlington took bronze in Sunday’s final, which she won in Beijing 2008, and was the fastest qualifier for tomorrow’s 800m final with 8:21.78 minutes.

And Adlington, world record holder in women’s 800m freestyle with 8:14.10 mins from Beijing, is not taking anything for granted as she bids to secure her fourth Olympic medal.

“I was ahead in the 400m heat and I only scraped in eighth and I decided I’m not going to take chances and give it all I’ve got,” said the 23-year-old, one of Team GB’s biggest medal hopes.

“I’ve now got a day’s rest and I’ve just got to rest up as much as I can.

“I didn’t know what to expect after the 400m and then the heat and everything so I’m so pleased with that [her heat result].”

Eleanor Faulkner’s time of 8:38.00 mins wasn’t enough to qualify for the final along with teammate Adlington, and the 19-year-old believes her London 2012 experience will make her stronger.

She said: “I just went out there to do the best I possibly could and today just wasn’t my day but I got in there and I think I raced it well.

“This is my first senior international and it’s just been an amazing experience to get out there and enjoy myself with the rest of the team.”

Steph Proud and Lizzie Simmonds secured their places in Thursday night’s 200m backstroke semi-finals in 11th and 14th place respectively.

Proud touched fourth in her heat with 2:10.01 mins to book her place in the semis along with team-mate Simmonds, who swam 2:10.37 mins, as both Brits progressed.

Meanwhile, the British male swimmers all saw their Olympic dreams end as Adam Brown, Michael Rock and Anthony James failed to advance from the heats.

Rock, who was second at the halfway stage of his 100m butterfly heat, fell away to seventh with 52.56 seconds to finish 20th overall.

Team-mate James also failed to advance from the 100m butterfly heats as he finished with 53.25 secs and ended the British involvement in the men’s competition.

And Brown’s 50m freestyle campaign ended at the first hurdle as he posted a time of 22.39 secs to finish 31st overall behind America’s Michael Phelps and Australia’s James Magnussen.

© Sportsbeat 2012

Michael Jamieson claimed a silver medal and broke the British 200m breaststroke record for a third time at the London 2012 Olympics on Wednesday.

The Glasgow swimmer produced a remarkable last 50m to finish second in 2mins07.28secs, behind Hungary’s Daniel Gyurta, who broke the world record with 2mins07.43secs.

“I had a little more to give after last night,” said Jamieson afterwards. “It’s so much easier to swim with a bit of confidence behind you.

“I was desperate to get on the podium tonight to repay the faith and support we’ve had. I forgot about the time tonight – it was more tactical.

“I tried to stay on Gyurta’s shoulder for the first hundred. I wanted to have everything on the line.

“I had planned for this night and that helped with the nerves beforehand. For so many years I have gone over this in my head.”

Team GB’s other medal hopeful Andrew Willis finished in eighth place.

“That was tough race and I gave it my all,” said Willis. “I’m very happy for Michael – he deserves it 100 per cent. It was great for me to experience as well.”

Elsewhere, Great Britain’s Fran Halsall qualified joint-fourth for Thursday’s 100m freestyle final with a time of 53.77secs. Russia’s Ranomi Kromowidjojo qualified first in 53.05secs.

“Tomorrow it will take a 52 to win it,” she said. “I felt awful this morning but tonight felt really smooth and easy and I cruised the last 10m.

“Anything can happen in an Olympic final and I’m in it to win it. The crowd were amazing, but it was just as amazing for Missy Franklin. Any Brits that come tomorrow, I want you to shout louder than the Americans did!”

© Sportsbeat 2012

Michael Jamieson set a new British record as he stormed to victory in the 200m breaststroke semi-final, as Andrew Willis qualified third.

Jamieson was in top form as he eclipsed his opposition in a time of 2:08.20, leaving American Clark Burckle in his wake and easing through to Wednesday’s final.

“This is so amazing,” said Commonwealth silver medallist Jamieson. “Every time I’ve come out here I get goosebumps walking behind the blocks.

“It’s really something special and it’s helped me this week, I know that. I’m really happy with the time.”

Willis also hit top form with an English record of 2.08.47 in the second semi-final as he also secured his place in Wednesday’s showdown.

“That is unbelievable,” said Willis after finishing second in his semi-final. “I wasn’t nervous, more excited. The crowd really helped me out there. Both me and Michael Jamieson are in the final.

“Just knowing that your mate is there is great, as it is for our coach as well. I wanted to be in the final and I’ve done that. I’ll be in a middle lane, enjoying it.”

Both men will face tough opposition from Japan’s Kosuke Katajima, the defending champion who has posted the fastest time in the world this year, as well as compatriot Ryo Tateishi.

Elsewhere, Gemma Lowe has made it through to Wednesday’s 200m butterfly final after a fifth-place finish in her semi-final.

Team GB men’s relay team came sixth in the 4×200 metres freestyle final, with the American dream-team cruising to gold. Michael Phelps made history by claiming his 19th Olympic medal – the most medals won to date.

Hannah Miley finished seventh in the 200m individual medley final that saw China’s 16-year-old phenomenon Ye Shiwen claim gold in an Olympic record time.

“I’m so happy I’ve made it in the final,” Miley said. “I was 11th last time and seventh now. I’m really chuffed with how this meet’s gone, and it’s been so much better than Beijing. As a swimmer I’ve loved every moment of it.”

Meanwhile, Caitlin McClatchley finished seventh in the women’s 200m freestyle final as American Allison Schmitt sealed victory in an Olympic record time of 1:53.61.